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Call Sign : 26-CT-3029 Posts : 88 Times Thanked : 6 Join date : 2019-11-29 QTH or Location : Dudley Equipment Used : CTR SS6900 cobra 29 ltd st Fidelity CB 3000FM Ham international multimode 2 Imax 2000 Age : 47
Subject: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Fri Mar 24, 2023 1:41 pm
What People think of the cobra 148 is it good or bad what's your thoughts I am thinking of getting one Thx
Alan Pilot Major contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-220... Posts : 2657 Times Thanked : 70 Join date : 2019-11-19 QTH or Location : Anglesey North Wales Equipment Used : Yaesu FT-991A,,Yaesu FTDX-10,,Icom ic-7610,,Anytone AT-D878UV PLUS",,LINCOLN II+. Age : 16
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Fri Mar 24, 2023 2:35 pm
Is it the old Cobra 148-gtl-dx by any chance.
TJS 26CT3029 Contributor
Call Sign : 26-CT-3029 Posts : 88 Times Thanked : 6 Join date : 2019-11-29 QTH or Location : Dudley Equipment Used : CTR SS6900 cobra 29 ltd st Fidelity CB 3000FM Ham international multimode 2 Imax 2000 Age : 47
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Fri Mar 24, 2023 2:47 pm
Alan Pilot wrote:
Is it the old Cobra 148-gtl-dx by any chance.
Yes mate
Alan Pilot Major contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-220... Posts : 2657 Times Thanked : 70 Join date : 2019-11-19 QTH or Location : Anglesey North Wales Equipment Used : Yaesu FT-991A,,Yaesu FTDX-10,,Icom ic-7610,,Anytone AT-D878UV PLUS",,LINCOLN II+. Age : 16
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Fri Mar 24, 2023 2:54 pm
They where the dog's doo dars back in the day. If you can find one that hasn't been butchered and know how to service it then go for it.  At the age they are now i would think a retune would be a good idea.
Les-1 and TJS 26CT3029 like this post
TJS 26CT3029 Contributor
Call Sign : 26-CT-3029 Posts : 88 Times Thanked : 6 Join date : 2019-11-29 QTH or Location : Dudley Equipment Used : CTR SS6900 cobra 29 ltd st Fidelity CB 3000FM Ham international multimode 2 Imax 2000 Age : 47
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Fri Mar 24, 2023 3:10 pm
Alan Pilot wrote:
They where the dog's doo dars back in the day. If you can find one that hasn't been butchered and know how to service it then go for it.  At the age they are now i would think a retune would be a good idea.
Thank you
Sharpshooter Major contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-329 Posts : 489 Times Thanked : 13 Join date : 2022-04-05 QTH or Location : Deeside, Flintshire Equipment Used : A growing list
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Sat Mar 25, 2023 8:43 am
As Alan says, may need a tune up. Probably less were butchered due to them having pretty much everything as standard anyway, although the pots might have been turned up. Depends what your paying for it or "what your happy to pay for it".
I've just bought a old CRT 3900 with a frequency counter hard wired . It came up at a decent price, and I wanted an old cobra style SSB rig. The 3900 are re-released now, also an anytone ares II version. Both for around £180. If it's more expensive one of those may be a better option, especially if you can't get it checked.
Call Sign : 26-CT-3029 Posts : 88 Times Thanked : 6 Join date : 2019-11-29 QTH or Location : Dudley Equipment Used : CTR SS6900 cobra 29 ltd st Fidelity CB 3000FM Ham international multimode 2 Imax 2000 Age : 47
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Sat Mar 25, 2023 12:49 pm
My dad ad one back in the day just won't something different from plain black
Gilbern invader New Member
Call Sign : DC07 Posts : 26 Times Thanked : 0 Join date : 2022-08-22 QTH or Location : eltham Equipment Used : CRT 6900n/Kenwood TS-450/148 GTL DX Age : 72
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Sat Mar 25, 2023 8:05 pm
I’ve owned my cobra 148 since 1975 when I bought it in Florida whilst on holiday and it still my mobile go to radio totally untouched with any mods.as stated if you can find a good one then you won’t be disappointed.
John123 and TJS 26CT3029 like this post
RadioWavez New Member
Call Sign : 2-CT-210 Posts : 45 Times Thanked : 7 Join date : 2022-01-01 QTH or Location : Lexington, Kentucky Equipment Used : Alinco DX-SR8
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Tue Mar 28, 2023 6:26 pm
Great radio, go for it!
