[Colts Fan]

Do you need to get it peaked and tuned right out of the box, or do you need to see how it performs first? I have a Cobra 29 Classic (if that even matters).

[scania]

I had mine done right after I bought it and do a SWR on it while u're there.
Only thing is watch who you use,some guys claiming to be CB shops can really screw up your radio.

[Colts Fan]

Originally Posted by scania

I had mine done right after I bought it and do a SWR on it while u're there.
Only thing is watch who you use,some guys claiming to be CB shops can really screw up your radio.

What is a SWR and what does it typically cost to get it all done?

[Mackman]

Originally Posted by Colts Fan

What is a SWR and what does it typically cost to get it all done?

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/question490.htm

[Uturn2001]

In layman's terms the SWR reading tells you how well your antenna(s) are tuned to your radio.

An ideal reading would be a 1 (1:1), anything under a 2 (2:1) is acceptable.
Anything over a 3 (3:1) and you run a serious risk of damaging the radio.

The lower the SWR the better the radio will perform.

[Uturn2001]

And to answer your original question. No you do not need to have the radio peeked and tuned. You do need to check your SWR or have your SWR checked.

The Cobra 29 has a built in SWR meter. Read your instruction book to see how to use it. If you do not understand or are not comfortable doing it yourself then seek someone who is.

The built in meters are not super accurate, but they do a good enough job to keep you in an acceptable ratio and will keep you from frying your radio.

[mapleleaf_1]

Colts, there is a gentleman who has his own small shop at the Flying J on I-65 at exit #240. It's by the garage bays. His hours are from approx. 4:00 P.M. till 11:00 P.M. weekdays. His name is Howard. He KNOWS what he's doing and he won't steer you wrong. If you need something done he'll tell you so and if you don't need it he'll tell you that also. He's upfront and honest.

[Useless]

I used to operate on the 10 meter band with two tin cans connected with Stren monofilament fishing line.

Never got it tweaked, and never had any trouble!!

[scania]

Originally Posted by scania

I had mine done right after I bought it and do a SWR on it while u're there.
Only thing is watch who you use,some guys claiming to be CB shops can really screw up your radio.

Sorry Colt guess I really didn't answer that question right.
No you don't have to get it tuned right out of the box,I also have a Cobra 29 and the SWR meters on these radios are not very accurate on there.
Whenever you get your antenna it's best to let a professional do a SWR on it,once you see how it's done you can buy your own meter at Radio Shack or truck stops.
Getting your SWR as low as you can is the whole key to having a good system,what kinda antenna do you have?

[TwoBitt]

Colt,
You can have it tuned if you want, it should work good new. I myself live in WV and would like to talk to my buddies (going the other direction) for more than a min. so I had my 29 worked on. bigger finals, talk back, tubro board, peak and tuned.I had a guy in Montgomery Al. do the work (SNOWMAN) He is great and has great prices!(he talks skip on CH 6 at 14,000 watts thats right boys and girls I said 14,000 watts)
Make sure you use a 18' cable and a good antenna. I use the grey or clear cable with gold wire in it and a Francis (now being made by Diesel) antenna, the francis antenna is good right out of the package. Just make sure you have a good ground for both antenna and the radio.

BTW. I have a 25 in my pick up with a 102 whip and it talks better than my 29 with the same work done to it.