A good CB (Citizens' Band) radio is an essential piece of equipment when traveling across the country in a Motorhome or RV. In the age of cell phones, one might ask: "why do I still need a CB radio?. Although a CB may be considered to be an anachronism by some, it can still be a life saver when you are out of cell phone range. Additionally, CBs are very useful in finding and reporting traffic delays, road hazards, and accidents, usually on Channel 19 or Channel 9 for emergencies. If you are touring in a convoy with several other RVers, you can stay in direct contact and communicate with multiple parties at the same time.

There are many good CB radios to choose from, and the Cobra 29 WX NW ST Mobile CB radio is among the better radios available on the market today.

Read full review of the Cobra 29 WX NW ST - Mobile CB Radio

Cobra 29 WX NW ST Mobile CB Radio

As with all CB radios currently on the market today, this unit has essentially the same broadcast range as all other units because the FCC restricts power output to a maximum of 5 watts. What differentiates one CB radio from another is the quality and extent of features offered, and the radio's reliability. It is in these areas that the Cobra 29 WX NW ST Mobile CB excels. The Cobra uses every technological advancment at its disposal to insure that you squeeze the most you can out of the FCC 5 watt limitation.

Both transmission and receiving audio output and quality are a key factor in deciding which CB radio to purchase. The Cobra WX NW ST 29 CB radio's audio and controls preform very well, and it has many unique features which are very useful. The Cobra NightWatch radio utilizes their "SoundTrack" system to reduce a channel's static noise by a claimed 90 percent. This feature works reasonably well, although by switching to another channel and adjusting the squelch you can accomplish the same thing.

Cobra's "NightWatch" Feature

Cobra's "NightWatch" CB radios feature full illumination of all function settings for safe and easy night viewing. The electro-luminescent backlighting uses a dedicated integrated circuit designed to increase nighttime readability and minimize eye fatigue. The unit has a dimmer control to adjust the brightness to your immediate lighting conditions.

NOAA Weather Function

Like many CB's on the market today, the Cobra CB has a multi-channel weather function for obtaining NOAA weather info. With multiple NOAA channels, you can access weather information in your immediate location. The Cobra 29 WX NW ST CB also has a weather alert function that can send a loud alarm - even when switched off if the unit is powered.

Cobra Installation

Installation of this unit is basically the same as for any other CB Radio. The Cobra radio comes with a standard "U" shaped bracket for mounting the unit in an "under dash" position. A direct battery connection will provide cleaner sound with less interference from the RV's electrical components and engine.

NOTE: Avoid coiling any excess antenna cable in a circular pattern as this can effect the Standing Wave Ratio or SWR of your antenna. Excess cable should be coiled in oblong loops or cut shorter (keeping the cable length in multiples 9 foot increments) to avoid problems. Many antennas are sold with a fixed length cable to avoid SWR issues.

Peaking Your CB

Peaking will insure that your CB has the maximum transmission output allowed by FCC law. Peaking is a simple modification that can be preformed by most local CB repair shops.

Standard Features for the Cobra 29 WX NW ST:

• 4 Watts AM RF Power Output : The maximum output power allowed by law.
• Illuminated Front Panel :NightWatch provides easy switch and control recognition at night.
• Dimmer Control : Adjusts brightness of the front panel, channel display and signal strength meter.
• SWR Calibration : Allows calibration of antenna for maximum performance.
• Tactile Controls : Allows you to feel the position of the dial in it's rotation without taking your eyes from the road.
• SoundTracker : Significantly improves transmission and reception sound quality.
• 7 NOAA Weather Channels : Instant access to 7 National Weather Channels in all 50 states, 24 hours a day. Alerts you to impending weather with an Emergency Weather Alert tone - even when CB is turned off.
• Instant Channel 9 and 19 : Instant access to emergency channel 9 and road information on channel 19.
• RF Gain : Adjusts receive gain in both weak or strong signal areas.
• 9 Foot Microphone Cord : For easy reach within the front portion of the RV.
• Front Microphone Connector : Allows convenient installation to be in dash or under dash.
• Switch-able Noise Blanker : Increases noise reduction.
• Adjustable Dynamike Boost : Increases voice clarity by dynamically boosting the microphone.
• PA Capability : For using the CB radio as a Public Address System with PA speaker.

Cobra CB Radio Options

Adding a TalkBack Speaker

The addition of a talkback speaker will allow you to hear yourself and how you sound over the radio. With this addition, you will hear how you sound in real-time while transmitting, aiding in making adjustments to the Dynamike and transmission audio to achieve better results. Note: A TalkBack speaker requires the PA feature.

Choosing a CB Antenna

The single most important purchasing decision aside from the radio will be the antenna. Any quality aftermarket antenna (Cobra, Everhardt, K-40, Power-Max, Wilson, etc.) can be tuned using Cobra's built-in SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) feature. Choose a CB Antenna with as much length as you can tolerate. NOTE: Some older CB antennas are not optimized for receiving NOAA weather channels. Poor quality coax cable, antenna mounts, or use of less inefficient antennas can cause bottlenecks.

Purchase the Cobra 29 WX NW ST Mobile CB at Amazon.com and save 39%:

Cobra 29WXNWST NightWatch CB Radio (40-Channel)

Other Cobra CB Radio products at Camping World:

Power-Max Through-Glass Moblie CB Antenna

Everhardt CB Antennas

Cobra 25 WX NW ST/Weather Radio with SoundTracker™

Cobra Mobile CB with SoundTracker™

Cobra Mobile CB