Is the cobra 139xlr base cb/ssb radio a good radio? found one on ebay and wondering if they are a good ssb rig. thanks
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good radio
- Thread starter bluestallion
- Start date
Cobra 139 XLR
Depends what you pay for it, what shape it is in, and what you expect from your radios.
Power supply can be noisy if it hasn't been serviced.
Modulation is decent; but power output is weak. Fairly stable.
A Galaxy 2547 is a popular radio these days. At least you won't have to worry about old electrolytic capacitors failing on you like you would on an older radio. They drift off freq a little bit until they warm up; but is fine after that. The variable output power on this radio makes it popular with those that add a linear amp to it - you can dial it down to 1 watt dead key to make the linear work smoothly on AM. They can be found used for ~$200.
http://www.cbradiomagazine.com/Radio Reviews/Galaxy DX 2547/Galaxy DX 2547 Review.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow6Q9AccYC4&feature=player_embedded#!
Galaxy DX-2547 Base Station CB Radio DX2547 NEW! on eBay!
Depends what you pay for it, what shape it is in, and what you expect from your radios.
Power supply can be noisy if it hasn't been serviced.
Modulation is decent; but power output is weak. Fairly stable.
A Galaxy 2547 is a popular radio these days. At least you won't have to worry about old electrolytic capacitors failing on you like you would on an older radio. They drift off freq a little bit until they warm up; but is fine after that. The variable output power on this radio makes it popular with those that add a linear amp to it - you can dial it down to 1 watt dead key to make the linear work smoothly on AM. They can be found used for ~$200.
http://www.cbradiomagazine.com/Radio Reviews/Galaxy DX 2547/Galaxy DX 2547 Review.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow6Q9AccYC4&feature=player_embedded#!
Galaxy DX-2547 Base Station CB Radio DX2547 NEW! on eBay!
Blue Stallion -
The Cobra 139XLR was one of the premier base stations of its day. Trouble is... its day was over 30 years ago. Properly setup, these rigs will talk as well or better than many of the new ones. ( Just ask LooseCannon ). But like Robb pointed out they do have their shortcomings. An important thing to remember about these old Cobras is that many parts (audio amp chip, T/R relay, Driver, Final, VCO chip, etc.) have been discontinued and are hard to find.
- 399
The Cobra 139XLR was one of the premier base stations of its day. Trouble is... its day was over 30 years ago. Properly setup, these rigs will talk as well or better than many of the new ones. ( Just ask LooseCannon ). But like Robb pointed out they do have their shortcomings. An important thing to remember about these old Cobras is that many parts (audio amp chip, T/R relay, Driver, Final, VCO chip, etc.) have been discontinued and are hard to find.
- 399
they are still great radios.. id ask seller if he has replaced anything
. to me there like buying a classic car expect few minor defects and
when something does go wrong probaly will be hard to find partsd for it
but CAN be done
. to me there like buying a classic car expect few minor defects and
when something does go wrong probaly will be hard to find partsd for it
but CAN be done
Hotrod -
I run a Realistic TRC457 on my base, which has the same chassis as the 139XLR. These radios have great receive and transmit audio that is extremely loud and clear. Much better than my 2950 or my Galaxy Saturn. I had to upgrade the power supply, and I replaced all of the electrolytics. It's the best dxing radio I've ever owned, but I had to do a lot of work to get it there. The thing is for someone who is just beginning, or doesn't have the time, patience, and (most importantly) the expertise to restore and upgrade one of these old classics perhaps a newer rig is better.
- 399
I run a Realistic TRC457 on my base, which has the same chassis as the 139XLR. These radios have great receive and transmit audio that is extremely loud and clear. Much better than my 2950 or my Galaxy Saturn. I had to upgrade the power supply, and I replaced all of the electrolytics. It's the best dxing radio I've ever owned, but I had to do a lot of work to get it there. The thing is for someone who is just beginning, or doesn't have the time, patience, and (most importantly) the expertise to restore and upgrade one of these old classics perhaps a newer rig is better.
- 399
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