Notices
JK CB & HAM Radios Bulletin board forum regarding all topics concerning CB and HAM radios, the installation of them in your Jeep JK Wrangler. This would include antenna mounts, wiring, tuning and usage.

*Official* Cobra 75 user review and feedback thread

Thread Tools
 
Old 09-11-2011, 06:27 AM
  #1  
MFX
JK Super Freak
Thread Starter
 
MFX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Montreal
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default *Official* Cobra 75 user review and feedback thread

I bought the Cobra 75 WX ST along with a 3' tuneable Firestick, Firestick coax Fire Ring cable and SW meter. My plan was to mount the antenna on the factory tire carrier by drilling a hole just like many others have done here (or should a stainless bracket be used instead). If I mount on the tire carrier, is a ground needed?
I was going to install it today but after talking to a fellow JK'r this week he suggested that I get rid of the Cobra and opt for the Midland instead. He claimed that himself and 3 others he rides with were lucky to get 20-30' of broadcasting range on the trails. According to him it's because the Jeep has no mass to properly mount the antenna to get a good solid ground. Any truth here because my knowledge of CB's is VERY limited. I don't think that I've come across one negative thread in regards to the Cobra 75 but I just want to make sure I don't drill and mount the CB only to be disappointed.
Old 09-11-2011, 07:02 AM
  #2  
JK Super Freak
 
McPuck86's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: The OC
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I would get rid of the 75 and get a Cobra 29. My 75 burnt up ... Literally. Started smoking and I had to unplug it before the Jeep burnt down. Most guys I know have the 29 with good results. I installed one and it is perfect. Cobra is THE name is cb's. You can't go wrong with the 29.
Old 09-11-2011, 07:05 AM
  #3  
JK Super Freak
 
genesbro's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: clinton, ok
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

My trail partner has the cobra 75 in his rubi and we don't have any trouble talking to each other several miles apart. We both have the same teraflex spare tire mount bracket. I am using a full size cobra 148gtl in mine and have great range, have talked with the home base over 15 miles away. If those other guys were having trouble like they say then there was something wrong with their antenna systems most likely. It important to check your swr and make sure it below 1.5:1 for best reception and to make sure you won't burn out your final.
Old 09-11-2011, 08:01 AM
  #4  
JK Newbie
 
psouza's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Royal Oaks, California
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

The Cobra 75 does everything it's supposed to do, as well as any other AM CB radio available. Not every one likes it, of course, same as not every one likes boxer shorts. It has one very glaring weakness. The loud speaker WILL FAIL under normal use. Recommended that every one add an external speaker.

The boys that had only a few feet in range had (have) problems other than the radio or the "mass" of the Jeep. The CB frequency wavelength is too long for the Jeep to act as a functional ground plane.
Old 09-11-2011, 11:08 AM
  #5  
JK Super Freak
 
boots's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: P-burg, NJ.
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I have been useing a 4" Firestick with my Cobra 75 mounted to the stock rear plate mount, with very good results. Worked great out in Moab and on the road. I have added a Auxiliary speaker, that I lke alot better than the 75's stock speaker. Take a trip to your local Truck Stop or a Radio Shack and you can find a few differant Aux. speakers.......

Last edited by boots; 09-11-2011 at 11:15 AM.
Old 09-11-2011, 01:28 PM
  #6  
JK Super Freak
 
boots's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: P-burg, NJ.
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by FireTrail741
Which external speaker did you get?
I went with a Uniden ESP-20 speaker. Got it from the local truck stop, think I paid about $16-$18 for it........

Just remember when you plug in your Aux. Speaker the speaker in the hand-set will no longer work.

Last edited by boots; 09-11-2011 at 01:33 PM.
Old 09-11-2011, 01:45 PM
  #7  
JK Super Freak
 
boots's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: P-burg, NJ.
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by FireTrail741
Yup. Thanks. Is it water resistant at all?
I would guess NOT.
Old 09-12-2011, 07:46 PM
  #8  
JK Enthusiast
 
J2010k's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Highland, Maryland
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I started with a Midland 1001Z and later switched to the Cobra 75. I enjoyed the Cobra 75 until the speaker stopped working. Although the Cobra 75 is a great fit to the cramped interior of the JK, I quickly switched back to the Midland 1001Z with a 3' firestick because of the performance and simplicity.
Old 09-13-2011, 01:50 AM
  #9  
JK Enthusiast
 
Sigman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Bushnell, Fl
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I have been using the Cobra 75 WX ST and Liberty 4' Antenna with Custom Mount for about 4 years and not one problem. I like how sleek and clean it is compared to a boxy CB.
I did add a small speaker up by the sunviser so I can here better with the doors and top off.
Click image for larger version

Name:	cb.JPG
Views:	2400
Size:	89.4 KB
ID:	210076

Click image for larger version

Name:	cba.jpg
Views:	2384
Size:	83.4 KB
ID:	210077

Click image for larger version

Name:	cb2.JPG
Views:	813
Size:	81.3 KB
ID:	210078

Click image for larger version

Name:	cb1.JPG
Views:	1332
Size:	73.4 KB
ID:	210079
Old 09-14-2011, 04:01 PM
  #10  
MFX
JK Super Freak
Thread Starter
 
MFX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Montreal
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

The major complaint I gather is the sound volume. I have the infinity system, so would I be able to run a 3.5 stereo plug from the junction box to the stock HU when needed?


Quick Reply: *Official* Cobra 75 user review and feedback thread



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 03:30 PM.