Cobra 29 NW WX ST

[silverado3500]

Installed my new cobra 29 two weeks ago (replaced a maxon unit).  I'm very impressed with the reception, and output.  I am receiving crystal clear now.  I mounted it be removing the front part of the console (the part that runs between the dash and the cupholders, and fabricated a bracket that mounts in the existing screw holes for the dash.  I also have my electric brakes there and am planning on moving my aftermarket radio there and reinstalling the factory head unit with the JP customs aux interface.  I covered the ac duct with some extra gm factory carpeting that I have in the garage, and it looks very clean!

 

P.S.  I have the real antenna (an 8ft steel whip mounted on the center of my toolbox!!! )  

[Black02Silverado]

How about some pictures?  I'm toying with the idea of getting a new CB. Just hard to change from the old Cobra I got back in 1976. It has been good to me but is so big no room to mount it.

 

[Stepside Z]

I have the same one and I like it alot.

[silverado3500]

Sorry for the delay.  Here are the Pics

 

 

The unit below the cb is a tekonsha voyager xp electric brake controller.  The brown extension cord is running from a power inverter hidden under the console.  Power to the inverter runs in the black wire loom.

[DejaVu]

Cool deal, how is your SWR.  Make sure you check it out and adjust your antenna to match your radio or you could burn your radio out.  I have a Galaxy 10 meter converted, with a 250 watt amp in my Silverado with a Wilson 1000.  I'll try and show some pics as soon as I get them.

[Stepside Z]

Nice looking install. According to the book that comes with the radio it has a mode that you can adjust the SWR. Here is a pic of my install. One question do you hear any static on the weather channels? I seem to always have some on mine. It may be from distance.

[DejaVu]

From looking at your radio, to adjust the SWR, just put the switch to CAL and adjust the knob SWR CAL till the meter reads in the red at CAL.  Then switch back to SWR on the switch and that will give you your reading.  You want at least 1.5 or lower for a good swr.  Anything higher you are loosing power out and got a lot of reflective power going back in your radio when keying the mike.  But 2.0 is acceptable.  Now I dont know how knowledgible you are with SWR checks but you have to adjust the antenna up or down not tune the radio.  If you have any questions let me know.

[DejaVu]

Instead of taking my drink holder out I just put my radio on the right side of the drink holder assembly.  Also I put a Aries SWR meter on the other side.  Note the SWR of 1.0 with 6.96 watts, cant do any better than that reading.  I also have a linear amp hidden under the cup holder assembly that pushes about 250 watts.  Find yourself a linear and you will find yourself talking alot farther.  

[Stepside Z]

That is one sweet looking set-up. Where can I get one of those meters and how much does it cost? How does it hook up?

[MCourson]

I payed about $15 for my Aries SWR meter.  Besides the meter itself you need another short piece of coax and it just hooks up inline with your antenna.  I had an old Western Auto Truetone radio (circa 1975) Then I got a Uniden PC68XL, peaked, amped, Cobra power mic, and 5' Wilson silverload antenna.  Great radio.  My grandpa also has the Cobra 29, very good radio even considering it is stock.

[Stepside Z]

$15.00 is pretty cheap. Do most local CB shops carry these things?

[silverado3500]

I managed to get my swr below 1 so I am doing very good!     I can hear over 50 miles, and have transmitted approx 115 miles away.  I love my radio.

 

Whats yall's handles.  Mine is Whislin' Dixie

[MCourson]

Most local CB shops should have then.  I have the Aries SWR-420 which is the basic $15 meter.  In price they can go well into the hundreds for the more complex meters.