Mudslinger Contributor
Call Sign : 26CT612 Posts : 51 Times Thanked : 0 Join date : 2020-04-14 QTH or Location : West Oxfordshire Equipment Used : Various SSB sets
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Tue Mar 28, 2023 10:07 pm
Great radios, good ones are rare. You might find it easier (and cheaper) to find a Superstar 360FM in good condition. They are identical apart from the front panel inlay and the serial number plate on the back.
The lack of nostalgia for them makes them less desireable, and they were sold for a much longer period than the Cobra so there are more around.
With both models most would agree that the Mk2 (PB-010) boarded versions were the best but a standard Mk1 will still perform well.
There was also a President Richard which used a later, updated revision of the same board as the Mk2. They are quite rare but pop up from time to time.
John123 and Victor like this post
Alan Pilot Major contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-220... Posts : 2657 Times Thanked : 70 Join date : 2019-11-19 QTH or Location : Anglesey North Wales Equipment Used : Yaesu FT-991A,,Yaesu FTDX-10,,Icom ic-7610,,Anytone AT-D878UV PLUS",,LINCOLN II+. Age : 16
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Wed Mar 29, 2023 6:04 am
I spent our mortgage money on one in the 70's brand new it was but can't remember the price but have £125 in my head. My second wife would have understood but the first one didn't lol.
John123, Les-1 and Gilbern invader like this post
Gilbern invader New Member
Call Sign : DC07 Posts : 26 Times Thanked : 0 Join date : 2022-08-22 QTH or Location : eltham Equipment Used : CRT 6900n/Kenwood TS-450/148 GTL DX Age : 72
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Wed Mar 29, 2023 7:05 am
It was the must have radio in its day and still much sought after now.
skyrider Major contributor
Call Sign : 26-CT-4654 Posts : 367 Times Thanked : 2 Join date : 2022-09-25 QTH or Location : Preston, Lancs. Equipment Used : UNIDEN 100, midland alan 78 plus multi + mag mount , silver rod Age : 64
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Wed Mar 29, 2023 10:41 am
did you get sauced AlanÂ
Alan Pilot Major contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-220... Posts : 2657 Times Thanked : 70 Join date : 2019-11-19 QTH or Location : Anglesey North Wales Equipment Used : Yaesu FT-991A,,Yaesu FTDX-10,,Icom ic-7610,,Anytone AT-D878UV PLUS",,LINCOLN II+. Age : 16
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Wed Mar 29, 2023 11:17 am
Don't know about "sauced" but taken to the cleaners not that long after.
skipmaster Contributor
Call Sign : 26-CT-1079 Posts : 56 Times Thanked : 3 Join date : 2019-07-01 QTH or Location : Walsall Age : 64
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Wed Mar 29, 2023 10:00 pm
great radio but dont think id buy one over an hf they probably work better on fm but if your going dxing on ssb a cheaper used hf with better power output if its not been messed with  will be a better option . just my humble opinion and i do own a jackson mk 1 and love itÂ
teapot Senior contributor
Call Sign : 26-CT-4484 Posts : 145 Times Thanked : 7 Join date : 2021-10-17 QTH or Location : Torquay Equipment Used : cobra 148 glt dx starlker9 fdx, icom 706 mk1
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Sat Apr 01, 2023 10:39 pm
I've own the 148 and the 360 back in the 1980s both where great and way out of my price range now if you have a chance of buying on go for it you wont be disappointed dave
Sharpshooter Major contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-329 Posts : 489 Times Thanked : 13 Join date : 2022-04-05 QTH or Location : Deeside, Flintshire Equipment Used : A growing list
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Sun Apr 02, 2023 12:09 am
skipmaster wrote:
great radio but dont think id buy one over an hf they probably work better on fm but if your going dxing on ssb a cheaper used hf with better power output if its not been messed with  will be a better option . just my humble opinion and i do own a jackson mk 1 and love itÂ
Out of interest, what HF set would you recommend? Say to someone looking at DXing and maybe thinking of doing the foundation ticket
Last edited by Sharpshooter on Sun Apr 02, 2023 10:25 am; edited 1 time in total
teapot Senior contributor
Call Sign : 26-CT-4484 Posts : 145 Times Thanked : 7 Join date : 2021-10-17 QTH or Location : Torquay Equipment Used : cobra 148 glt dx starlker9 fdx, icom 706 mk1
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Sun Apr 02, 2023 6:36 am
it is for home or the car?
Sharpshooter Major contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-329 Posts : 489 Times Thanked : 13 Join date : 2022-04-05 QTH or Location : Deeside, Flintshire Equipment Used : A growing list
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Sun Apr 02, 2023 10:29 am
teapot wrote:
it is for home or the car?
