Softcore topic for this site, I know:flipoff2: But you are the one's on the trails with real-world experience, not the $6 an hour HS kid at the counter. Anyone have experience with/ opinions on the Cobra 21 CB for basic trail use? I don't use a CB on the road, so a 5+ mile range means nothing to me. What does matter is good transmittance and reception while off-road. This unit has just the basics: volume, squelch, and RF gain, 4 watt output, some kind of dynamic signal thingamajobby. I'm tired of POS handhelds on the trail and heard good things about Cobra. This will be used in conjunction w/ a 4' Firestick II, which of course will be tuned by a professional. TIA:beer:
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Jcpenney gift card (http://bestfreegiftcard.com/jcpenney-gift-card/)

Don't know about the Cobra, but I have this cheapie Uniden, and it works fine... Same as you, basically only used on the trail. Think I only paid $40 for the thing. I ain't picky :D

http://www.uniden.com/images/images300/PRO510XL.jpg

Ok, that picture brings up another issue I have been mowing over. I notice that CB lacks an RF gain control. There is a cheaper Cobra (model 19) that is the exact same as the 21, only $25 cheaper, but it lacks the RF gain control.

Exactly how important is that option to have? I have asked this before (not here), and some said set and forget and others said they tweak with it on the trails. I asked some truckers and they use it all the time..... but again, that's on the street not off-road. If its not important I'll save $25 and buy the 19.
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ARE CONDOMS HALAL (http://www.rehab-forum.com/opium-rehab/3847-condom-use-halal-haram.html)

I don't even know WTF RF gain control IS :D

If it's trail only and you're not concerned with long range type of use, I'd just go with the cheaper one. I never have any problems picking anyone up on mine, and I still have never had anyone tune my antenna. Fawk it, if I break and have to stop, I'll stick my head out the window and scream :laughing:

i've got the 18 wxst and love it. works great for the trail and its simple enough for me to use. also the speaker is on the front instead of the top or bottom like some, so with it hanging off the top i can hear it a lot easier.

Dallas

I dont know if ti is the Cobra 21 or what not but I like the new Cobra one that mounts under the seat or wherever and the only part you actually see is the handheld mic which contains all the controls. My pops has it and likes it. Not to mention it just looks cool and I have never had a bad experience with a Cobra product...

RF Gain controls the radio power. I cant think of a radio that accually puts out 4 watts. My DX99V puts out 28 barefoot. the idea with RF Gain is to turn down some of that power so you don't over shoot people with lesser quality radios or blow their brains out with the clearer more powerful signal. With your radio I'd sugest installing the radio, 18' of gray coax, and bracket, then take it to a CB shop have them find the antenna that wil match your CB rig and vehicle to get the best SWR. when I had my DX99 in a W900L Wilsons gave it a high SWR but Cheap ass Fancis gave the lowest. Yeah, that Fire Stik will work but may not be the most efficient. Too high of an SWR will fry your radio. Point being get it as low as possible.

the Cobra 19 is a good radidio and will work for what you want with your setup. A good mic will do wonders for you I prefer a Road King RK56(clasic looking, good feel, good long cord, no battery like Astatics)

you wont need a CB setup like my big truck, although most truckers don't need a setup like mine:D

So what ever you want to work for trail use, anything will work just not at peak efficiency

I never like the 19 but like most of the other cobra cb's. I have a 2 cobra's both with 'soundtracker' and they work great. I have friends that use the 75 . It is nice because of its size.

I use whatever the cheapest junk Walmart has on sale. I seem to soak them too often to actually get a nice one. The Unidens usually hold up to several soakings if you unplug them before they get wet and wait until they dry to use them again. The antenna is what counts.

first off i dont know who told you a better radio will have a range of 5 miles, thats misleading. any radio commonly sees a range of anywhere from 1 to as many as 25 miles. radios are set at 4 watts or less, thats it unless you get it "hopped up". beware of 5 watt advertising, they usually mean the speaker output. for trail chat, just get a cheapie, no sense in spending money on "extras". RF gain is unessary for this, i would recommend you do tune the antenna though, even for trail use as the signal will both send and recieve better through brush and off the atmosphere for mountainous terrian. if you have a jeep you might want to look into a non-ground plane antenna, like those on boats, because of the lack of a metal roof. you mentioned a firestick antenna, thats good, but even though its top loaded you still want at least 1/3 of it above the rig.
oh and dont get one with weather band, that channel is broadcast from weather stations in cities, its like cell phones, get in the mountains where you need it and plooey, nuttin.

Originally posted by Welby
I don't even know WTF RF gain control IS :D

If it's trail only and you're not concerned with long range type of use, I'd just go with the cheaper one. I never have any problems picking anyone up on mine, and I still have never had anyone tune my antenna. Fawk it, if I break and have to stop, I'll stick my head out the window and scream :laughing:


I have often wondered why some people even run there crappy radios, with untuned antennas, when it would be easier to hear them if they would just get out and yell it to me.
I usually just shut mine off, and Ive found that its not so tough to get by without talking to the guy 50' in front of me, every 2 minutes. I always seem to be able to figure out where they are going.

