Cobra 29 LTD Classic CB - thoughts?

[oldgeezer]

I just bought a Cobra 29 LTD Classis made in year 2020. I have always been curious about this CB radio. Newer 2020 build date ensures long life. I think the first version dates back to the 1980s. How is the receive and transmit audio? Mod to increase modulation? 

[2600]

Unless you plan to modify it and turn it into a radio hot rod, just turning up the modulation limit trimpot will usually get you all the transmit audio you can use.

A radio that new should be okay on receive. The older the radio, the more likely that tweaking the receiver adjustments will yield an improvement. For the most part a radio that can hear the noise level drop when you unplug the coax has all the sensitivity you can use. Can't hear anything weaker than the noise level.

There are more "secret sauce" hot-rodding 'secrets' out there than you can shake a stick at. The last 40 or so years have given folks lots of time to dream them up.

73

[oldgeezer]

I received the Cobra 29 LTD CB. It has a very clear receive and transmit audio. As good as my Radio Shack TRC-483 that outperforms most CBs. I like the Cobra S meter vs Radio Shack lights for S meter. The Cobra has better transmit audio vs a Uniden PC-68LX, but it could be the Uniden microphone. I take the Cobra over the Uniden. You cannot go wrong with the Cobra 29 LTD.

Update- The Cobra S meter failed, send back for refund. I am back to the Radio Shack TRC-483 for now.

Now- I bought another nice condition Cobra 29 LTD Nightwatch made in 2017 for $35. Arrived and I slightly prefer it to the Radio Shack TRC-483. The noise blanker is slighter better on the TRC-483 as it does not cut high frequency in the audio. The Cobra does but not to any significant amount. The TRC-483 has slightly better audio transmit in the high frequency too. But, again the difference is not enough to sway me. Both radios tested with same new Astatic handheld amplified microphone. I like the Cobra S meter and the larger size. The Radio Shack is a great radio and far better transmit audio vs a Uniden PC-68XL. I sold the Uniden quickly.

The Cobra 29 LTD modulation pot is V4. Turned all the way up this CB swings to 20 watts- wow. Adjust V4 for average of 16 watts. 16 watts is 100% modulation and you do not want higher.