antenna light comes on when talking

I had a similar problem with my Cobra 29 Black Chrome, only on it, the only time the light would come on is when I also had the amp on...

To fix the problem, open up the bottom of the radio (speaker side) locate VR6, which should be near the back on the right, and using a small screw driver, back off the screw...This basically is just re-calibrating the warning light...Most likely it is just set to sensitive if your SWR is what you say it is.

 

I thought the same thing...But what the Tech told me, was he has seen allot of Cobra's here lately do this, and all it was, was the manufacture just didn't have the light set right...If you hook up a external SWR Meter, and it checks out "OK", then it's just the warning light not adjusted properly...

 

I have the same problem with my cobra 29. light don't come unless I am talking. Swr at 1.5 with a brand new antena

 

This is Very True. I've had this problem. I think VR-6 is the correct pot to adjust it.

ONLY ADJUST IT ENOUGH FOR THE LIGHT TO STOP!!!

 

IF you have a good dummy load adjust it to go out into the dummy load.

BIG M is right you want it to JUST go out.

 

I didnt have time to read through the replies, so here goes.

When checking swr's you have to check at both power levels. Meaning, check them at Dead Key (key down but dont speak) and then again while at swing. (check them while speaking)

Your mic gain shouldnt have anything to do with this, as it is not controlling power to your radio. IF your SWR is changing when you speak, that means that as the power swings up your swr is going up. This could easily be the result of a bad/lacking ground. This could also be a short in the coax, or the sign of a poorly tuned radio.

Here is an excellent article on grounding/bonding:

http://www.k0bg.com/bonding.html

Lots of good info there.

I would start by grounding out the vehicle, checking your coax for kinks, etc, and rechecking your swr and readjust the antenna if needed.

After all this, if the problem persists, swap radios and see if the result is the same.


Having said all this, the meters in those radios suck, get a good meter on it and make sure you actually have a problem. If so, find out exactly where your swr is, if it is above 3.1:1 STOP USING YOUR RADIO. You WILL burn up the finals.

-Dubbya

 

sounds like a bad antenna or coax