Uniden pc78ltw vs 29 ltd

[Eldorado828]

I've got a little hands on experience with the 29's of today but not much with the unidens or specifically the 78ltw. Are they a better built radio than the 29's. I see they are very similar but the 78ltw has weather band. Reason I ask is because our local flea market has a guy who has several new in the box and says he's had them for quite some time without any way of getting rid of them. I thought well heck if they are a bargain I may pick them up just because I hate to see them go to waste. Figured I'd ask here if there is any market for them.

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

I think the uniden is surface mount and the Cobra is through hole. Not sure maybe someone can confirm.

 

[wjm1129]

The Uniden 78 ltx is surface mount the ltw is just like the 29 with through hole component mounting.

 

[Eldorado828]

Thanks fellas, I looked them up and found that they are through hole so that's a plus. He seemed desperate to get rid if them so I may see what he wants for them. I expect the tx/rx performance would be on par or better than the 29? I'd think being uniden that quality might be better but that's just a guess.

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

Thanks fellas, I looked them up and found that they are through hole so that's a plus. He seemed desperate to get rid if them so I may see what he wants for them. I expect the tx/rx performance would be on par or better than the 29? I'd think being uniden that quality might be better but that's just a guess.

I think the unidens are just about the same exact thing as the cobras. Make him a low ball offer and see if he takes it. Might be a good candidate to put into an old base station radio like an old Realistic Navaho TRC 30A. I have two of them that I have been thinking about frankenstiening one just to have something different.

 

[Handy Andy]

They may not have similar audio chips, so you may have a bane to deal with when it comes to compatibility.

Found PC-68LTW used these...back in and around 2009/2010 years

It uses TA7252 5.8 Watt audio chip...
​

They're nearly identical but due to the parts sourcing of Cobra versus the Uniden brand - the era of this radio seems to be pretty much stable and expected performance of the same era.

Today, it may be more desirable to have something not so SMD focused. Just can't guarantee parts are still around for them.

 

[543_Dallas]

I bought a new uniden pc78xl several years ago with that audio chip. It was made in Vietnam and came with a factory irf520 final IIRC. Me being the bipolar fan that I am sold it and never bought another.

 

[Eldorado828]

They may not have similar audio chips, so you may have a bane to deal with when it comes to compatibility.

Found PC-68LTW used these...back in and around 2009/2010 years

View attachment 39584
It uses TA7252 5.8 Watt audio chip...
​

They're nearly identical but due to the parts sourcing of Cobra versus the Uniden brand - the era of this radio seems to be pretty much stable and expected performance of the same era.

Today, it may be more desirable to have something not so SMD focused. Just can't guarantee parts are still around for them.

Andy, That's a different audio ic for me.

I think the unidens are just about the same exact thing as the cobras. Make him a low ball offer and see if he takes it. Might be a good candidate to put into an old base station radio like an old Realistic Navaho TRC 30A. I have two of them that I have been thinking about frankenstiening one just to have something different.

Shadetree, I'll see what he wants if even it's just to do as you say. If the price is right that is. Maybe a mod experimenting gig

 

[Eldorado828]

might be a good addition to the station if even just for the weather band feature. Idk, I'm just trying to find a reason to feed the impulse I guess. A guy sees a possible bargain and just has the feeling to save them from the wrong hands if that makes any sense. I'm starting to sound like a hoarders episode haha

 

[Slowmover]

might be a good addition to the station if even just for the weather band feature. Idk, I'm just trying to find a reason to feed the impulse I guess. A guy sees a possible bargain and just has the feeling to save them from the wrong hands if that makes any sense. I'm starting to sound like a hoarders episode haha

(Cue John Strait, in Rodgers & Hamnersteins, Oklahoma!)

“Oklahoma, . . where the winds come sweeping out your brain . . . “

(The Texas Panhandle being, Baja Oklahoma)


Weather Band? Check

Side Band-Capable? Nope

Channel Scan? Nope

A few cheap ones as gifts still need the basics. (That’s my list).

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