Cobra 85 CB Radio Base Station. This old girl still gets it done!

[@kurttuttle1817]

Nice older cb radio, like you a nice way to get into it. Myself, would like to get a Johnson Messenger white face. but what I really like is seeing the old AM radio you have in the back ground, reminds me of home, because parents had one for years and it was always on.

[@FarpointFarms]

Picked that up from an elderly gentleman that refurbished it. Works great!

[@uniquenamegoeshere2263]

Good fun!

[@FarpointFarms]

Agreed!

[@jimzivny1554]

A friend had one of those back in the late 70's. Worked great but he sold it to upgrade. Cool old piece

[@FarpointFarms]

I could see wanting to get a SSB model.

[@franciscolopez3229]

Wow, that sure is a nostalgic piece of history you've got there. Ain't it just nice to see vintage rigs still up and running. Thanks for sharing.

[@dsawyer8]

That was my first cb , my father gave me years ago. I still have it. It always did great with my old star duster. I enjoyed many many hours on that set.

[@FarpointFarms]

Very cool! I think it is time to set it back up

[@BrianD1961]

Still have it! how cool is that. It appears the Cobra 85 was the first for many here. Me too! Around '74-'75 I think, at the age of 13-14. My middle scool pal a couple blocks away had the same set up. I had a D-104 mic. It transmitted a high pitched clang noise when I hit the mic. Everyone commented on that when they heard me or my friend break. Thanks for the memories...

[@dsawyer8]

@@BrianD1961 hi Brian. I enjoyed many years as a child listening to my father on the cb. It always relaxed me to just lay on the couch and listen to him talk to all of his friends. He was really well known by all the community in the tri states. I enherited his last base unit which was a galaxy saturn. And my grandfather's cobra 2000 gtl with the speakers in mint condition. I love and cherish them both.

[@dsawyer8]

@@BrianD1961 I also have turner +2 mics and a +3 which for whatever reason seemed to be their mics of choice. 1 of which I rebuilt myself with a modern phone. My father had many complements from others on how amazing it sounded lol. And I was labeled a genius for a very short period lol.

[@hemphead5839]

I just found one of those a couple months ago paid $5 for it I love it I had my radio Tech get in there and get her going and I talk on it all the time I'm looking at it as I text this great little radio Phantom 556 waving

[@FarpointFarms]

Great deal on that one-

[@jamescady723]

I remember those! How cool. Was a fun time for CB.

[@FarpointFarms]

In my area, CB is still doing pretty well. I think it is due to the rural nature of where we live.

[@TREMERE1]

My eyes were immediately drawn to the bakelight radio behind you. My Grandfather had one in the 50's that we would listen to baseball games on together. Great memories.

[@FarpointFarms]

I got that from a local ham fest- the guy selling it had a ton of older radios like that- I have to limit to getting just one.

[@ka4ezy]

I had one of those back in 8th grade. Had it mated to a D-104 mic and an inverted v dipole on my bedroom wall in our upstairs apartment. This radio started me down the path from cb to ham radio and on into a career of over 40 years in electronics. Thanks for the memories. 73 de KA4EZY - Mike

[@FarpointFarms]

Glad to hear it. It's amazing how one thing leads to another in life.

[@rickreese5794]

Thx for the work😊

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks for watching my videos

[@skipcallaham1517]

I have had one for years. I have a D-104 hooked up to it. I just finished re-caping it a few months ago, close to 20 capacitors. Bullet proof radios.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks for sharing that, not everyone knows that you can keep them running like that

[@threepistols7]

Nice find and the new office setup looks great.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks! We tried to make it look nice

[@johnharris6544]

I bought two Cobra 88s manufactured in 1964 a few years ago from an estate. One was extremely "used" and the other is museum quality. I think the owner bought two just in case one broke but it never did, as both work fine. It's nice owning this radio for many reasons, one of which is there is a "Classic CB" net in my area on Wednesday nights. Everyone is supposed to used a CB that is not longer manufactured (their definition of "Classic"). You can't get much more classic than a 1964 Cobra 88.

[@FarpointFarms]

Very cool! I love the classic CB meeting idea!

[@keithp115]

Man these CB's are bringing back great memories when I worked at a CB store in 1977. Thanks for the memories sir!!

[@FarpointFarms]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@hatchetjackphillips]

Those old 23 ch radios were well built. I have Midland 23 ch mobile that belonged to my uncle, that I’ll never part with. Still use it from time to time.

[@FarpointFarms]

I am glad to hear that you still use it- that is how memories are kept alive

[@hatchetjackphillips]

It’s like going back to 1978, when I turn it on.

[@waynedoomad2573]

Vintage cb the studio looking great

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks. It felt good to finally be able to film up here!

[@nicklewis7291]

I think the base radio on the Duke farm looked similar to that one.

[@rickreese5794]

Go Dukes💯🤙🏻😎

[@JasonCooper-em4gt]

Daisy 🌼

[@FarpointFarms]

Loved that show!!