I dont usually turn mine on untill I need to really talk to someone,(like getting someone to bring parts to you in the middle of JackHammer, when they are down on the lake bed). Thats when a CB comes in handy.
If you want a radio as tool, and not a toy, you need a quality tweaked and tuned radio,.... (and a heater, helps also). :D

Originally posted by RHINO
first off i dont know who told you a better radio will have a range of 5 miles, thats misleading. any radio commonly sees a range of anywhere from 1 to as many as 25 miles. radios are set at 4 watts or less, thats it unless you get it "hopped up". beware of 5 watt advertising, they usually mean the speaker output. for trail chat, just get a cheapie, no sense in spending money on "extras". RF gain is unessary for this, i would recommend you do tune the antenna though, even for trail use as the signal will both send and recieve better through brush and off the atmosphere for mountainous terrian. if you have a jeep you might want to look into a non-ground plane antenna, like those on boats, because of the lack of a metal roof. you mentioned a firestick antenna, thats good, but even though its top loaded you still want at least 1/3 of it above the rig.
oh and dont get one with weather band, that channel is broadcast from weather stations in cities, its like cell phones, get in the mountains where you need it and plooey, nuttin.

4 Watt Maximum legal limit is very misleading. Radios say Maximum legal limit 4 watts, they are batch tested so atleast one makes 4 watts My DX99V isn't "hopped up" but puts out like 28 and my Cobra 148GTL does like 18 OUT OF THE BOX. Go into a CB shop and find out how much they really put out. there are many HAM radios that put out way more than 4 watts and "just happen" to transmit on CB bands

I would be VERY dissapointed if my CB only put out 4 Watts

and range has too many variables to put a distance on it(RF power, terrain, ground plane, Weather (IE skip), Modulation AM FM Upper Lower)

So just get a cheppie and tune the antenna

I've got a cobra mini-19 and a cobra Classic 25 LTD. The mini-19 works just fine as a trail CB. The tricked out 25 is my highway radio. one thing I really like about the 19 is it's so damn hard to kill.

Originally posted by RHINO
first off i dont know who told you a better radio will have a range of 5 miles, thats misleading. any radio commonly sees a range of anywhere from 1 to as many as 25 miles. radios are set at 4 watts or less, thats it unless you get it "hopped up". beware of 5 watt advertising, they usually mean the speaker output. for trail chat, just get a cheapie, no sense in spending money on "extras". RF gain is unessary for this, i would recommend you do tune the antenna though, even for trail use as the signal will both send and recieve better through brush and off the atmosphere for mountainous terrian. if you have a jeep you might want to look into a non-ground plane antenna, like those on boats, because of the lack of a metal roof. you mentioned a firestick antenna, thats good, but even though its top loaded you still want at least 1/3 of it above the rig.
oh and dont get one with weather band, that channel is broadcast from weather stations in cities, its like cell phones, get in the mountains where you need it and plooey, nuttin.

4 watts Maximum Legal Power means that of the radios they pulled off the line for batch testing made an average 4 watts.
My DX99V puts out like 28Watts not "Hopped up" and my 148GTL makes like 18 Watts out of the box. Go to a real CB shop, Like Walcot Radio in Walcot, IA (where employees aren't paid minimum wage and are college trained) and ask for one that puts out an honest 4 watts. There are CBs such as the 357 magnum that puts out 375 watts out of the box! Ok so its a HAM radio that is tuned for 40 Ch CB. that makes it a CB.

there are too many variables to judge range(RF power, SWR, Ground Plane, Terrain, Weather (Skip), Modulation AM FM USB LSB.

so all in all For a trail radio get a cheapie and tune the antenna.

hey cowboy your repeating yourself,,LOL
i never have tested any radios for actual watts output, thats good to know, but kinda hit and miss.

I agree, get the cheapest one you can. The Cobra 19 is a good one. Or the one that mounts under the seat and has the hand controls is even better. I run a Galaxy 88 with a 400 watt heater in my big truck and it stays shutoff 99% of the time. Just make sure what ever you get you have it tweaked/peaked and tuned.

Keith

It has been a loooong time since I have been on the ol' radidio. I have a Cobra 148GTL with a Minuteman II power mic. That poor lil radio has been nipped, tweaked, peaked, and freq'd. It doesn't hurt to have a strapped Typhoon 125 gettin hot and swingin' all over the band.:evil::D Anybody out there that can help me out with a minor repair? I need to replace the Hi-Lo switch on the typhoon and haven't been able to figure out which one is the right one. I am looking to get my hands on a "terminator" or some other such goodie. Not that I need one BUT it could be some fun. Nothing like shooting skip all over the globe with a lil weakie sqweekie.;) The typhoon is good for some laughs making "the toaster talk" or messing with McD's drive thru people. :evil::laughing:


Oh yeah, Go with either the 19 or the 21 model. Even the Unidens are good lil radios. The aforementioned remote radio with the controlled mic is a good idea. You shouldn't have to worry about it so much. I "baggie" my mic for the really wet stuff and forget it. Once you have the radio selected make sure you use quality coaxial cable followed up with a quality antennae. Wilson seems to be consistant with the good stuff. The Firestic is okay but just be sure to have it matched up and DON'T cheap out on having the SWR tuned!!! IF you are going to spend the $$$, you may as well do it ONCE and be done. BTW, spring mounts do wonders in the brush and trees allowing the antennae to drop out of harms way. Just my .02 :beer:

RF Gain controls the radio power. WRONG!! The RF Gain knob attenuates the incoming signal, not your output.

