Cobra - Twice Bitten

Cobra 29 should do the trick right out of the box

 

Make sure your SWR is good. If you are going thru radios that fast, it sounds like you have an antenna or coax problem. Cobra makes a good radio. They shouldn't be quitting on you like that.

 

I like Cobra, especially the compact models for my purposes. Since I move my radios from vehicle to vehicle and always remove them after use, I need compact CBs.

I bought a new Cobra 19 Ultra III last July, tuned the antenna used with it for acceptable SWR and was very satisfied with the performance. However, it malfunctioned six months later. So, I sent it in to Cobra for warranty service, and they sent me a new Cobra 19 DX IV in the return mail. Very quick service. It works good too. I just hope it lasts.

I've had trouble with intermittant problems with a Midland Compact 1001z too, but so far it's still in service.

I just wonder what it is about these units. They work well, but I need to keep them working. I wonder if it's poor soldering or something.

 

What I have found, in the smaller compact radios, like the cobra 19's, to save space on the pcb, they mount small boards vertically, on the main horizontal pcb. (Hard to explain, but if you open up one of these radios, youll see what I mean)
These small pcb's are prone to solder fractures on the main board. Thats usually all thats wrong with them.

 

What happened to them? Cobra's usually hold up well if they're not hacked up, and your antenna system is up to par...

 

Like the Astatic and Road King microphones....built cheaper all the time!
Also have you replaced the coax lately? Time to check antenna system over too...

 

Something inside possibly came loose....or a bad solder joint.

 

Take it to a shop. They should be able to fix it cheaper than replacing it