Cobra 75 WXST

[Swampfire]

Radio shack appears to have two different product codes listed for this CB radio. The one listed as in store only is priced at $79.97. As far as I can tell they are the exact same radio.

If so that beats any price I could find online.

$79.97 http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2110933
$129.95 http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2437609

If you can't find one listed for your zip code check a nearby city, I drove 15 miles out of Tampa but it was worth it.

[mmccurdy]

Let me know how the radio works out for you. I have a 75WXST and the CoolTech mount, and I can't for the life of me get a decent signal. I double checked all the wiring, ground points, etc. and even got a Radio Shack SWR meter in an attempt to characterize the problem, but no dice. I'm thinking of taking it to a CB shop, but I'm not sure how to find one...

...on a related note, anyone know of a good CB shop in the Tucson area that would take a short-notice look at my setup?

[Rubimon]

Let me know how the radio works out for you. I have a 75WXST and the CoolTech mount, and I can't for the life of me get a decent signal. I double checked all the wiring, ground points, etc. and even got a Radio Shack SWR meter in an attempt to characterize the problem, but no dice. I'm thinking of taking it to a CB shop, but I'm not sure how to find one...

...on a related note, anyone know of a good CB shop in the Tucson area that would take a short-notice look at my setup?

PM Cooltech, they will help you out.

[medsker]

Let me know how the radio works out for you. I have a 75WXST and the CoolTech mount, and I can't for the life of me get a decent signal. I double checked all the wiring, ground points, etc. and even got a Radio Shack SWR meter in an attempt to characterize the problem, but no dice. I'm thinking of taking it to a CB shop, but I'm not sure how to find one...

...on a related note, anyone know of a good CB shop in the Tucson area that would take a short-notice look at my setup?

Head to the nearest truck stop area there is always one there and if not ask a trucker and they can tell where one is. That's what I did to find one. Mine was at least working well enough that when I got to the truck stop I could ask on the CB where the nearest CB shop was. :)

Good Luck

Medsker

[Robar]

I called Radio Shack on this the other day. The $79 is a close out item sold only in stores. The $129 model is replacing the other it is a C75 wx st or something like that.

[Rubidozer]

Let me know how the radio works out for you. I have a 75WXST and the CoolTech mount, and I can't for the life of me get a decent signal. I double checked all the wiring, ground points, etc. and even got a Radio Shack SWR meter in an attempt to characterize the problem, but no dice. I'm thinking of taking it to a CB shop, but I'm not sure how to find one...

...on a related note, anyone know of a good CB shop in the Tucson area that would take a short-notice look at my setup?
Call your local truckstops and ask if they can tune it for you. They'll check for ground and continuity in the antennae, cable, and unit.
The SWR meters at Radioshack aren't any good...

You have one of the best possible CBs, but you may have the unit mounted in an area that causes interference... I mounted mine in the center console and routed the microphone plug-in through the front. Mine works great, but I also mounted my antennae to the spare-tire mount for a good ground and clear signal.

[Rubidozer]

I found this website on the internet: www.WalcottCB.com
They have the lowest prices for my Firestik Firefly antennae, Cobra 75WX ST CB radio, and the Firestik cable @ 18ft length.

If you need info on CBs, Antennae, Cables, and Mounting then you should check the Firestik website... They have tons of information...
www.Firestik.com

[Rubimon]

That Rubidozer is full of information, now if he can just remember that his wife is pregnant and he needs to find a name. Smelling to many melting plastic fumes I think!:yup:

[foofighter]

Amazon sells the Cobra for $94.11

Link Here (http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-75WXST-Weatherband-CB-Radio/dp/B00005N5WW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-7802386-2121564?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1176528932&sr=8-1)

[Rubidozer]

That Rubidozer is full of information, now if he can just remember that his wife is pregnant and he needs to find a name. Smelling to many melting plastic fumes I think!:yup:

Hey Rubimon, I think you may be right about the fumes! :gak: I'm still feeling a little funny... :crazyeyes:

Oops! Threadjacking in progress!!!

