Cobra 200 GTL DX - SSB Multimode CB/Ham Radio Review

Post by **Guzzy** » 01 Feb 2006, 12:53

Nice review, Simon.

It looks like another great piece of CB/HAM radio kit. Very much in the Magnum Delta/Omega Force, S-9 style. These radios are definetely made for DX CBers!

Kinda makes you wonder why the manufacturers are bothering, considering CB radio is supposed to be dying?

I notice that the style is still very much 1980's. Not that I have anything against the 1980's, but it was over 16 years ago! Take a look at modern 2m HAM mobile radios, sleek little black units with all sorts of features you just don't find on even brand new CB's. When are we going to see really new cutting edge CB design? As opposed to rehashed 1980's stuff with modern surface mount components on the inside?

Wishfull thinking I suppose. The 2m/70cm HAM radios get a lot of their technological advancements from the VHF/UHF Business Radio side of things. There just isn't anything like that for CB.

So, anyway ... When can we expect the review of your Magnum S-9?

Jon

YouTube · Post by **Transmission1** » 01 Feb 2006, 14:23

Jon,

Thanks for the comments, glad you enjoyed the review. It's always good to bring new material to the site whenever time allows. I have some more pictures to add to this review to show the "nightwatch" facility an its electro-green glow but I have mis-placed them!

You are right about the styling, hence the expression I used "the new classic". I believe that the 70s/80s styling is a nostaglic thing designed to appeal to those who lived in the golden age of CB radio and of course all the truckers to whom space wasn't such a limiting factor in radio design.

As you'll know quite a number of new design radios for the european multi-channel market have appeared including the TTi's and Intek's. I think we're seeing some new models thanks to the manufacturers making radios not just for the UK market but also the whole of Europe, it certainly makes commercial sense not to make radios for the UK only market as they certainly would not make them any money any longer. The only problem is that we have yet to see an innovations for the SSB market - probably because CB'ers who want beter features in a radio are simply buying modded ham gear as this can work out just as cheap as an SSB CB radio and perform way better.

As for a review of the S-9, wait and see! I've got something new from 121radio.co.uk to play with first and maybe after that we'll have a go!

Simon

Post by **Guzzy** » 01 Feb 2006, 14:57

As for a review of the S-9, wait and see! I've got something new from 121radio.co.uk to play with first and maybe after that we'll have a go!

Spill the beans!

YouTube · Post by **Transmission1** » 01 Feb 2006, 15:09

2H2UZ wrote:Spill the beans!

Sorry Jon, it's not a CB but an interesting piece of gear all the same:

Take a peek at http://www.121radio.co.uk/acatalog/Prof ... adios.html and it's the very first radio at the top of the page.

PMR-446 might not have the power of CB radio and might have limited appeal but it certainly gives a good range and can actually be used for dx-ing even without modifications! I have spoke over 100 miles on 446!

It's sat here in its box waiting for me to charge it up! Better get on with it!

Post by **Guzzy** » 01 Feb 2006, 18:38

I've heard NOTHING but good words spoken about the TX-1446. tti seem to be on a bit of a roll at the moment, what with their outstanding TX-446 and 500TX models.

I look forward to reading your review. (The challenge will be to find something bad about it! :-) )