Classic CB Radio with NightWatch™
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Cobra 29 LTD CB radios are known for their performance, reliability, and durability and will provide you with years of reliable service. Now, thanks to Cobra's leadership to enable FM mode usage with CBs used in the United States and Canada, you can enjoy dual-mode AM/FM functionality in your CB.
Classic design with 4 Watts, 40 CB channels, and NightWatch™ illumination with variable dimmer
Access AM and FM channels to communicate with more users and with better sound quality
Ergonomic design with intuitive controls make this CB radio easy to use and operate
Instantly switch from normal operation to channel 9 or 19 in case of emergencies or accidents
Easily adjust RF Gain for the best signal or Squelch to minimize background noise
Adjust and calibrate your SWR meter for optimum antenna performance
Know when your antenna needs checking with the illuminated indicator
Adjust Dynamike Boost for communication that’s loud and clear
The included 9 foot microphone cable makes it easy to reach and talk
Maximum power allowed by law for extended range of communication
Access all 40 CB radio channels with new dual-mode AM/FM
Includes CB radio mounting bracket and microphone hanger hardware
For decades, AM communication has been the standard for CB radios in the US. Now with dual-mode AM/FM on Cobra CB radios, you have your choice of what mode to use. FM generally has clearer sound with less background noise because FM prefers a stronger signal. See how AM and FM compare in the video.
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Weight: 4.50 lbs. (2041.16g)
Height: 2.49" (6.32cm)
Width: 7.60" (19.30cm)
Depth: 8.60" (21.84cm)
FEATURES
4 Watts Power Output - Maximum power allowed by law for extended range of communication
40 CB Channels - Full channel coverage
Dual-Mode AM/FM - Communicate on either AM or FM modes on all 40 channels
NightWatch™ Electroluminescent Front Panel - Fully illuminates the radio’s function settings for easy viewing at night
Dimmer Control - Control the brightness of the front panel, signal strength meter and channel display
SWR Calibration - Allows calibration of the antenna system for maximum performance
Antenna Warning Indicator - Illuminates when the antenna needs checking
Instant Channel 9 and 19 - Immediate access to emergency channel 9 and information channel 19
Can I use FM mode on CB radio?
Yes, you can now use FM mode on CB radios in the U.S. and Canada.
Why are people excited about FM capabilities for CB radios?
Historically, one major limitation of CB radios has been the number of channels (or frequencies). Traditional CB radios only operate on 40 channels and in the following modes:
FM (Frequency Modulation) mode offers much better sound quality when communicating via radio and improves the CB experience by leaps and bounds. This is the biggest change to CB radio technology since its expansion from 23 to 40 channels in 1977.
FM mode is the best of all worlds when it comes to CB radio. The equipment is affordable, compatible with existing CB setups, and offers the best available sound quality due to the "capture effect," meaning that one strong signal is selected, and other signals are suppressed.
How did FM mode finally get approved for CB radio in the U.S.?
While FM mode is new to CB users in the U.S., it isn’t new to radio. AM/FM capable CB radios have been legal in Europe and several countries in other parts of the world for years, where FM is now the main mode of communication due to its superior sound quality.
Adding FM mode to CB radio in the U.S. was approved by the FCC thanks to the efforts of Cobra Electronics and our customers. We petitioned the Federal Communications Commission for a rule change to FCC Part 95 in 2016 and asked our customer base for feedback on their interest in using FM mode. We gathered input from many sources – including online CB radio forums, off-road vehicle clubs, distributors, and more – and the result was a resounding yes! With wide acceptance for allowing FM frequencies on CB radios by our customers, the FCC finally approved the change in September of 2021.
What’s the difference between AM and FM mode? Is it just like my car stereo?
Not exactly. In a car stereo, the AM stations occupy a completely different band (a specific range of frequencies in the radio frequency spectrum) than the FM stations. For a car stereo system, the FM band is located at a much higher frequency than the AM band, which contributes to improved sound quality. Radio frequencies are organized as follows:
FM mode sounds better on a car stereo because Frequency Modulation is more resistant to background noise pollution from other transmitters and atmospheric conditions like noisy power inputs, nearby power transformers, solar radiation, storms, etc.
On a CB radio, AM/FM operates a little differently. A CB radio’s frequency range is 26.965 – 27.405MHz and is broken up into 40 channels, with 10kHz steps. AM and FM signals can both occupy this same frequency band, traditionally used for AM and Single Side Band (SSB) modes.
Should my CB be on AM or FM mode?
The mode you should select for CB communication depends on your needs and the distance between users. The main advantage of AM for CB is longer range, and the main advantage of FM is sound quality at close range. Having a dual mode AM/FM CB radio allows the user to modulate between the two types of channels to find and use the best signal for communication based on their needs.