[Damlaker]

I have the Cobra 75 wxst and the cool tech mount and it seems to be working fine. I will have to put it on a meter to see objectively how it works but it sounded fine between two vehicles - albeit only about city blocks away.

[gergy9]

i got the $79 radio shack one. I was told that they are not selling well in the srores so they are puiling them from the stores and going online only. But the exact same radio.

[Magister]

i got the $79 radio shack one. I was told that they are not selling well in the srores so they are puiling them from the stores and going online only. But the exact same radio.

I bought mine for that price too. Pretty darn excited when I saw the price.

How much are the additional base units?

[Rubimon]

I tried to get that from Radio Shack but none of them in my area had them.:sad:

[gergy9]

I tried to get that from Radio Shack but none of them in my area had them.:sad:


Call outside of your area. Mine is being shipped to me for free because the store i went to said they had one but didn't. They found another store that had one and are shipping it to me for free. SO im sure if you find a store that has one they will most likely ship to you.

[gergy9]

I bought mine for that price too. Pretty darn excited when I saw the price.

How much are the additional base units?

? What do you mean additional base units?

[John L]

? What do you mean additional base units?


The radio comes in two parts, the mic and a small box (base unit). The mic plugs into the box. The antenna and external speaker plug into the box, and the box is wired to the power. If you buy another box (base unit), you can mount it in another vehicle and use your radio in it. I think the box is around 30.00 from Cobra.

[Old_School]

Let me know how the radio works out for you. I have a 75WXST and the CoolTech mount, and I can't for the life of me get a decent signal. I double checked all the wiring, ground points, etc. and even got a Radio Shack SWR meter in an attempt to characterize the problem, but no dice. I'm thinking of taking it to a CB shop, but I'm not sure how to find one...

...on a related note, anyone know of a good CB shop in the Tucson area that would take a short-notice look at my setup?

The bumper is tough location to get a good signal. The antenna really needs a good ground plane like a metal roof. There are ways to compensate however.
Check out: http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs.htm

[IGOFSHN]

Your best signal will be acheived if you have at least 1/3 of the antenna above the vehicle. Too often I see only a couple inches above the vehicle and their signal sucks.

[skibum]

Radio shack appears to have two different product codes listed for this CB radio. The one listed as in store only is priced at $79.97. As far as I can tell they are the exact same radio.

If so that beats any price I could find online.

$79.97 http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2110933
$129.95 http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2437609

If you can't find one listed for your zip code check a nearby city, I drove 15 miles out of Tampa but it was worth it.

Thanks for the heads up. Local Jeep group says I've got to have a radio if I want to go with them, so a search of the forum last night turned up this thread. Went to the local Radio Shack this morning and bought the last one. Gotta love the price! :yup:

[FiveOff]

Just bought the last one in my area!

I hate to say this, but I can't believe I'm so excited about buying a CB radio.

[JackMac4]

I'm planning on hunting one of these down tomorrow....hopefully one of the shacks still has one.

[John L]

I'm planning on hunting one of these down tomorrow....hopefully one of the shacks still has one.

I was thinking about one, I'll hold off until I find out the difference between the "C" model and the regular model. I have a pending email at Cobra right now.

In the meantime, looks like Tuffy has released the overhead console:ya:
That being done, now it's a tossup between the cobra handheld and the Galaxy 929. Supposed to be a good radio, based off the cobra design (29 I think), plus it has a HUGE meter on it that does SWR. With the handheld you would have to buy a SWR meter or go get it done somewhere.

Also if you buy the Galaxy or a full size cobra at some select online CB shops, Walcott being one, for a small fee they will tweak it for max performance.

[skibum]

OK, now that I've got the radio I just have to figure out where to mount it. Any suggestions from you guys who have already installed the unit? Curious about both the base unit and the mic. Thanks in advance. :yup:

[John L]

Where did you see that news? Their website doesn't say anything. I am ready for it though!

Front page news here (http://www.project-jk.com/):D

[Robar]

I like both of these very much.

http://project-jk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=20450&g2_serialNumber=1

http://www.project-jk.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=20452&g2_serialNumber=1

[Rubidozer]

I'll post pics tomorrow of where I mounted the base and the mic. You won't find better places! Totally hidden and out of the way!

