Help with deciding on a CB

Jdizzydub · 05-09-2008, 03:13 AM

Thinking about COBRA 75WST or Cobra 19DXIV with a 4" Firestik II...I've found these model numbers thru others who use them here on YT. Just wondering if anyone knew if one was better than the other or have any suggestions to alternatives. They are about 50-60 dollars different in price. I would be using it for communicating on trail rides, road trips, or getting stranded if it ever happens-it could.

So far I've also found I'll need channel mount kit #MK-274. Am I missing anything?? Thanks.

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terminator · 05-09-2008, 04:44 AM

I have the Cobra 18 WX ST II, single DIN size and mounted firmly in there. You need a 90 degree bend to make it fit right though due to space behind the unit. I love it, still need a mic holder though. Quite a few guys here run this unit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jdizzydub

Thinking about COBRA 75WST or Cobra 19DXIV with a 4" Firestik II...I've found these model numbers thru others who use them here on YT. Just wondering if anyone knew if one was better than the other or have any suggestions to alternatives. They are about 50-60 dollars different in price. I would be using it for communicating on trail rides, road trips, or getting stranded if it ever happens-it could.

So far I've also found I'll need channel mount kit #MK-274. Am I missing anything?? Thanks.

eric-the-red · 05-09-2008, 07:39 AM

I've got a 75 WX ST, seems to work fine, though it's the only one I've had so I can't compare it to anything else. I bought that one because with the remote mounted unit I can unplug the mic and no one knows I have a CB, well apart from the antenna of course. Also with a VHF/UHF ham radio already taking up the space where the ashtray went I was running out of room for a regular size CB.

SC4Runner · 05-09-2008, 07:48 AM

I've got the 19, its super compact. I also installed on on my dad's Tundra. Cheap and perfect for communicating during Baja trips.

I'm almost certain the output wattage/power for both the units is the same 4 watts. So, technically, you're paying for the look and weather band on the 75.

Here's the 19 in the ashtray. I've pushed it in a good 1/2" since I took this picture.

crolison · 05-09-2008, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SC4Runner

I've got the 19, its super compact. I also installed on on my dad's Tundra. Cheap and perfect for communicating during Baja trips.

I'm almost certain the output wattage/power for both the units is the same 4 watts. So, technically, you're paying for the look and weather band on the 75.

Here's the 19 in the ashtray. I've pushed it in a good 1/2" since I took this picture.

Exactly where i have my cobra, and the pa output is pretty good on it.

mt_goat · 05-09-2008, 09:16 AM

If you can swing a bigger size I love the Cobra 25 classic. It can be tweeked, peaked and roger beeped.

Nuthuts96 · 05-09-2008, 09:24 AM

funny you should bring this up now...i have been waiting to get the cb in the truck for the longest time now, and took a shot in the dark with fry's (looking online) and found the 75wx for $85 new. that's what it's going for on ebay! they don't advertise it as the 75wx; they think it's a "gmrs". i'm going there today, so i'll report back with what i found.

i'm mounting a 4' firestik in the back. i've also got a mount that i don't think is being sold anymore... it's the ss-174s(hort). i don't know how you're going to mount the antenna exactly, but if it's in the hood channel, this would be a super clean low profile look- i even went out to take pictures for ya!

Jdizzydub · 05-09-2008, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SC4Runner

I've got the 19, its super compact. I also installed on on my dad's Tundra. Cheap and perfect for communicating during Baja trips.

I'm almost certain the output wattage/power for both the units is the same 4 watts. So, technically, you're paying for the look and weather band on the 75.

Here's the 19 in the ashtray. I've pushed it in a good 1/2" since I took this picture.

Awesome! This is the reason why i love YT, all the great info and even pics help with where to mount. I really like using the ashtray, cus space is limited and I'm using both pockets where the stock radio goes with deck and dvd screen.

Does having the weather band matter??

Nuthuts96-lemme know how it all works out, if you don't mind maybe I'll swing by and check it out, I'm just over I-5.

That roof mount is tight!

..and so with the antenna some models say they are tuneable--does this matter much at all, it is gonna be my first cb. Aside from the hood channel is there benefits to mounting antenna in the rear hatch channel?

