Cobra 29 & 4 pill amp

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by YMItrucking, Apr 23, 2019.

  1. YMItrucking

    YMItrucking Light Load Member

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    Hey guys, I'm back for some more advice. After having alot of radio problems (ie ####ty tunes and hacked Radios) I've decided to keep is super simple. I'm using a factory, untouched Cobra 29 (factory dk and pep) and running it into a 4 pill amp (4x1446's). According to my meter its deadkeying at 40 watts with the amp on low. Do you guys think a Cobra has enough pep to drive this amp? I know I'm not driving it to it's full potential, and I'm fine with that. I would rather keep the power low so it's not over modulated anyways and hopefully keep everything a little cleaner.
    So, my question is, What is my estimated avg power output you think?

    My antenna setup is good (I've had it on an analyzer). 102" whip with 5" extension, Browning coax, Ranger SRA-198 mic. 8 ga wire directly to the battery, LOTS of bonding, etc, etc, etc. SWR is 1.3 with amp on and transmitting. Radio check came back as "as clear as if you were sitting in the room with me". Radio with no amp I was getting 9 miles out and can constantly hear skip (Souther Az, Bahamas, and yes HardDrive, lol). I'm just running this setup temporarily until I get my Radio from Mark (I ordered it back in Feb so hopefully I wont have to use this setup too much longer).

    So what do you guys think my power output is?

    As always, thanks for the help.
     
    Last edited: Apr 23, 2019
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  3. rabbiporkchop

    rabbiporkchop Road Train Member

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    It sounds like that combo has some potential. Without seeing it on a bench, it's impossible to say how well it would work.
    Class C amps are kinda tricky to make work correctly without pissing off those around you due to interference.
     
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  4. YMItrucking

    YMItrucking Light Load Member

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    Agreed. I have no idea how it looks on a bench. I generally keep it off unless in out in the middle of no where and need an extra little kick. Thanks for the reply tho.
     
  5. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    Are you running a reliable meter from amp to ant?
     
  6. YMItrucking

    YMItrucking Light Load Member

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    I dont know how reliable it is. It's just one of those Astatic PDC-1 meters. I literally have no idea what my power output is other than that meter. when I bought it, I had the old timer hook it up to my other Cobra 29 (Chris Holland tuned, 2 watt dk, 20 watt pep) and the Bird meter read 200 watts on low, 275 on med, and 325 on high. I'm not using it with the Chris Holland radio tho, I'm using it with a stock Cobra 29.
     
  7. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    Next time you get a chance,get someone with an analyzer to test and compare to your meter...Those lil suckers can be way off..
    Dont wanna mess up your system cause of a $20 meter..Actually some techs can test your meter and calibrate it....
     
  8. YMItrucking

    YMItrucking Light Load Member

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    And now were back to finding a good tech. Lmfao.
    That's way too much work for a cb. I'm a truck driver, not a cb tech. Lol
     
  9. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    Lol..Just need someone with an analyzer to compare..Most cb shops have them or should..Swr aint end all be all..
     
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  10. Slowmover1

    Slowmover1 Road Train Member

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    It is worth your trouble. But just because they have one doesn’t mean they know much. That’s where reputation for a quality install comes in.

    With big trucks — let’s assume company truck — there’s a limit to what can be done (time money and rules). The good guys have already seen it and tweaked it.
     
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  11. YMItrucking

    YMItrucking Light Load Member

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    I've already had the antenna on an analyzer. The only thing that was a little off was my impedance.
     
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