Anyone know of someone still working on Cobra 148gtl NW ST china model? Think output on SSB bands are dead and need to have it checked since bought this off ebay-claimed it had 20 watts on SSB.Looking for a shop or person in San diego area or close by to send it to so I can go on my trip in june with others in caravan to Baja.
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Need repair shop close to san diego
- Thread starter obtunaman
- Start date
You might be better off buying a new radio. Look at the uniden 980. Just some food for thought. Sorry don't know any shops near your area. But there are other options that will work as well if not better then the China made 148. And you will most likely spend that much getting one repaired. Good luck.
Not sure of the quality of the uniden 980 as lots are showing up for parts and refrbished on ebay. Thought the cobra 148gtl was supposed to be the best for long range on SSB which i'll need in trailering boat down Baja's narrow roads with a guide car out front and others following in theirs. Already bought a Galaxy979DX for one of the trucks and needed this fixed or sell it and get something powerful enough.
Closest place to you that I'd recommend would be Chris Holland at 'The Radio Shop' in Ontario CA.
But that is a bit of a hike from SD.
But worth it.
4055 E Guasti Rd # 101, Ontario, CA 91761
Phone: (909) 390-5056
But that is a bit of a hike from SD.
But worth it.
4055 E Guasti Rd # 101, Ontario, CA 91761
Phone: (909) 390-5056
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How far behind are you expecting to get? If they are running the standard 40, I would go with the bearcat 980. If the 980 can't do it, the 148 will fail too. If worried about needing to talk 20+ miles, I'd go with a 2950n2. Not trying to be Mr negitive, it's just that cb techs are getting few and far between, with long service times.
12 watts is 12 watts. The cobra 148 stock and the uniden 980 stock both put out the same power. If you need more power use an amp. And the uniden 980 is a good radio as long as it hasn't been screwed with inside. Turning them up for more power is what kills them. Run them stock and get an amp if you need to talk further out. And also make sure you have a good antenna setup. A 4ft antenna isn't going to work like a 102" whip that is for sure. But the radio isn't the issue, that is for sure. Not at stock or even bumped up power to say 15-20 watts. It won't make a difference from 12 watts. Just a fact. It's your choice, but to have that radio of yours worked on will most likely cost you about $60-$100 or more, depending on what is wrong and how much shipping and such is and how much the tech charges. JMHO's. Have a good day and good luck with whatever you decide. The uniden 980 paired with an RM Italy KL203P has yielded many contacts for many people. Just have to run things the right way and also have a good antenna system. This is what gets overlooked. The antenna system is what will make or break your range and how things work. Again, JMO, but spend as much as you can on an antenna setup before you get an expensive radio.
Some of the 980's have allegedly been found with the bias adjust set too high from the factory. I never seen one like that (or any 980) only seen videos of a guy talking about it. They should be great performers.
Between the Uniden or the 148 the RX is better on what radio?
Between the Uniden or the 148 the RX is better on what radio?
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Considering this is to be used as a mobile radio with a mobile antenna? The best you can hope for is low noise. You cannot expect ham radio performance with any CB radio. But then, you don't need it to be that good either. So long as any dual conversion receiver is tuned up right, it will do just fine, so long as there is decent antenna being used.
You nailed it Robb. Antenna, antenna, antenna. And oh yeah the radio. Like I said, make sure you have the best antenna setup you can.
12 watts is 12 watts isn't it??
. Guess it's just a matter of preference. But the 980 is not a bad radio. Better than the new 148's being sold today. But that is JMO. Good luck and hope too figure out what you want to do. Have a good day.
12 watts is 12 watts isn't it??
. Guess it's just a matter of preference. But the 980 is not a bad radio. Better than the new 148's being sold today. But that is JMO. Good luck and hope too figure out what you want to do. Have a good day.
So glad I asked here! finally getting some answers I needed for the trip. The cobra 148 NW ST model along with the Galaxy DX979 are heading to chris at radio shop to verify if worth bothering with first. The antennas are both firestik II FS4 5/8 wave 900watt tuneable so hope that it is compatible??? One is car trunk magnet mount and other mounted on bumper of truck. We have the issue of waiting for our car to catch up and hear them as soon as possible to get them out front as we're leaving 2 hours ahead with boat in tow at 50-60 mph while they should catch up. We have addition trucks now going also so communication should be set ahead for all of us.
Chances are probably still get a 980 while available. Any real word on the refurbished units from uniden?Quality wise?
Chances are probably still get a 980 while available. Any real word on the refurbished units from uniden?Quality wise?
Hi,
I looked at the refurbs and I just bought a new 980 from Amazon for $114!
They were $108, but seem to go up and down a little on price!
I think the refurbs were $88 or so and wasn't enough difference to matter to me!
I don't want problems with the radio got other things to worry about!
JMO
I looked at the refurbs and I just bought a new 980 from Amazon for $114!
They were $108, but seem to go up and down a little on price!
I think the refurbs were $88 or so and wasn't enough difference to matter to me!
I don't want problems with the radio got other things to worry about!
JMO
I know a guy in San Diego that works on them but he doesn't Publicize his contact info.
