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Message |
    
Mudduck
New member
Username: Mudduck
Post Number: 9
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, May 16, 2004 - 10:58 pm: | 
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Cobra Uniden RadioShack President
19 21 25 29 66 68 76 78 122 139 142 146 148 449 451 453 465 473 474 435 457 458 490 510 710 810 Grant Washington Jackson
GTL LTD XLR ST NW Classic Plus XL LT WX DX
Philippines Taiwan Malasia Japan China
'70s '80s '90s '00s
Yeah - We Like those Unidens. Some Cobras and RadioShacks too.
But of course many of those are Unidens in disguise.
Some rigs are too cool like RadioShack's 457 and 458 with their 858 CPUs and good looks and Cobra's 2000 because, well, it's a 2000.
We know that Cobra's 25 and 29 are Uniden's 66 and 76 respectively. Ahh, but which 25/29s? GTL? LTD? Classic? What is the difference between GTL, LTD etc... anyway?
How about the newer radios with mic jacks in the front like the Uniden's 68, 78 and Grant LT? Are they the same rigs as those with side mounted mic jacks like the preceding 66, 76 and Grant XL?
I've read that RadioShack's 451 (that radio is ugly) is the same as Uniden's 122 and Cobra's 146. What about other RadioShack rigs? What are their Uniden and Cobra counterparts? What and who's other radios were made by Uniden?
Why the mystique for radios made in Philippines'? Is it true that the best rigs are/were made there or is it a myth?
What years are best? The 80's? 90's? When did Cobra and Uniden part company?
Perhaps you get the idea. I know - It's a big question - but I'm just trying to put it all together. I'm sure I'm not the only one here who'd like to know.
Which rigs are cool and which rigs are for fools.
73
Skip |
Tech548
Moderator
Username: Tech548
Post Number: 53
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 17, 2004 - 2:41 pm: |
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Mudduck
You're right. The 858 chipped radios were the best up until the time came when the FCC outlawed them. 200 plus channels from a CB radio? LOL. Unheard of today.
Cobra? In my opinion, there hasn't been a decent one built since Uniden hasn't been building the PC board for them. The wiring used in the Cobras' today is poor at best. Single strand "bell wire"--very cheap.
Uniden built radios? Superior. Open a Unider-78 and a Cobra-29 or a Cobra-25 and a Uniden-68 and compare the circuit boards. Look closely and you'll see that the componets are much more neatly installed. Now turn both radios over and compare the solder-side of the boards. Uniden again, much neater laid out and a far better printed board. The same thing holds true for the Cobra-148 and the Uniden-XL.
Fortunately for Cobra, the only reason they survive today is the fact that most who buy them do so only because of yesteryears reputation. Plus the fact that the name (Cobra) sounds so cool. Personally, I would take a Uniden any day over a Cobra.
The above is just based on my personal opinion and experience with them.
Jeff. |
Pointman
Member
Username: Pointman
Post Number: 88
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 12:32 am: |
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Thank you Jeff for this info from one who actually understands what they are looking at.
I just put a 68 Elite in my wife's minivan and man does it sound great. My 96 Grant XL sounds so good it is scarey considering he money I have spent on radios these past two years lol...
I just bought a buddy of mine a Grant LT refurbished from Uniden Corp. so that he can have the great experiences I have had with my Grant over the years. I have had his sent out for a great peak and tune from my tech though.
Thank you for your honest opinion.
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Highlander
Advanced Member
Username: Highlander
Post Number: 506
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 8:27 am: |
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I got one of those like-new Grant LT's a couple of months ago. I really like it. The NB/ANL circuit is the best I've ever used in a CB type radio. |
Tech548
Moderator
Username: Tech548
Post Number: 66
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 11:43 pm: |
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Highlander
I know exactly what you mean. In my opinion, Uniden designed the "best" working NB and ANL in the industry. I never came across one that didn't work correctly.
"Uniden". Not a good sounding name but you can't help but respect them.
Jeff. |