**aviator** · 05-09-2008, 11:59 AM

Tuning the antenna will improve your TX/RX and reduce noise... The higher you can mount the antenna the better reception you will get also having the flat metal of the roof/hood below the antenna helps too...
If you mount in the rear hatch channel be careful that the mount antenna does not interfere with the openning of the hatch.

mkgarrison5 · 05-09-2008, 12:18 PM

i read somewhere (maybe here) that the best place to mount an antenea was either on the cab or on the toolbox dead center of both.. i would mount mine on the toolbox. imo

eric-the-red · 05-09-2008, 01:16 PM

The best place to mount the antenna is smack dab in the middle of the largest flat piece of metal on the vehicle, ie the middle of the roof. Of course this means drilling a hole in the roof, which most people don't want to do. I had mine on the front driver side fender whch gave good transmission behind me, and to the passenger side. Now I have it on the passenger rear corner, which gives good transmission in front, and to the driver side.
Whichever place you put it the higher the better, 2/3 should be above the roof.

olharleyman · 05-09-2008, 01:29 PM

I have a GALAXY 99 that dead keys 1/4 watt and swings 50watts but if I were to get another radio I would go with the COBRA 29 LTD very good radio and can be peeked and tuned to put out real well plus you can get side channels installed and have the ability to have more private conversations if your friends have the side channels too.

heres my set up

mt_goat · 05-09-2008, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eric-the-red

The best place to mount the antenna is smack dab in the middle of the largest flat piece of metal on the vehicle, ie the middle of the roof. Of course this means drilling a hole in the roof, which most people don't want to do. I had mine on the front driver side fender whch gave good transmission behind me, and to the passenger side. Now I have it on the passenger rear corner, which gives good transmission in front, and to the driver side.
Whichever place you put it the higher the better, 2/3 should be above the roof.

Yeah I took the plunge and drilled the roof

No regeats, well except the time I forgot drove into the garage with it on.

Belize Off Road Team · 05-09-2008, 02:50 PM

I used to use a mag mount on my uncle's company Tundra and a window mount on the company 94 4Runner. both where exellent reception and both left no scars or holes when removed.

Man4God · 05-09-2008, 02:53 PM

If it is done right and you plan to keep the vehicle beyond the years of resale value, why not drill the roof?

mt_goat · 05-09-2008, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Man4God

If it is done right and you plan to keep the vehicle beyond the years of resale value, why not drill the roof?

Yeah, I don't have a pic but there is a little cap that fits on it when the ant is off. Its a quick release 1/4 turn and its off. The little cap goes on the same way and sticks up about a half inch.

I've heard that the magnet mounts can blow off at 70 miles per hour and cause some other problems.

904_runner · 05-09-2008, 03:14 PM

For the people who have channels with the weather bands, how do they work? Is it pretty up to date? Will it let you know if a storm is rolling in? I think the only time i would use this would be during some snow wheeling in the winter.

It seems like you have to decide over the weather or pa. I think they both would be cool if worked properly. I think the only thing i would use the pa would be for taunting friends when wheeling, yelling at bad drivers, and such.

olharleyman · 05-09-2008, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 904_runner

For the people who have channels with the weather bands, how do they work? Is it pretty up to date? Will it let you know if a storm is rolling in? I think the only time i would use this would be during some snow wheeling in the winter.

It seems like you have to decide over the weather or pa. I think they both would be cool if worked properly. I think the only thing i would use the pa would be for taunting friends when wheeling, yelling at bad drivers, and such.

If you go up to the PETRO in CORNING you can find the COBRA 29WXT I think it is that has both weather and pa.(pa is just a plug on the back side of the radio like a headset jack) As for how the weather works it just recevies from the NATIONAL WEATHER station and yes it will give you up to date reports for most areas in the U.S. so you don't drive into a storm unprepaired but you can not talk to them just hear there broadcasts.

904_runner · 05-09-2008, 03:49 PM

Yea thats the only thing that has me stumped on which one to get. I like the Cobra that goes right below the stereo. I would get that one, just because i use my ashtray for change and stuff.

***Corey*** · 05-09-2008, 04:06 PM

I have a Cobra 29 Nightwatch I bought back in 1999.
It like the Cobra 25 can be tweaked, peaked, and Roger Beaped like mt_goat mentioned above, and indeed it is.
Mine is cranking out 25 watts.

The 29 is bigger than the 25, as the 29 has the built in SWR meter.
I ran the CB in the 4Runner mounted to the glovebox, and it is mounted the same way in the FJ.

It looks like it would interfere with the passenger, but it does not at all.
The mic has been relocated to the left side as to not have the cord dangle at the passenger.

olharleyman · 05-09-2008, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corey

I have a Cobra 29 Nightwatch I bought back in 1999.
It like the Cobra 25 can be tweaked, peaked, and Roger Beaped like mt_goat mentioned above, and indeed it is.
Mine is cranking out 25 watts.

The 29 is bigger than the 25, as the 29 has the built in SWR meter.
I ran the CB in the 4Runner mounted to the glovebox, and it is mounted the same way in the FJ.

