philips949's Full Review: Cobra Electronics 75 WX ST 40-Channels Handheld CB...
General comments:
This CB is unique in that the radio is a small module about 5"x1.5"x1.5" and a control unit/mike/speaker handset. I will cover the application, features, and quality of this CB in this review.
Why I bought this CB:
I purchased this CB as a replacement for my larger Cobra 29 WXNWST Mobile CB when I bought a new car and had no room for a full sized CB. I drive a lot in the NY metro area and use the CB daily for advice on conditions, directions, and sometimes just to have fun talking with others. I also use the weather report (NOAA) feature.
Installation considerations:
If you have a car or truck and want to save space this CB obviously has its advantages. The core radio will easily fit under a seat, under the dash or anywhere you like. The Microphone holds the controls and is connected to the core with a 9' coiled cord. You can install the included mike clip with 2 small screws or use stickyback tape. Another idea is to use velcro. I like the clip. When installing you have 2 power options, cigarette lighter adapter(not included-but you can buy one at Radio Shack or an auto-parts store) or direct power. I like using the adapter as it is so simple to setup. I placed my core under the driver seat and plugged into a rear seat socket. Any CB antenna will do OK but for this radio I suggest getting one that can work well with the weather radio feature. CB antennas can be a very complex discussion beyond the scope of this review. I personally suggest getting a Wilson, K40 or Cobra antenna as these are excellent products. I ran the antenna through the rear tailgate on my SUV and under the floormats to the core unit.
Features and design:
Of course the primary reason for choosing this particular radio is its features. The controls are easily operated with one hand while holding the control unit. Being a compact radio it has only the necessary controls for CB and weather radio operation with special buttons for channel 9(emergency) and 19(most common mobile channel used). It also can scan the channels. The button for weather in on the right and I think perfectly placed so I don't have to look for it if I want to switch between weather and CB mode. The display is basic showing channel and signal strength. This unit lacks a built in SWR function (used to tune antennas for optimal operation range) so I suggest asking a person with an SWR or SWR equipped radio to help tune the antenna in YOUR vehicle. This is not critical to do but if done right makes a big difference in the CB's range. Most CB shops will do it free but if you buy it at a department store you are on your own. This radio cannot be "peaked" like a large CB which in my opinion is not really a problem if you have a good tuned antenna. The speaker is built into the control unit and works OK. Don't expect great sound but it works OK with decent volume. I have an external CB speaker and plugged that into the core unit and the sound is great for a CB. It is disappointing however that Cobra did not include a PA jack so forget about using a talkback speaker or pa under the hood. Talkback speakers are great for knowing how you sound when broadcasting. You can accomplish the same by getting a friend with a CB to broadcast on your radio and see how it sounds in his car.
General comments:
Overall, I recommend this radio to the average CB user who would like a compact unit. It also is easily hidden so it is less of a magnet to thieves as they seem to love to rip off CB's. If you are a hardcore radio nut, and want things like power mike, echo and roger beep sounds they are not available for this unit. For those things you will need a full size radio. One option if you want more power is to get a linear(powered antenna amplifier) but these are illegal and hard to find.
The radio appears to be very sturdy made with quality parts. I expect it to last a long time. I miss my big radio and its cool toys but at the end of the day this radio gets the job done well.
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