For example, if the sound is coming through muffled while communicating locally on an AM channel, switching to FM mode on the same frequency can strengthen the signal and greatly improve the volume and clarity of the sound. But if you’re trying to communicate with other CB users at greater distances, AM frequencies will likely be more reliable.
Will I need a new antenna?
No, your existing antennae systems will work for FM mode.
What frequency is used for CB FM mode?
FM mode operates withing the same 40-channel frequency band traditionally used for AM on CB radio: 26.965 – 27.405MHz.
Does FM require special hardware or a different radio design? Will an AM/FM CB radio work with my existing or older CB setups?
Yes, the way FM signals are received and processed is different from AM mode and requires specific FM compatible equipment. This equipment can be retrofitted to work with existing CB setups, so you will not need to purchase all new equipment to add FM mode to your CB.
Can I still talk to people on my current AM CB?
Yes, you will still be able to communicate using AM mode as normal. Because AM and FM modes will share frequencies, users will be able to share channels across modes and will likely be able to hear incoming signals from the mode not currently in use. AM-only users will be limited to AM channels, so if FM users are occupying a specific channel, AM users may not be able to join in the conversation.
What is SSB and how does it relate to AM and FM?
CB radio allows for the use of several different types of modulation methods or "modes." Single Side Band or SSB modulation is a type of amplitude modulation that uses less than half the bandwidth of a traditional AM signal. SBB is divided into Upper Side Band and Lower Side Band. SSB allows for communication over longer distances, including international.
While SSB uses less bandwidth, FM mode occupies the widest frequency band and offers much richer sound quality. SBB has a longer effective range than FM, but as an AM mode, it is still subject to background noise and interference.
Keep in mind that SSB radios require additional hardware and are a more expensive option for CB radio, typically costing $30 – $50 and up more than AM-only radio units.
SSB is also more complex to operate and is typically only recommended for advanced users; it includes a "clarifier" control that requires the user to manually tune in to an incoming signal each time.
Why would I want FM for my CB radio?
FM mode offers better audio quality for CB users and is easy to use. It offers clear, noise-free, and more intelligible two-way communications versus AM, which is why FM is popular with CB users in other countries and in other radio bands. FM mode also greatly reduces background noise and interference.
You may also want to use FM mode to communicate with other users, as traditional AM-only units will not be able join the conversation on FM frequencies.
Should I upgrade my CB now?
Now is a great time to upgrade your CB setup with AM/FM compatibility to connect with other FM users in the U.S. Having FM mode available can enhance the CB radio experience with superior sound quality. Plus, you can find new communities of CB users on FM channels!
If you’re ready to upgrade your CB experience, explore Cobra Pro AM/FM compatible CB radios today.
Overall rating: 4.376344 / 5 from 93 reviews.
The Cobra 29 LTD NW radio is praised for its enhanced safety features with NightWatch™ illumination and improved sound quality with dual-mode AM/FM. Customers appreciate its clear sound and reduced static, along with its beautiful and fantastic look.
Review topics: ["sound","performance","display","problem","features","price","radio","cobra","works","look","brand","swr","unit","antenna","box","transmission","reception"].
"Very pleased with this unit. Once I properly tuned the antenna it works perfectly. Honestly I bought it for the PA feature to scream at Massachusetts drivers. They are the WORST! Hence the term MassHole"
"Great, capable radio. Radio makes tuning/calibrating the antenna simple amd straightforward. Thinking about a second radio for my base station."
"Very good"
"I recently purchased a new Cobra 29 LTD night watch for my truck. I few days after purchasing and installing the cb into my truck, my girlfriend and I went on a long trip, 1200 miles one way. During the trip, the cb performed flawlessly. The backlit display works beautifully and was easy on the eyes when driving at night. I have the cb paired to a Little Will Wilson antenna that I've had for a very long time and out in the middle of Illinois I was clearly receiving transmissions from other operators almost 5 miles away and they were able to clearly hear me as well. Very happy with my purchase and will eventually be buying another Cobra 29 for my Bronco."
"Love it very much . Wish I bought the black front not too much glare from the sun Not buy the crome"
"WELL I FINALLY GOT NEW CO AX IN MY COMPANY TRUCK. WHEN DEPRESSING BUTTON ON HAND SET THERE'S A SQUEALING NOISE. WHAT IS IT AND WHY IS IT DOING THIS ITS BRAND NEW. . ."
"Nice unit. Can’t wait to try it out! It’s big!finding a spot in my jeep was a challenge but it looks great."
"I have always had Cobra radios and I switched to a different brand on the recommendation of a friend and I was not happy. When the radio finally died I went back to what I knew and trusted"
"Bought unit # DB4K23H11107. New in box never opened. Mic broken and missing all electric plug in with fuse that plugs in the back of radio to power source. Should have stayed with my Uniden."
"It does not work and i dont have time to get it figured out before i leave on a two month trip."
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