CB all-in-one microphone w/ PA capabilities

orange_rubi · 11-19-2009, 01:14 PM

Anyone know if there is a setup like the Cobra 75 WX ST that also includes PA capabilities? It doesn't have to be just like the cobra (or a cobra) but have some of the same basic features - volume, channel, squelch, etc. Anyone know of anything - tired a search but coming up dead. Any other recommendations - know galaxy, cobra, and uniden are pretty good. Thanks

Cobra 75 WX ST

OurayWK · 11-19-2009, 08:16 PM

Dude! Just get the Cobra 75WXSt and get a bull horn!

**Jerry Bransford** · 11-20-2009, 02:07 PM

Personally, I wouldn't install the Cobra 75 WX ST even if it had a PA function. Its speaker inside the mic is just too tiny and tinny sounding, and in a loud Jeep it can be nearly impossible to understand. I would just go for something like a Uniden Pro520XL if you need a PA function. It has a speaker that is big enough to hear and it's not really any more difficult to install than the 75 WX ST is.

**guitarguy** · 11-20-2009, 02:28 PM

Cobra 76 (google it).

Almost the same as the cobra 75, but with PA function. Too bad it comes in a neon blue color.... It's also missing a function or 2 that the 75 has, channel scan I think.

But I do agree with Jerry, I had a Cobra 75, wasn't too happy with it, then picked up a Cobra 25 with all the bells and whistles for less then what I paid for the 75. The 25 has PA as well...

orange_rubi · 11-30-2009, 04:08 PM

So, now I have mixed reviews on the cobra 75 - a guy I wheel with has it and loves it, the guy at the local trucker cb shop says that they are great radios with or without an external speaker but now I have two fellow jeepers who say otherwise. I'm at a loss. Would the 75 be worth it with an external speaker?

What about PA - honestly it sounds like a cool idea and a nice feature but is it really worth it? Could see it being an advantage to talk to spotters outside the jeep but is that it? I'm torn.

Jerry, I have been looking at the Uniden 520 and the smaller cobra too - I believe Midland also has a small radio that is comparable. Since the jeep is my dd and this sunny southern az weather leaves me to have the jeep naked 95% of the year theft is a big issue - I like how the cobra 75 can be detached pretty easy and be trown in a pocket or in the gf's purse if I run into the store.

**Jerry Bransford** · 11-30-2009, 07:19 PM

If you're worried about theft, simply use security torx head bolts to mount it with. For a $40 radio, I'm not worried too much about theft... I'd rather have a radio I like and is easy to operate/easy to hear.

madrabbitt · 11-30-2009, 11:38 PM

Cobra 75 with a good external speaker is just fine.
Easy to operate, easy to install, easy to conceal.
The only bad part about it is the poor noise output from the speaker, especially in a loud vehicle, so mounting a good external speaker (which shouldnt cost you more then $20) solves that.

And what is the obscession with PA's? Everyone acts like they're an essential piece of equipment...

Joe Diver · 12-01-2009, 09:37 AM

My Cobra 29 is PA capable...but honestly, I can't think of any use I'd have for it.

orange_rubi · 12-01-2009, 11:33 AM

thought the pa might be something i'd use on the trail - but to be honest since it is my jeep is my dd i am worried about getting in trouble with the pa during my everyday drive - i tend to have a good time with my "toys" and the temptation to "communicate" with other people might be a little more that I could handle.

haven't gotten a good justification for having the pa.

madrabbit - good to hear a positive review - but again i'm in an open air lj so it's going to be different in an enclosed vehicle such as yours - so an external speaker might be a necessity.

talked with the guys at my local pa shop and we discussed even running the speaker line into the jeeps stereo - so now i'm on the search for a write-up on how i can do that

cormac827 · 12-01-2009, 02:25 PM

i have the lil cobra, (had) and it was perfect. Plenty loud enough, even at highway speeds. Offroad you are moving slow so you can always hear it! no worries there. If you were worried, you can easily hook it into your cab speakers even. worked awesome for me, mounted behind dash, and it was super clean (thats why i like them). when you dont use it, you can put away!