Indyguy, you're on the right track with the quality antenna and proper tuning. The only drawback I see with the little radios like the 19 and 21 is the tiny, tinny sounding speakers that they come with. It makes it kind of hard to hear when you're driving down the road. But, you also said you wouldn't be using it on the freeway, so it's not an issue. I say get it!

Wow, I wasn't expecting to get this kind of response. Thanks to everyone for their input. I've decided to go ahead with the Cobra 19. Its small enough to put about anywhere and only $10 more than the other *cheapie* CB's. Top of the line Firestick coax cable to an SS-274 Hood Channel adjustable mount with an R-1A quick disconnect and an SS-3H spring. With all of the hardware under it, a 3' antenna should be plenty tall. Then i'll find a good shop that can test for which antenna will be best and tune it, and I should be all set.
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Honda Nsr150Sp/Rr (http://www.honda-wiki.org/wiki/Honda_NSR150SP/RR)

I'm tired of POS handhelds on the trail and heard good things about Cobra

Just another option, if you already have the handheld, get an adaptor for a regular atenna. It will work as well as the ones you are looking for (I use a Cobra WRX45 handheld with a mag. mount atenna)

Just a thought. :D

sorry about the studderin problem:D

thanks for catcing my RF Gain brain fart.

I must have been thinkin bout the variable RF out on my DX99V

most are more than 4 watts but a good mic will do wonders i prolly wont get ay out further but at that max limit it will be much clearer.

echo can help too it fills the signal but use too much people cant understand ya.

RF Gain "controls incoming singlas stregth".....:D I run a "electronics shop" on the side "one of my hobbies" the Cobra 19 & the Uniden Pro 510 are great little compact radios for 4x4's. I would recommend changing the "stock" mike on either one you buy....(REASON): The "Ohm's" level on either stock mics are around 1000 :eek: :eek: thats like cutting your volume in half....get any "aftermarket" no-powered mic to put on it and you will be better off.... the Uniden 510 can be "tweaked" real easily also and you can triple the watts easily also. I won't tell you how many of these I have "tweaked" but they SCREAM when the antennae is "tuned" for peak performance... I personally run a RCI 2970 with a custom "box" that can do 1500 watts...:eek: :D (When necessary).....I'll shut up now.....Take it easy guys.....Shaker...:beer: :beer: :D

Originally posted by Shaker
RF Gain "controls incoming singlas stregth".....:D I run a "electronics shop" on the side "one of my hobbies" the Cobra 19 & the Uniden Pro 510 are great little compact radios for 4x4's. I would recommend changing the "stock" mike on either one you buy....(REASON): The "Ohm's" level on either stock mics are around 1000 :eek: :eek: thats like cutting your volume in half....get any "aftermarket" no-powered mic to put on it and you will be better off.... the Uniden 510 can be "tweaked" real easily also and you can triple the watts easily also. I won't tell you how many of these I have "tweaked" but they SCREAM when the antennae is "tuned" for peak performance... I personally run a RCI 2970 with a custom "box" that can do 1500 watts...:eek: :D (When necessary).....I'll shut up now.....Take it easy guys.....Shaker...:beer: :beer: :D

:eek:Hey Shaker!!:eek: I am looking for something that may be taking up space on one of your shelves.:D Maybe you might have an idea of how to use my Typhoon as a driver for one of your lil heaters. Kinda an LD dealie going but hey it could be worth the miles. :evil::D

Most of these guys have the right idea, get a decent radio (like the 21 you're looking at) and make sure the antenna is properly "matched" to the radio. You'll have to find someone who's done it before and has an SWR meter (unless the radio you choose has one built in) and can help you "tune" the antenna. I would also recommend making sure the radio you choose has an RF Gain adjustment. the reason is that when you are close to another vehicle that is talking to you, the signal will usually overpower your radio and be extremely gargled. You can just turn down the gain a bit and everything will crystal clear again...


:usa:

Originally posted by tigger4x


:eek:Hey Shaker!!:eek: I am looking for something that may be taking up space on one of your shelves.:D Maybe you might have an idea of how to use my Typhoon as a driver for one of your lil heaters. Kinda an LD dealie going but hey it could be worth the miles. :evil::D

E-mail me at cfryer9968@cox.net ....let me know what you wanna do...

you can pick up uniden 510 refurbs on ebay for 20 bux. That's what I did.