Old Cobra 138 restore

[TonyV225]

This Is a neat radio and its old but its built like a tank and its pretty cool and Im not really into this type of thing!! Problem to start with is when I first acquired it I brought it home plugged it in and all lit up as expected but once you key the mic PTT it blows the fuse instantly!! I haven't looked at it since but thought about it today and figured Ide ask if anyone else has experience with this problem or has ever seen it before? And what do I tackle as far as repairing that issue?

 

[Robb]

Shorted final, driver, or a cap - for starters.
Time to drag out the DMM and start looking for shorted components . . .

 

[TonyV225]

That's exactly what I was thinking aswelll but wasn't sure if anyones seen this and what their find was on the culprit to save time I guess. Ill have to go dig it out I suppose.

 

[tecnicoloco]

check the fuse rating

 

[mtnspan]

Have you repaired your 138 yet? I have one of these to, picked it up at a yard sale. It works, but needs a meter and I'm sure a good cleaning/tuning.

 

[Radio Tech]

Have you repaired your 138 yet? I have one of these to, picked it up at a yard sale. It works, but needs a meter and I'm sure a good cleaning/tuning.

When you say needs a meter just what do you mean? Does it not work? Or is it damaged?
Remove the 2 wires and ohm the coil. If it ohms out and not open you can most likely fix it. They are delicate and care is needed. Over time the needle becomes stuck. This is due to the pivot clamp contracting. With a small pic you can remove the resin on the screw then lossen it up with a small driver.

Also any radio this old is in need of a recap. Solves 90% of the problems.

 

[mtnspan]

Thanks Radio Tech, I'll try that.