axl wrote:
Jeff Mayner wrote:
axl wrote:

Vinnie S. wrote:

On Tue, 08 Mar 2005 03:08:19 GMT, Axl wrote:



Ok, I had a Cobra 25 WX NW ST.



I heard those new cobras suffered from quality problems. The had
problems with cold solder joint and such. Take a quick look.

Vinnie S.

Im electrically challenged, can you explain in dumb terms? lol

Well I went out and bought a new antenna....from **** shack. I'm
going to get a new Cobra one tonight, found a place that has them.
The antenna seemed to really help reception, however it seems that
I'm still not heard (at least well). I'm hearing a lot of 'car
sounds' in it too. Windows mechanics, washer fluid spraying, hell,
even acceleration, which actually I heard before too, but this seems
worse, probably because I'm using that A/C adapter. It's driving me
crazy though.
I really need to get the power wired properly. With a good ground
would this be eliminated? I wish I knew how to do it. I'm starting
to think half the problem is Best Buy doing a hack job installing
some other components like my new stereo or my XM. Who knows.

ALSO I noticed the original ends of the power wires were soldered. I
stripped some more of the shielding so I could wrap the wires into
the adapter better and noticed further down its just copper. The
solder on the tips doesnt make any difference does it? Is this what
you were talking about.


Look. I mean no disrespect, but, you need to find a competant shop
and take it there and have them work out your problems. It sounds
like you have multiple problems and it most likely will be too
difficult to figure out all of them in this limited forum.

The one thing you can do that will help you more than anything else
is to get a Wilson 1000, magnet mount antenna, or equivelent, and
have someone "hardwire" your radio. Try and stay away from Radio
Shaq antennas. You're getting all that noise because your going
through the lighter _plus_ your electrical connections (antenna)
sound like they're spotty at best. The coax you're using sounds
suspect. Your grounding solutions sound suspect. In other words,
you've done the right thing and attempted the install yourself but
you obviously need some help. Don't be stubborn. ;-)

What about this antenna
http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catal...=SearchResults

This is the one I was going to get tonight.

Never had anything to do with the Cobra line of antennas. Probably OK, but
I'd be willing to bet not as good as the Wilson or K-40. You know that's
opinion talking so use your own, best judgement. Vinnie says K-40 and that's
most likely because he's had some experience with them. I have not. Of the
commercial magnet mounts I've used that were any good, again in my opinion,
it's been the Wilson. I've had better luck with a couple of home made
antennas but you're not there yet. You will be eventually and in the mean
time, the Wilson or the K-40 will do you right. You get what you pay for in
this hobby _and_ your antenna is a very important piece of the puzzle. Don't
get cheap and try and save a few bucks. If the Wilson, or K-40, is 10 to 15
more dollars than the Radio Shack, or the Cobra,...Spend it.

Also, you mentioned Best Buy. If you buy your radio equipment from a
retailer like them I would be very careful about having them install. You
may save $ on the purchase over a CB Shop, but, in the long run the CB Shop
may do a much better job on the install. Also, something to think about is
that the CB Shop is a small business owner and it's probably better to keep
him in business than throw your $ at some big corp that wont be very
personal with you. The shop in my area charges a few more $ for equipment
but I usually pay it 'cause I want to help keep him in business. I've saved
mucho $ in free advice over the years just by hanging out and buying the guy
a couple of hamburgers and fries now and then. Can't do that with a big
corp.

Jeff