SBE Console V, Cobra 2000 GTL or Tram D-201 Which One

[357magnum]

I waited a long time to find the right Cobra 2k to suit my needs & paid more for it ( Probably ) than when they came out new . But I couldn't afford one back then . I love my 2k , always good reports using my Silver Eagle or Turner SSK . So guess which one I'd pick ? 73 & God Bless , Leo

 

[NightThumper]

Working to setup times to look at all three radios. Based on phone conversations and research the choices seem to be the Cobra 2000 GTL or SBE Console V. As L.C said availability of parts for the Tram especially if the channel selector went bad it would be difficult/nearly impossible to find. The SBE would require no work as it’s been aligned and recapped. The Cobra 2000 might need recapping which is no problem. I know its common but the guy had the addition channels placed on the ANL and NB switches, which I would probably remove and set back to the original configuration. Just ordered a 2000 GTL re-cap package from Klondikemike can’t hurt to have them on hand.

 

[357magnum]

NT , Myself I like my extra channels , mine are on that big knob on the front . But I love to chat Dx when the over sea's stuff is running & that's been a while & I don't expect it back soon . I get bored chatting w/ the same Op's on Stateside & Canadian Dx . I might as well be chatting w/ locals ! I usually hear the same Op's on Am or SSB . But I also understand people that like unmolested radios . 73 & God Bless , Leo

 

[w9cll]

Keep in mind that Tram is a 23 channel unit I believe

 

[NightThumper]

Well I took Nomad’s advice and bought the SBE and the Cobra both in excellent condition. Pictures will follow when I get home tonight after work. Thanks for everyone’s input. The Tram needed some TLC and a whole lot of solder....LOL

 

[357magnum]

Good Deal ! I'm jealous ! Can't wait to see the pic's & updates on them . 73 , Leo

 

[guitar_199]

Excellent choice!!!!!! Nothing like variety!

 

[NightThumper]

Got home a little early...can’t blame me for being excited. Here’s the pictures of the SBE with the SBE desk mike, Dead Keys 7 bird watts swings to about 17. Good audio reports both on AM and SSB. So far as Johnny Bench use to say No Runs, No Drips, No Errors

 

[NightThumper]

Ok here’s the Cobra 2000. Dead Key is 4 bird watts and swing is about 13. The volume control is scratchy and needs some contact cleaner applied. I’m waiting for a Delta M2 black chrome microphone to arrive. Everything looks good and sounds good for the first shake down. We’ll see what happens for the long haul.

Can’t say I stole them but I didn’t think $375 for both was something I could pass up.

 

[TM86]

Got home a little early...can’t blame me for being excited. Here’s the pictures of the SBE with the SBE desk mike, Dead Keys 7 bird watts swings to about 17. Good audio reports both on AM and SSB. So far as Johnny Bench use to say No Runs, No Drips, No Errors

You got the desk mike with it, sweet.

 

[6meter]

Nice score the price seems pretty good for both of those especially with the Cobra matching speaker and the desk mike for the SBE.

For their vintage they look in great shape. Some radios have just been treated horribly and look like it. I've backed out of deals a few times when the radio is all beat up or smells like it has been used as an ashtray.

Have fun with the radios.

 

[NightThumper]

Been running both the SBE and Cobra. Hands down the SBE is my favorite. It’s a pleasure to listen too and the audio on both AM/SSB is incredibly smooth and robust. The SBE mic works good but I believe the SRA 198 hand mic works better. I don’t know if its the speaker or receiver or both but it beats the RCI 2995DXCF and the Cobra 2000 hands down. Only my Icom 7610 has better audio. Aesthetically it’s a beautifully radio. The metered squelch is a great feature being able to set it for S units. It’s either on or off not like every other squelch where you have to really turn it up or the threshold is such that it’s in and out.

Plan on getting into the Cobra this weekend to fix the scratchy volume control and remove the extra channels so I can restore the ANL/NB switches. Might just recap it while I have it torn down. It works great...it’s just doesn’t have the same appeal as the SBE.

Looking for second speaker if any one has a lead on one. Needs to be at least a 9 out of 10. Yes there’s one on Ebay that isn’t up to my standards...looks like it was stored in an outdoor shed.

Now I need to find a Pristine Dak X....LOL

Brad

 

[357magnum]

Nt , I know everyone says this , but in all honesty I gave a Cobra speaker to a friend 2 weeks ago ! Not sure if it was from a 2000 but that style . Only reason I'm not sure is my friend said , you sure you don't want to keep this ? It's in a Wooden Case instead of veneer . Didn't need it I have 2 on mine already . It might have been from & Old 89 Xlr or something .

 

[Rob_MA]

Now I need to find a Pristine Dak X....LOL

I love the look of those rigs... never owned one but heard they weren't the best performers. Were there any mods around that helped to mitigate their shortcomings?

- Rob

 

[nomadradio]

We call the Dak Mark X "The King of Disco".

Had the whole late '70s/early 80s thing going. All flash and good looks on the outside, nothing much to speak of on the inside, but suicidal tendencies.

We worked out a set of mods that beefed up a long list of weak links in that radio. The full deal cost over $300 back in the 90s. Haven't had anyone serious (or crazy) enough to want that job done in at least 15 years.

The radio would last more or less as long as the warranty so long as you kept the modulation limiter set around 80 percent where the factory set it.

But just as soon as you cranked the modulation, that's when the dominoes would begin to fall.

73