[skibum]

I'll post pics tomorrow of where I mounted the base and the mic. You won't find better places! Totally hidden and out of the way!

Thanks. I'll look forward to the pics :yup:

[Rubimon]

Found a radio shack with one left. Well they don't have any now. It would have been too far to drive normally, but my daughter had a tournament right around the corner so I shot over there and picked it up. He said it was the only one in his district.

[Rubidozer]

Sorry, I forgot to take pics and post them.... Maybe tomorrow.

[skibum]

Sorry, I forgot to take pics and post them.... Maybe tomorrow.

Tease! :D :D :D :D

[John L]

OK, made my decision, I went with the 75wxst today. I live in Tulsa, went into my Radio Shack and they were able to find one (actually 4) in Texas. I'll have a brand new in box radio this Friday.

These are thinning quickly at this price, not a single one left in Oklahoma.......

BTW, here is the official word on this model from Cobra Electronics....feel free to confirm this yourself.....


Me:

Hello,

Can you tell me the difference between the 75WXST and the C 75WXST? I've been told the 75WXST is being discontinued and replaced by the C 75WXST, can you confirm this for me?

Thanks


Them:

Hello,

They are the same unit. The " C " just part of the Sku number.

Thank you,
ra

Cobra Electronics
6500 W. Cortland St.
Chicago, IL 60707
773-889-3087

[Rubidozer]

Seriously, I'm sorry! I just keep flaking, huh? I've just been really busy with work, then I get home and fall asleep on the couch after eating....
I hope you don't mind dark pics, I'll go take some right now....

[gergy9]

Seriously, I'm sorry! I just keep flaking, huh? I've just been really busy with work, then I get home and fall asleep on the couch after eating....
I hope you don't mind dark pics, I'll go take some right now....

Did you fall back to sleep?:rotflmao1:

[Rubidozer]

:zzz: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz:
Here are the pics of the mounting of my base-unit and the hand-held:

http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/medium/Pic165.JPG
http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/medium/Pic166.JPG

[Rubimon]

:zzz: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz:
Here are the pics of the mounting of my base-unit and the hand-held:

http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/medium/Pic165.JPG
http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/medium/Pic166.JPG

Wake up! Wake up! Any pictures of how you routed the power and antenna wires to the console. Thanks.

[jwetzel]

Has anyone heard of ANT online? They have the cobra for $85.

http://www.antonline.com/p_Cobra--75%20WX%20ST--Cobra-75WXST-Weatherband-CB-Radio-_171699.htm

[RedRockJK]

AMAZON has it cheaper, it's only $93.58 with free shipping. If you buy it from ANTonline it will cost $98.53 when you add shipping to the price.

http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-75WXST-Weatherband-CB-Radio/dp/B00005N5WW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-7786597-9451963?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1177568980&sr=8-1

[jwetzel]

Hey, good catch on the shipping! The other day I was ordering a recovery strap online. Found a place with a good price. I go to check out and they want $20 to ship it! Forget that... not gonna happen.

[skibum]

Rubidozer,

Thanks for the pics. That's a great location. Going to get my drill out now. :D

[cybersniper]

I have one since 2006 and it is very nice. I have rigged the connector on the TUFFY overhead console of my YJ and all I need to do is plug and talk.
Same plan in my new Sahara 2007
Eduardo

[sgmrock]

Where do you put the antenna for the thing?

[Rubidozer]

Where do you put the antenna for the thing?
Look at the beginning of this thread....
http://www.jk-forum.com/showthread.php?t=5920

[Rubidozer]

Wake up! Wake up! Any pictures of how you routed the power and antenna wires to the console. Thanks.
Just pull the cover off of the console, it just pulls off with a tug. Then route the black wire to any place you can mount a screw for a good ground (remove paint). Then route the red wire through the firewall on the passenger side and up to the battery...
My antennae-cable runs under the carpet on the passenger side and then under the seat and under the console and through a hole drilled in the bottom of the console. The red and black wires also go through that hole...
There's no definite way of doing it.... Just do what I did... Stare at the area and the wires and the unit and take mental pictures... By the time I woke-up the next day, I could see what I needed to do and where it had to be routed.