[@whitefeather61]

Cobra 85 my first cb and I still got it.

[@FarpointFarms]

how cool is that

[@alzeNL]

thats what i like about this channel, the advice you give 'see where it takes them' - brilliant :) really enjoyed this and thanks for sharing.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thank you for watching- I appreciate the support

[@exgruntr031]

Love the old radios , they're a lot of fun. I just picked up a Lafayette Com-Phone Mark II for $2.00 . Hooked it up and made a contact . It doesn't get any better than that. Look forward to your next yard sale/ Ham Fest finds. 73

[@rickreese5794]

Well Done 💯🤙🏻😎

[@Demy1970]

Where did you get it for $2? Goodwill?

[@exgruntr031]

No, I picked it up at a Flea Market. I also picked up a Uniden Bearcat 30 channel 10 Band Scanner for 5.00 that was new. A Uniden Pro 510XL Cb Radio for 5.00 and finally a Cobra Sound Tracker for 4.00, all from the same guy. That was a very good day. I might add, deals like that don't happen too often. Lol@@Demy1970

[@FarpointFarms]

Wow- for $2 and t worked- pretty cool

[@KurtClark]

Love it!! I have a weak spot for 23 channel base stations, because there were The THING when I was 11-12 years old. In recent years I've picked up several, but never this one. Of course your video had me scrambling to eBay afterwards to see how many Cobra 85s I can find. Great radio, great receiving power, great brand name. Thanks for sharing!

[@FarpointFarms]

Now Ebay is trying to figure out why the search for the Cobra 85has gone wild. lol

[@roberthoffman4713]

Wow looking real nice in the new studio.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks!

[@PhantomWoIf]

sounds ok and that channel display will last forever. they made great CB radios back then. the specs of that CB are on the rigpix page. i would like to hear how the transmit modulation of the Cobra 85 sounds.

[@FarpointFarms]

I've played with it some. It's a really nice base station.

[@johnkelley6278]

Why do older items like that CB and old short waves and old A.M. house radios look like art with high quality engineering. That is a great looking base you have!

[@FarpointFarms]

I agree- things were made better back then in my opinion. Built to last

[@BrianD1961]

It appears the Cobra 85 was the first for many here. Me too! Around '74-'75 I think, at the age of 13-14. My middle scool pal a couple blocks away had the same set up. I had a D-104 mic. It transmitted a high pitched clang noise when I hit the mic. Everyone commented on that when they heard me or my friend break. Thanks for the memories...

[@FarpointFarms]

Glad I could bring them back for a while!

[@scottheath1464]

😍 Love the RADIO and love the video❗🤩

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks- is was a great find at the ham fest. Dayton had so much to offer there

[@indianakid4050]

My sister got one of those radio .it still works to, thats went they made radios

[@FarpointFarms]

cool to hear that it still works

[@daviddennison4201]

Big CB fan since way back could not overcome "Mike fright" when I was a kid love to listen though. Working on a set up using yard sale finds . Would love to chat with you sometime! Great videos as always , thanks!

[@FarpointFarms]

Thank you very much- you should try your local ham fest- there are always goodies there

[@superrodder2002]

It would be interesting to see the inside of it. I'm always fascinated with the evolution of electronics design through the years

[@FarpointFarms]

I don't usually tear into these when I get them, but since this one needs the tuning dials cleaned, I'll see if I can make a follow up.

[@Swamp-Fox]

Nice old set!

[@FarpointFarms]

thank you

[@jamesgullo8240]

That's a beautiful classic!

[@FarpointFarms]

It sure is! I got lucky with this score.

[@SNEStalgia]

This is soo cool! I really want to get a CB, either for a basestation or one for my car.

[@FarpointFarms]

I would get one where you would use it the most.

[@AudioDaze]

Good find! Radio sounds good. My first CB was a Realistic Navaho TRC-23B 23 Channel Base, AM only. I was a teen and thought the MODULATION and ON THE AIR lights were so cool, lol. Still see them around on Ebay, might pick one up for sentimental reasons. Also like the SSB Navaho models, but I'm holding out for the Vaporware AM FM SSB Base Station we're all waiting for.

[@FarpointFarms]

So funny you mention those lights! I felt the same way!!

[@repro7780]

These old base stations were awesome! I bought a new Realistic (Radio Shack) Navaho TRC-490 back in the day (80's, sometime), and I still have it! It was re chipped to allow for more channels, and the clarifier was modified (strapped) to allow more swing and it worked on RX and TX. Still works great!

[@FarpointFarms]

Those were the days!

[@erics902]

Nice nostalgic find. Another good video.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thank you

[@grigorirasputin5020]

The Sheriff's Office I dispatched for in the mid-late 70's had one as a base. A Shakespeare Big Stick on top of the court house gave gòod coverage out about 20 miles or more, regularly. Biggest gripe, as with most Cobras of the day, was it was prone to recieve adjacent channel interference. I wish Cobra or someone would make a base radio like this but with 40 channels and FM capability.

