CB problems

[Jason Ramirez]

I have had 2 cobra 19s quit on me in the last little while. I have it grounded to a seat bolt, power all the way to the battery. A 5' tunable firestick, and got my swr's down to 1.5 on both channel 1 and 40. But after 1 day they both just quit. Still have power, will still put a high number on other radios, but they can't hear me and I can't hear them. Turn the squelch all the way down and no static. So I am done with the $36 CB's. Someone recommend a better quality one to me or if anyone knows, tell me What's wrong please. Thanks everyone

 

[shawn]

I just bought a new Uniden a few months ago. The last one was a 510, it did something similar, where basically I could hear everybody else, but it was only transmitting about 10-20ft from the vehicle. It did weird things with the squelch, too. The new one is a 520, I think. Basically the same thing, but with RF gain.

I usually get a few years out of them regardless of how much I spend, so I just buy the $40-60 ones.

 

[Jason Ramirez]

Thanks for the info, I only thought that anything with the name cobra on it should of been the best. Guess not

 

[Lizooki]

What did you use to check/set the SWR?

Matt

 

[Jason Ramirez]

A little meter that a buddy gave me. And I got both 1 and 40 on 1.5 last Friday. But after it quit I checked it again and they are near 3 now

 

[Lizooki]

Yeah, I would bet the little meter is not accurate, and you have used the with too high an SWR and burned out both radios.
Or, It might just be the radio has a self protection circuit and wont let them work because the SWR it too high.

Too bad you're not near Winston Salem. I would be glad to check them out.

Matt

 

[Jason Ramirez]

Makes perfect sense. Thanks