[Rubidozer]

Wake up! Wake up! Any pictures of how you routed the power and antenna wires to the console. Thanks.
No pics for a few reasons... I'm not pulling it apart to take pics. I'm running out of space on my-project-jk. And, most important, I already finished it.

[Rubimon]

Just pull the cover off of the console, it just pulls off with a tug. Then route the black wire to any place you can mount a screw for a good ground (remove paint). Then route the red wire through the firewall on the passenger side and up to the battery...
My antennae-cable runs under the carpet on the passenger side and then under the seat and under the console and through a hole drilled in the bottom of the console. The red and black wires also go through that hole...
There's no definite way of doing it.... Just do what I did... Stare at the area and the wires and the unit and take mental pictures... By the time I woke-up the next day, I could see what I needed to do and where it had to be routed.

Thats all I need to know. Thanks!

[Rubimon]

Hey Rubidozer, did you find a convenient place to run the wire through the firewall. I thought there was a plug there somewhere but have yet to locate it.
Thanks!

[bofer84]

Just a FYI, the CB has nothing to do with your signal, they all put out the same amount of amps, required by law. You mount is the most important thing, followed by a good antenna. I still to this day dont understand why poeple just dont by amps for the CBs? I have a cheap walmart cb, its like a midland i think, and i have a 300watt amp. I can talk 30+ miles if i want, and i can suck you in from that far as well. I never never never have static. :yup:

[mmccurdy]

Just a FYI, the CB has nothing to do with your signal, they all put out the same amount of amps, required by law. You mount is the most important thing, followed by a good antenna. I still to this day dont understand why poeple just dont by amps for the CBs? I have a cheap walmart cb, its like a midland i think, and i have a 300watt amp. I can talk 30+ miles if i want, and i can suck you in from that far as well. I never never never have static. :yup:

Just to be clear though, this is illegal, right? Even still it sounds appealing ;)

Also, not to nit pick, but I think you mean "the all put out the same amount of power" (usually measured in watts).

[John L]

FCC rule 10 and 11, their thoughts on power in regards to Citizen Band transmission........

RULE 10 - Power Output
{A} Your CB station transmitter power output must not exceed the following values under any conditions:
AM [Amplitude Modulation] - 4 watts carrier power [CP]
SSB [Single Side-Band] - 12 watts peak envelope power [PEP]
{B} If you need more information about the power rule, see Part 95/ Subpart E.
{C} Use of a transmitter which has carrier [CP] or peak envelope power [PEP]in excess of that authorized voids your authority to operate the station.

RULE 11 - Linear Amplifiers
{A} You may not attach the following items (power amplifiers) to your type-accepted CB transmitter in any way:
[1] External radio frequency [RF] power amplifiers, also called linear amplifiers, or linears;
or
[2] Any other devices which, when used with a radio transmitter as a signal source, are capable of amplifying the signal.
{B} There are no exceptions to this rule and use of a power amplifier voids your authority to operate the station.
{C} The FCC will presume you have used a linear or other external [RF] power amplifier if-
[1] It is in your possession or on your premises; and
[2] There is OTHER EVIDENCE that you have operated your CB station with more power than allowed by CB Rule 10.
{D} Paragraph C above in this section does not apply if you hold a license in another radio service (HAM, etc.) which allows you to operate an external RF power amplifier.

And the punishment if they catch you......

RULE 21 - Penalties may not be current penalty information. {A} If the FCC finds that you have WILLFULLY or REPEATEDLY violated the Communications Act or FCC Rules, you may have to pay as much as $2,000 for each violation, up to a total of $5,000.
{B} If the FCC finds that you have violated any section of the Communications Act or FCC Rules, you may be ordered to stop whatever action caused the violation.
{C} If a federal court finds that you have WILLFULLY and KNOWINGLY violated any FCC Rule, you may be fined up to $500 for each day you committed the violation.
{D} If a federal court finds that you have WILLFULLY and KNOWINGLY violated any provision of the Communications Act, you may be fined up to $10,000 or may be imprisoned for one year, or both.