Home use. And I've edited the post to "foundation" . As I mistakenly posted "intermediate ".
TJS 26CT3029 Contributor
Call Sign : 26-CT-3029 Posts : 88 Times Thanked : 6 Join date : 2019-11-29 QTH or Location : Dudley Equipment Used : CTR SS6900 cobra 29 ltd st Fidelity CB 3000FM Ham international multimode 2 Imax 2000 Age : 47
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Thu Apr 06, 2023 1:58 pm
Sharpshooter wrote:
teapot wrote:
it is for home or the car?
Home use. And I've edited the post to "foundation" . As I mistakenly posted "intermediate ".
Sorry late reply it's for homebase
John123 CT Directors
Call Sign : 26CT763 Posts : 4635 Times Thanked : 166 Join date : 2019-06-27 QTH or Location : Manchester Equipment Used : Optima, Superstar 360fm, Stalker 9fdx, President Jack Age : 51
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Thu Apr 06, 2023 10:16 pm
Mudslinger wrote:
Great radios, good ones are rare. You might find it easier (and cheaper) to find a Superstar 360FM in good condition. They are identical apart from the front panel inlay and the serial number plate on the back.
The lack of nostalgia for them makes them less desireable, and they were sold for a much longer period than the Cobra so there are more around.
With both models most would agree that the Mk2 (PB-010) boarded versions were the best but a standard Mk1 will still perform well.
There was also a President Richard which used a later, updated revision of the same board as the Mk2. They are quite rare but pop up from time to time.
I have still got the boxed mk2 Superstar fm with the stealth front that you sold me back in the day, Simon. Brilliant radio and one of my favourites. I have had the uk40 mod and a tune-up from Black Spirit done on it. Definitely a keeper! I also have a standard mk2 Cobra.
P.s. Still got the boxed, black-fronted, Jack with the Hi-band factory mod too.
73s John.
Les-1, Victor, TJS 26CT3029 and Silver Surfer like this post
Mudslinger Contributor
Call Sign : 26CT612 Posts : 51 Times Thanked : 0 Join date : 2020-04-14 QTH or Location : West Oxfordshire Equipment Used : Various SSB sets
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Sat Apr 08, 2023 4:37 pm
John123 wrote:
Mudslinger wrote:
Great radios, good ones are rare. You might find it easier (and cheaper) to find a Superstar 360FM in good condition. They are identical apart from the front panel inlay and the serial number plate on the back.
The lack of nostalgia for them makes them less desireable, and they were sold for a much longer period than the Cobra so there are more around.
With both models most would agree that the Mk2 (PB-010) boarded versions were the best but a standard Mk1 will still perform well.
There was also a President Richard which used a later, updated revision of the same board as the Mk2. They are quite rare but pop up from time to time.
I have still got the boxed mk2 Superstar fm with the stealth front that you sold me back in the day, Simon. Brilliant radio and one of my favourites. I have had the uk40 mod and a tune-up from Black Spirit done on it. Definitely a keeper! I also have a standard mk2 Cobra.
P.s. Still got the boxed, black-fronted, Jack with the Hi-band factory mod too.
73s John.
That is good to know. They are both radios I probably should have hung onto looking back, but I am glad that they went to a good home and are being looked after.
John123, Victor, TJS 26CT3029 and teapot like this post
darren.johnson New Member
Call Sign : 2-CT-238 Posts : 5 Times Thanked : 2 Join date : 2023-04-27 QTH or Location : Salt Lake City, Utah, USA Equipment Used : KPO DX-5000 PLUS (no extra watts). Sigma Venom 1/2 Wave 18' Silver Rod Antenna. Age : 55
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Thu Aug 22, 2024 5:35 pm
Since they stopped making the Cobra 148 GTL now, there are still these similar ones; Texas Ranger TRE-797 Galaxy DX 979
teapot Senior contributor
Call Sign : 26-CT-4484 Posts : 145 Times Thanked : 7 Join date : 2021-10-17 QTH or Location : Torquay Equipment Used : cobra 148 glt dx starlker9 fdx, icom 706 mk1
Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it Fri Aug 23, 2024 8:05 am
i ran one for a good few during the 1980s the best radio i have ever used and owned, but now days you must be very careful so many have been butchered and are silly money good luck just be careful don't buy with your but with your head make sure you can see before you buy and use regards dave
TJS 26CT3029 likes this post
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Subject: Re: Cobra 148 whats people's thoughts on it