It looks like it would interfere with the passenger, but it does not at all.
The mic has been relocated to the left side as to not have the cord dangle at the passenger.

I have my GALAXY 99 (it's bigger then both the cobra's) mounted to the glove box the same way and have no issues when my friends ride in the passanger side except one but he's 6'9" and his knee hits but he just turns it to the side once he's set and no more issue with knee banging

05-09-2008, 07:48 AM	#4 (permalink)
SC4Runner Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 5th Gen San Diegan, California Posts: 5,892	I've got the 19, its super compact. I also installed on on my dad's Tundra. Cheap and perfect for communicating during Baja trips. I'm almost certain the output wattage/power for both the units is the same 4 watts. So, technically, you're paying for the look and weather band on the 75. Here's the 19 in the ashtray. I've pushed it in a good 1/2" since I took this picture. __________________ 1996 4x4 3.4L 4Runner on 35's - 6" of lift, MTR's, E-locked, ARB Tacoma Bumper, Sliders and a cut off tail pipe. 1966 FJ40 - SOA with stock springs, stock 1F motor, and a smelly tailpipe.

05-09-2008, 09:16 AM	#6 (permalink)
mt_goat Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Oklahoma State Posts: 8,919	If you can swing a bigger size I love the Cobra 25 classic. It can be tweeked, peaked and roger beeped. __________________ ~Dale~ 93 4X4 ext-cab, auto, SR5, 3.4 V6, supercharged, 2.1" pulley, URD fuel mods, Aquamist WI, IPT valve body mod, dual cases, 4" superlift front, Alcan springs rear, 33 BFG MT, ARB locked front & rear, 5.29 US Gears, RB 1" Body Lift, 1.5" ball joint spacers, manual hubs, TJM T-17, Warn m8000. Last edited by mt_goat; 05-09-2008 at 09:18 AM.

05-09-2008, 09:24 AM	#7 (permalink)
Nuthuts96 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Burlington, VT previous: Everett, WA; Bellingham, WA Posts: 290	funny you should bring this up now...i have been waiting to get the cb in the truck for the longest time now, and took a shot in the dark with fry's (looking online) and found the 75wx for $85 new. that's what it's going for on ebay! they don't advertise it as the 75wx; they think it's a "gmrs". i'm going there today, so i'll report back with what i found. i'm mounting a 4' firestik in the back. i've also got a mount that i don't think is being sold anymore... it's the ss-174s(hort). i don't know how you're going to mount the antenna exactly, but if it's in the hood channel, this would be a super clean low profile look- i even went out to take pictures for ya! __________________ Scott 1996 White 4Runner-4x4-SR5-5 speed-gold trim 140k-265/75/16 Yokohama Geolander AT/S Cupholder Mod- Overhead Console Mod

05-09-2008, 11:59 AM	#9 (permalink)
aviator Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: COTKU,Ontario,Canada Posts: 7,472	Tuning the antenna will improve your TX/RX and reduce noise... The higher you can mount the antenna the better reception you will get also having the flat metal of the roof/hood below the antenna helps too... If you mount in the rear hatch channel be careful that the mount antenna does not interfere with the openning of the hatch. __________________ Silver 1994 Hilux Xtra cab 4x4 3.0 K&N cone filter, ported MAF, advanced timing, oversize exhaust, free flow cat, "rumble" muffler custom covered SR5 seats, map lights, factory AC tv4184 style black interior conversion started mods to come... header, custom centre console, stereo upgrade tinted windows Founding member 1972TLC fan club - Get well soon Mary Toyota Hilux... Get in or Get out of the way.

05-09-2008, 12:18 PM	#10 (permalink)
mkgarrison5 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NC Posts: 1,516	i read somewhere (maybe here) that the best place to mount an antenea was either on the cab or on the toolbox dead center of both.. i would mount mine on the toolbox. imo __________________ 02 Tacoma 4-Dr 4x4 V6 117k miles

05-09-2008, 07:39 AM	#3 (permalink)
eric-the-red Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Port Coquitlam, BC Posts: 2,493	I've got a 75 WX ST, seems to work fine, though it's the only one I've had so I can't compare it to anything else. I bought that one because with the remote mounted unit I can unplug the mic and no one knows I have a CB, well apart from the antenna of course. Also with a VHF/UHF ham radio already taking up the space where the ashtray went I was running out of room for a regular size CB.

05-09-2008, 01:16 PM	#11 (permalink)
eric-the-red Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Port Coquitlam, BC Posts: 2,493	The best place to mount the antenna is smack dab in the middle of the largest flat piece of metal on the vehicle, ie the middle of the roof. Of course this means drilling a hole in the roof, which most people don't want to do. I had mine on the front driver side fender whch gave good transmission behind me, and to the passenger side. Now I have it on the passenger rear corner, which gives good transmission in front, and to the driver side. Whichever place you put it the higher the better, 2/3 should be above the roof.