[skibum]

OUCH........that'll leave a mark. Just curious though, how does the FCC enforce this? I've never seen an FCC truck with radio direction finding gear. :thinking:

[John L]

OUCH........that'll leave a mark. Just curious though, how does the FCC enforce this? I've never seen an FCC truck with radio direction finding gear. :thinking:

That's how they catch 'em.......you never see it coming.

[gergy9]

I just ty rapped my box to the bar under the glove box and let the quick connect hang down below the panel. It is invisible and NO drilling! Then ran the power to the cig lighter that turns off when the jeep does and tyed the wires in with those. Once again No cutting wires!.

[Rubimon]

From what I read CB's do better if they are connected to the battery directly.

[John L]

From what I read CB's do better if they are connected to the battery directly.

I've heard that also, and this particular radio has it in the owners manual.
I suppose it's to keep the voltage up, long runs through small wire=voltage loss and heat. But this radio is not a big current hog.....more than likely it's to help reduce/eliminate RFI. I've got mine connected direct to the battery....

[gergy9]

Well maybe i will have to change the electric then.

Here are pics of the connector under glove box.

http://onechampion.com/JK/jeep 014.jpg
http://onechampion.com/JK/jeep 015.jpg
http://onechampion.com/JK/jeep 016.jpg

[Rubidozer]

Hey Rubidozer, did you find a convenient place to run the wire through the firewall. I thought there was a plug there somewhere but have yet to locate it.
Thanks!
I ran the wire through under the passenger-side dash. There is a large rubber grommet where the factory loom runs through... I soldered a nail to the tip of the wire and pushed the nail through, while avoiding the wire-loom. Just be sure to keep your distance from the factory loom, as you don't want any electromagnetic-interference...

[big_thumb]

I just installed mine under the drivers seat. There is a small metal tab there that I double side taped it to. I also put the connector in the seat frame for convenience. It's pretty easy to connect the handset now and the cord is out of the way.

http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/CB_underseat.jpg

[XNGH2006]

I just installed mine under the drivers seat. There is a small metal tab there that I double side taped it to. I also put the connector in the seat frame for convenience. It's pretty easy to connect the handset now and the cord is out of the way.

http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/CB_underseat.jpg

Outstanding! creativity. I intend to use your method.

[John L]

That's nice, good work! Is it still OK there if someone moves the seat up? Looks like it's back all the way in that pic.

[Rubimon]

The great thing about this CB and a 3' firestik is the CB goes nicely in the trunk space and the antenna lays under the trunk lid across the jack area and is safe and out of site for when you need it.

[XNGH2006]

I just installed mine under the drivers seat. There is a small metal tab there that I double side taped it to. I also put the connector in the seat frame for convenience. It's pretty easy to connect the handset now and the cord is out of the way.

http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/CB_underseat.jpg

Hello big_thumb
I will be installing my Cobra 75 WXST in my vehicle as soon as my UltraMount CB Antenna System arrives. My question is how did you connect the junvtion box mic connector cable to the seat mount? You must drill a hole, but what size? and how did you keep the connector secure? Thanks for you help.

[mclee]

Another issue with the Cooltech mount is lack of a ground plane and shielding by the JK body and roll bar. An antenna works best if mounted in the clear on a conductive plane such as an automobile roof. A ground plane is not available on a Wrangler unless you want to put a mag mount on the hood. The low placement means that you are transmitting directly into the body and/or roll bar. That drastically alters the antenna field pattern from the ideal omnidirectional toroid. I'm not saying the Cooltech is not a good mount, but you should temper your expectations. On my old TJ, which I still own, I had a Rock-It mount that goes behind the left rear stop light, which is very similar to the Cooltech mount. With a 75WXT I was able to communicate only a couple of miles, but on the trail that is good enough. If you want distance on the road, I suggest getting a ham license and buying a 2 meter radio. That is a lot easier now since the Morse code requirement has been dropped.

