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Message |
    
Mobilepainter
New member
Username: Mobilepainter
Post Number: 8
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 29, 2004 - 1:24 am: | 
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Ok.... I have decided the 146gtl would be better of in the house. I use 3 different Cobras ( 148gtl, 146gtl and 29ltd st ) and they all have way too much static while driving. The 2 Unidens I use ( PC68XL wifes car, and a tiny pro series radioshack lookin thing in one of our works trucks ) Pick up little to no static at all, ie, engine noise etc.
I bought a DX949 and would like some easy to do mods for it. I do have a solder iron and I know which end gets hot =P, but not much beyond that.
Just lookin' for modulation that will be clean but loud. Maybe a power mod if yall think it's needed.
Picking up a D104 M6B this week to put on this radio as well.
I may use my Messenger 250 unless this thing can produce sufficient power on its own. 15-25 watts would make me happy if it's worth the effort.
Mobilepainter AKA Lagwagon ch 8 & 17 NW Washihgnton |
Viking
Intermediate Member
Username: Viking
Post Number: 139
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 29, 2004 - 10:44 am: |
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The absolute best thing you could do for that radio is to put on the D104 M6B.
If you look at the Forum main page, in the left frame under tools, you'll find "Modification List". Look up your radio there and you'll find what you need. |
Mobilepainter
New member
Username: Mobilepainter
Post Number: 9
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 29, 2004 - 11:48 pm: |
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I am sorry for being a n00b but I'd rather ask a dumb question than ruin my radio.
I am not sure how to adjust low and high power for best results.
And for the modulation limiter. Using a power/swr meter is it possible to dertimine the best setting or do I need a special meter for that? |
Alsworld
Advanced Member
Username: Alsworld
Post Number: 831
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 - 5:11 pm: |
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You would need an external meter to read the output while you make your adjustments. I would recommend seeing just what your radio is doing first at both low & high power prior to adjusting anything. Also, if it reads PEP, see what you "swing" up to when you modulate. Write it all down then proceed.
With a meter hooked up, your radio power on (usually upside down with the lower cover off), set to AM, deadkey the mike and adjust the low power pot to where you want. Most go to like 1 1/2- 2 watts on the low side. Then do the same with the high power pot adjusting up the power. Once you hit the max on the high power, I'd back it off a bit.
Check this with your meter to see just how the radio has responded from low to high power when you key then modulate. Give it a good aaauuuuuudiiiiiiooooooo and see what it does. If your meter is a PEP meter, it should show a swing from your deadkey up to the max or more. If an RMS meter, backwards swing may be shown when modulating.
I would leave the limiter alone. You can adjust the AMC pot but it really needs to be done with a modulation meter instead of just guessing, although a friend a few miles away can help you out as far as the sound level goes. Beware though that if you add a power mic, you will need to redo this step as you can cause some serious harmonics my overmodulating and make a good radio turn into a slatter box. If you are splattering up and down the channels, back the mic and/or AMC pot back down. Nobody likes to hear a dirty radio on the airwaves.
This is the poor mans tune up but unless you have an O scope in your back pocket, it will get you some results.
Good luck
Alsworld |
Mobilepainter
Junior Member
Username: Mobilepainter
Post Number: 10
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 - 11:01 pm: |
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I have a D104 M6B right now... maybe I will leave the modulation alone and just adjust the power then and see how things go.
Thanks for the info, every little bit helps. Next step will be unlocking the clarifier.
I would buy and Oscilliscope ( spelling? ) if it was reasonable to do. Maybe I will look for one online. |
Alsworld
Advanced Member
Username: Alsworld
Post Number: 832
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 01, 2004 - 9:43 am: |
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Yes I would love to have one but I would not know how to use it honestly. Funny thing is I have them all around me at work, so maybe I'll try and understand how they work. I can see their uses, but for a general mud duck such as myself, who runs radios pretty much stock (with a little minor tweaking but nothing harsh, and NO cutting/Removing anything), it's just overkill for me.
If I want my radios super tuned with an O scope used, I only have a few select people I would send it to. I almost had this done recently but my trip got canceled.
You have a nice setup. Run that mic at around setting "4" and that's all it takes.
Alsworld
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Mobilepainter
Junior Member
Username: Mobilepainter
Post Number: 16
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 07, 2004 - 9:07 am: |
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On a side note.... when I switched from he 146gtl to the dx949 all my engine noise dissapeared. YAY! It's is my opinion that Cobra radio for mobile use leave a lot to be desired. |