05-09-2008, 01:29 PM	#12 (permalink)
olharleyman Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: maryland Posts: 3,291	I have a *GALAXY 99* that dead keys 1/4 watt and swings 50watts but if I were to get another radio I would go with the *COBRA 29 LTD* very good radio and can be peeked and tuned to put out real well plus you can get side channels installed and have the ability to have more private conversations if your friends have the side channels too. heres my set up __________________ 1990 4 runner 5 Speed Pro Comp Stage II 4" Lift 6" coils rear Aussie Locker front 5.29's Front And Rear 35 x 12.5 x 15 MT's Micky Thompson Classic II Wheels Super Charged 3.4 on the way 1993 SAS 4runner 22re 5 speed 4" front 5"rear 5.29's 35 x 12.5 BFG KM'S Dick cepek DC 1's 88 stock 4runner 3.0 auto for now 1955 Harley Davidson Springer Stock 1955 Hardtail Frame 4 Speed Kick Start Only 1998 Harley Custom Dresser 107 rwhp 139 ft.lbs.trq. Last edited by olharleyman; 05-09-2008 at 01:32 PM.

05-09-2008, 02:50 PM	#14 (permalink)
Belize Off Road Team Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Corozal Town, Belize Posts: 2,752	I used to use a mag mount on my uncle's company Tundra and a window mount on the company 94 4Runner. both where exellent reception and both left no scars or holes when removed. __________________ -Phyl 1991 Hilux Surf SSR-G Petrol 3.0L V6 200,000kms l Rancho RS5000 l 31"x10.50"xR15 Pro Comp Xterrain l K&N Air Filter l PP 1" Lift Coil Springs l Optima Blue Top l 12" JBL Subs l Alpine Type R l 80/100W Hella H4 l 1st Gen Roll Bar Mod l FT/RR Diff. Breathers l Smittybilt XRC8 Winch l ARB Bull Bar l トヨタ\|NEVER QUIT

05-09-2008, 02:53 PM	#15 (permalink)
Man4God Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 292	If it is done right and you plan to keep the vehicle beyond the years of resale value, why not drill the roof? __________________ '97 4Runner Limited 4x4 w/Locker Grey (Red & Blue) Wire Mod 2Lo Mod Tundra DC Non-TRD front with stock Tundra Tokicos (2.5") Downey 3" rear lift with Monroe Reflex Shocks (Thanks Chaplain!) Soldier for Christ.

05-09-2008, 03:14 PM	#17 (permalink)
904_runner Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Chico, California Posts: 3,782	For the people who have channels with the weather bands, how do they work? Is it pretty up to date? Will it let you know if a storm is rolling in? I think the only time i would use this would be during some snow wheeling in the winter. It seems like you have to decide over the weather or pa. I think they both would be cool if worked properly. I think the only thing i would use the pa would be for taunting friends when wheeling, yelling at bad drivers, and such. __________________ Mike 1990 4runner: 3.4 swapped, 5-speed, sas'd, Rear leaf swap, Locked, 5.29's, 39.5" iroks on Beadlocks, Armor'd Longfields, Duals coming soon: My build thread http://www.yotatech.com/f152/904_run...thread-158746/ http://www.treadlightly.org/ http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...ery/index.html

05-09-2008, 03:49 PM	#19 (permalink)
904_runner Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Chico, California Posts: 3,782	Yea thats the only thing that has me stumped on which one to get. I like the Cobra that goes right below the stereo. I would get that one, just because i use my ashtray for change and stuff. __________________ Mike 1990 4runner: 3.4 swapped, 5-speed, sas'd, Rear leaf swap, Locked, 5.29's, 39.5" iroks on Beadlocks, Armor'd Longfields, Duals coming soon: My build thread http://www.yotatech.com/f152/904_run...thread-158746/ http://www.treadlightly.org/ http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...ery/index.html

05-09-2008, 04:06 PM	#20 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	I have a Cobra 29 Nightwatch I bought back in 1999. It like the Cobra 25 can be tweaked, peaked, and Roger Beaped like mt_goat mentioned above, and indeed it is. Mine is cranking out 25 watts. The 29 is bigger than the 25, as the 29 has the built in SWR meter. I ran the CB in the 4Runner mounted to the glovebox, and it is mounted the same way in the FJ. It looks like it would interfere with the passenger, but it does not at all. The mic has been relocated to the left side as to not have the cord dangle at the passenger. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

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