Antenna length also makes a big difference. The 100+" metal whip is by far the best since it is full size, but it is not very practical. Most antennas are coil loaded and 3-4' long. Shortened antennas are more practical, but they are inferior performers.

I purchased the spare tire mount version from from Arizona Rocky Road at arizonarockyroad.com/antennamounts.html. It elevates the antenna and places it farther from the roll bars, and I expect it to perform better even though does not have a ground plane either. I have not tested it yet since my JK is only a week old, and I have not gotten the antenna and radio installed. maybe this weekend.

[mclee]

Front page news here (http://www.project-jk.com/):D

I had a Tuffy overhead console in my TJ and hated it. It was in the way, blocked my view of the sky, and I kept whacking my head on it. It was also convenient to use (mine had drop down bays). I sold to a guy who still has it and apparently likes it.

[mclee]

Has anyone heard of ANT online? They have the cobra for $85.

http://www.antonline.com/p_Cobra--75%20WX%20ST--Cobra-75WXST-Weatherband-CB-Radio-_171699.htm

Amazon used to sell them for about $90.

[mclee]

Just a FYI, the CB has nothing to do with your signal, they all put out the same amount of amps, required by law. You mount is the most important thing, followed by a good antenna. I still to this day dont understand why poeple just dont by amps for the CBs? I have a cheap walmart cb, its like a midland i think, and i have a 300watt amp. I can talk 30+ miles if i want, and i can suck you in from that far as well. I never never never have static. :yup:

Maybe because amplifiers are illegal on the CB band?

[mclee]

I've heard that also, and this particular radio has it in the owners manual.
I suppose it's to keep the voltage up, long runs through small wire=voltage loss and heat. But this radio is not a big current hog.....more than likely it's to help reduce/eliminate RFI. I've got mine connected direct to the battery....

The two main reason are:

1. You don't overload an existing circuit.

2. The power, and thus your signal, is less likely to be polluted by noise generated in the vehicle.

[John L]

The two main reason are:

1. You don't overload an existing circuit.

2. The power, and thus your signal, is less likely to be polluted by noise generated in the vehicle.

Ummmm....I thought that's what I said....:D

[big_thumb]

Hello big_thumb
I will be installing my Cobra 75 WXST in my vehicle as soon as my UltraMount CB Antenna System arrives. My question is how did you connect the junvtion box mic connector cable to the seat mount? You must drill a hole, but what size? and how did you keep the connector secure? Thanks for you help.

Sorry, I've been out of it for a while. I used a 1/2" drill bit to get through the thick metal. The best would probably be to match the hole of the mounting plate that comes with the product. The WXST comes with a rubber gasket that I used. I had to cut it down a bit to fit the thick metal. You run the connector through the hole then slip the grommet on and then shove the whole thing into the hole (a little lubricant helps).

PS: I'll post some pics of how I mounted my antenna soon. I just want to tune it first and make sure the ground is right.

[mclee]

Ummmm....I thought that's what I said....:D

Actually I responded to an earlier email before I saw yours. So it is a duplicate answer.

[XNGH2006]

Sorry, I've been out of it for a while. I used a 1/2" drill bit to get through the thick metal. The best would probably be to match the hole of the mounting plate that comes with the product. The WXST comes with a rubber gasket that I used. I had to cut it down a bit to fit the thick metal. You run the connector through the hole then slip the grommet on and then shove the whole thing into the hole (a little lubricant helps).

PS: I'll post some pics of how I mounted my antenna soon. I just want to tune it first and make sure the ground is right.

Thanks for your response. Any other problems? I will be looking forwards to seeing your pics.

[possumface]

i just did this less then $ 20 for the whole shabaaam but i did move to other side to get away from the am/fm stock antenna
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i53/alliedsafety/antenna.jpg

[Huklbery]

I attached the hand unit of my Cobra 75 WXST to the left vertical surface of the dash using "Industrial Strength" velcro. It's positioned just above the turn signal stalk and I can easily work the controls, read the display (OK, I can see the display and its teeny weeny dimly lit features), and transmit without having to actually hold it in my hand. Nothing could be easier or more functional.