[@FarpointFarms]

Me too. Anyone out there that makes a base for the modern era will get a lot of buyers!

[@ronleblanc9832]

never seen one before..like these oldies

[@FarpointFarms]

I have some goodies coming soon

[@patrickziemke1412]

👍

[@FarpointFarms]

Right on!

[@justinrayguitars6024]

It reminds me of my old Johnson 250 Messager. Very basic but still clicking right along.

[@FarpointFarms]

It's a base unit for sure, but it gets the job done.

[@WhiteCavendish]

A beautiful Realistic Navaho 23 channel with SSB came up for sale near me for a decent price as they go around here, but I really want a 40 channel with SSB to upgrade my base station setup

[@FarpointFarms]

That one is a good radio- having the 40channels does have some advantages

[@WhiteCavendish]

Yeah, it was very tempting, but for practical purposes I really want a 40 channel SSB. @@FarpointFarms

[@JD144-]

Do I see Sea Monkeys on the shelf above the Realistic transistor radio? Like the Cobra, enjoyed the video.

[@FarpointFarms]

Yes you do, they were a birthday gift years ago

[@JD144-]

I dig it! Hell, now I want some too.

[@Dragon1165]

I acquired am older teaberry base, from a local guy, trying to figure out my rig up,so I can get it online

[@FarpointFarms]

Sounds awesome, you will have to let me know when you do, maybe I can hear you

[@Dragon1165]

@@FarpointFarms I'm in South Louisiana, trying to get a base antenna at the moment, 1 step at a time

[@BOB12349307]

cobra cam 89 was awesome too

[@FarpointFarms]

I've been looking for one of those as well. I've owned the 35 and 139. But the not that one.

[@tyroneshoelaces7438]

Eric, Interested in a Golden Eagle?

[@FarpointFarms]

Certainly!

[@rumpestillskin4671]

I had one, it was my first radio I ever owned. Is this one for sale?? Mine was 1973

[@FarpointFarms]

Yes. send me an email. I have 2 of them!

[@2dogsnight]

Does cb radio have to be mounted on a supplied bracket connected to RV/car chassis??.......or will not work? The same with an antenna?

[@FarpointFarms]

The CB can be free floating. No need to have it in the bracket. The antenna must be grounded to the frame of the car.

[@2dogsnight]

so I was trying to test 2 CB,s...home base and one in RV - antennas not grounded ......no good reception in either one - is my RV radio still OK?....or I ruined it already? @@FarpointFarms

[@peterlutz7191]

The older equipment was built to last, I'm still using a radio shack trc-424 40 channel cb in my car and I still have and use the TRC-205 portable 40 Channel handheld cb. 8 AA batteries makes it pretty heavy though

[@FarpointFarms]

That is great to hear-How long will it last on those 8 batteries?

[@teddover2266]

My uncle passed away and left me all of his cb radios and stuff. He had a few that look like he might have picked up at a flea market or something, they are older Browning and Cobra I think. Need someone in NC that can work on them, clean them up and make them operational. Do you know of anyone that works on these radios??

[@teddover2266]

......and great channel by the way. I started watching your videos after I got the radios to the house to learn a little about them before I started using them. I appreciate what you do!!

[@FarpointFarms]

There is a guy in Lenoir that works on them- I think he is still around. I am not sure if that is near enough to you

[@danristheman1]

Got a question for you would you be interested in a DeWald cb transceiver with crystals and tubes?

[@FarpointFarms]

That is a great offer, but I think it might be wasted on me.

[@danristheman1]

@@FarpointFarms ok I just thought you would know more about it than I do.

[@willielopez3126]

Hi, I just picked up a Cobra 2000 GTL it seems like the frequency is way off, for example channel 9 should be 27.065 on the radio is at 34.560 is there a way to adjust it. I think the radio has been modify because it has two switches in the front. Thanks

[@FarpointFarms]

Sounds like it has had some work done- There should be some videos on how to do it- I don't really mess with that kind of stuff

[@FarpointFarms]

Yup! Sounds like it has uppers and lowers. You'll need to set those switches in the right order to reach the standard 40.

[@willielopez3126]

@@FarpointFarms I have moved them all over and I get the same results

[@thomashughes6010]

I have one!

[@FarpointFarms]

I think they are pretty cool!

[@UsMan-kn8hd]

Going to make a diploe antenna 📶😮

[@FarpointFarms]

If I only had the time and the money- Both are short these days

[@derekspipesandcigars1892]

Can I hook a stryker SR A10 antenna to my cobra dynascan 85?

[@FarpointFarms]

IF you mount it to a metal roof, yes. There has to be a ground plane for that antenna.

[@derekspipesandcigars1892]

@@FarpointFarms thank you very much

[@Mr1961Apache]

I have an Cobra 86 xlr base

[@FarpointFarms]

Doesn't that one have a clock?

[@repoman146]

cool sale it to me

[@FarpointFarms]

Someone beat you to it.