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Questions about my 21 year old 148 GTL

Freightlinerbob

Freightlinerbob

Member
Mar 20, 2012
83
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I've had this Cobra 148GTL since new, it was built in 1991 in the Philippines. It has the side mic and was modified to access 26.815 to 27.995. My questions are: is this still a viable radio? If I need a mic I the future will I be able to find one? If it needed work, would it be worthwhile fixing it or would I be better off starting with a new one? There are probably more but I'll stop for now. Thanks.
 

Sure, the 148 is a classic.
Got five of them.

Mics like the Roadking 56, Astatic 636, Astatic D104, or the Xtreme2018 will all work and can be easily wired up to this radio.

You can get the 148 aligned at a shop and just use it. Or, even go as far as restoring it by getting all of the electrolytic caps in it replaced too. A Philippine made 148 is one of the best 148's made - IMO . . .
 
Last edited:
Freightlinerbob said:
I've had this Cobra 148GTL since new, it was built in 1991 in the Philippines. It has the side mic and was modified to access 26.815 to 27.995. My questions are: is this still a viable radio? If I need a mic I the future will I be able to find one? If it needed work, would it be worthwhile fixing it or would I be better off starting with a new one? There are probably more but I'll stop for now. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Nope, it's a piece of junk now!
Pm me and I'll give you a couple bucks for it so you can buy you
a good one.
:w00t:
 
Now Now
Do not let these guys fool you, It is well know by now that they stopped building the 148GTL in Philly because it was found that they produce massive amounts of Scalar Radiation, in fact Dynascan Corp, the builder recalled all of them.
You need to wrap it up very well in bubble wrap, then pack it in foam peanuts to prevent radiation leaking from the unit, and send it 3 day priority mail to me as quick as possible.
I can then send you a uniden Pro 520XL radio to replace it.
You will be much safer.
Make sure you insure it for at least $200.00.
Your welcome.

73
Jeff
 
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Wow! Apparently I already have a radioactive radio and didn't need to buy one from that guy with the website. LOL. Thanks guys! Seriously, I was ready to order a General Lee. Guess I won't now.
 
Freightlinerbob said:
Wow! Apparently I already have a radioactive radio and didn't need to buy one from that guy with the website. LOL. Thanks guys! Seriously, I was ready to order a General Lee. Guess I won't now.
Click to expand...

Robb had the right idea! Take that radio to a GOOD radio man, have him go through it. Stick a little heater behind it and grin.

That's one of the best CBs ever!
(y)
 
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That 148 you have is one of the best made...hang onto it !! Still ALOT of folks wanting them and ebayers are getting a really good price for them hacked up to where they are nothing more than splatter boxes.....

I would also have to say...take it to a GOOD radio tech that wont hack up the inside of that rig ,have that person do a proper alignment and RUN it !! (y)
 
kd-5-bgt said:
That 148 you have is one of the best made...hang onto it !! Still ALOT of folks wanting them and ebayers are getting a really good price for them hacked up to where they are nothing more than splatter boxes.....

I would also have to say...take it to a GOOD radio tech that wont hack up the inside of that rig ,have that person do a proper alignment and RUN it !! (y)
Click to expand...


That is the reason I do not buy one...they have been running peeked n tweeked for 20+yrs.

I just traded a d-104 and 20 bucks for a cobra 1000gtl......it sounds great but once in a while it starts sounding like a airplane zooming when you key up...I give it a smack and it stops. :D
 
PLL

There were 2 major classic models, the MK I with the MB8719 PLL chip, and 3 xtals, and the MK II - MC 145106 PLL and 3 IC's instead. The first version was my favourite, i did alot of work on these radio's years ago when CB was big over here. The MK I had slightly nicer SSB TX audio i always found, and the RX was a little more deaf, the beep was very distinctive too. The MK II was a easier / simpler device to add extra bands on to, had better RX, a much more normal sounding beep too :)
I used to put crystal IF filters in for the locals, they used to like that. really improves the RX of the MK I too. i would like to pick up one for 10m use sometime, a MK I that is :)

Nice old set !
 
So where exactly are these "good techs" that are recommended that I take my radio to? It seems that those on the interweb are all trashing each other. How ironic that I'm asking faceless, anonymous people on the web to recommend faceless anonymous vendors!
 

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