Cobra 148-GTL talkback installation

rthurstenson · #1 (**permalink**) 12-19-2012, 7:33 PM

I recently bought a new Magnum UTB-1 variable talkback board for my older Cobra 148-GTL side-mic radio. There are i structions in the package and all over the web and youtube. They all require cutting a board trace leading from the external speaker jack. My board has no such trace. Have any of you performed this install and can you offer me some direction?

Fast1eddie · #2 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 1:46 AM

Why do y'all 11 meter types insist on installing this garbage in your radios???? Have you ever monitored 27Mhz comms with this?????

[Moderator edit: stop being a dick or you'll be put on moderation]

JayMojave · #3 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 7:41 AM

Hello Rick: Wish I had a more definitive answer for you, other than a hunch.

I suspect that the Cobra 148 radios may be upgraded or different as compared to the older 148 radios. Maybe using SMT componets as its cheaper to manufacture. I am sure some CB shops might know.

Hello Edward: Modifying, upgrading, expermenting, is whats its all abou, and having a little fun.

Jay in the Mojave

gewecke · #4 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 9:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rthurstenson

I recently bought a new Magnum UTB-1 variable talkback board for my older Cobra 148-GTL side-mic radio. There are i structions in the package and all over the web and youtube. They all require cutting a board trace leading from the external speaker jack. My board has no such trace. Have any of you performed this install and can you offer me some direction?

I would suggest leaving the radio stock.

73,
n9zas

jhooten · #5 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 9:20 AM

'splain me sumthin, What is the purpose of talkback?

Fast1eddie · #6 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 1:33 PM

Got no problem with experimenting and such; that's what ham radio is for. If he wants to add to the 11 meter wasteland then so be it.

~~kb2vxa~~ · #7 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 1:40 PM

Without the snide remarks I have the answer to the last question, nothing practical. Some like listening to the sound of their own voice, I don't know why. In Amateur Radio we have something similar and it's extremely practical, it's called side tone. The term comes from the telephone, that's hearing yourself in the ear piece giving the line a live sound and without it the line sounds dead. Our version built into the transceiver employs an audio oscillator activated by the CW key feeding the speaker so the operator can hear his own transmission. That helps tremendously keeping the proper keying action for an intelligible transmission, totally unnecessary when using voice.

Take out the papers and the trash
Or you don't get no spendin' cash
If you don't scrub that kitchen floor
You ain't gonna rock and roll no more
Yakety yak
(Don't talk back)

jhooten · #8 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 2:07 PM

Thanks Warren.

n9mxq · #9 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 2:54 PM

Now that all the usual CB haters have chimed in, I'd suggest emailing the company that made the talkback for instructions for your radio. If that doesn't garner any help, you may want to try over on Mauldroppers CB Radio Forum Someone there may be able to help.

k3cfc · #10 (**permalink**) 12-20-2012, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fast1eddie

Why do y'all 11 meter types insist on installing this garbage in your radios???? Have you ever monitored 27Mhz comms with this?????

Edward talk back has nothing to do with noise toys on cb or any other radio period.

JayMojave · #11 (**permalink**) 12-21-2012, 6:23 AM

Hello Thurstenson: Please lets know how you make out with the UTB-1 talk back or side tone mod.

The side tone is a valid option, I have a older radio I use to connected to a dummy load, just to listed to my audio on the bands. I have the audio also piped into my head sets.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fast1eddie

Got no problem with experimenting and such; that's what ham radio is for. If he wants to add to the 11 meter wasteland then so be it.

I wounder if all the CB Fourms, CB Shops, CB crowd, CB Amps, CB Mods, and such would be around if the Ham Radio Fraternity was more recepcetive, more friendly, more open to the CB Crowd??????

I am thinking Eisenhower (after being briefed by his staff) pushed the button for a Citizen Band to be started, too allow a fast and efficent method to give Technology to the mass'es for a shot in the arm, as Ham Radios was a little to stuffy. This all after the Soviet Satellite Spuknick was put into orbit. Well it sure did!

I have a "We Like IKE CVN69" Ball Cap.

Jay in the Mojave

k3cfc · #12 (**permalink**) 12-21-2012, 8:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayMojave

Hello Thurstenson: Please lets know how you make out with the UTB-1 talk back or side tone mod.

The side tone is a valid option, I have a older radio I use to connected to a dummy load, just to listed to my audio on the bands. I have the audio also piped into my head sets.

I wounder if all the CB Fourms, CB Shops, CB crowd, CB Amps, CB Mods, and such would be around if the Ham Radio Fraternity was more recepcetive, more friendly, more open to the CB Crowd??????

I am thinking Eisenhower (after being briefed by his staff) pushed the button for a Citizen Band to be started, too allow a fast and efficent method to give Technology to the mass'es for a shot in the arm, as Ham Radios was a little to stuffy. This all after the Soviet Satellite Spuknick was put into orbit. Well it sure did!

I have a "We Like IKE CVN69" Ball Cap.

Jay in the Mojave

Hello Jay. even though i am a ham operator i don't look down my nose at cber's. i still have a hr2510 in my vehicle that i use. now for the talk back can't he just put the board between the negative side of the speaker wire and the speaker? if you don't have a mic plugged in you can ground the neg side and make it hear. i think just put it in line with the speaker should work.

K3CFC

~~kb2vxa~~ · #13 (**permalink**) 12-21-2012, 4:37 PM

Here we go with the CB haters crap again just because we sit and wonder of what possible practical use hearing yourself in the speaker could be. Now if it were an air monitor it would be useful but I just can't see how a purely audio device can serve a practical purpose.

That having been said:
"I am thinking Eisenhower (after being briefed by his staff) pushed the button for a Citizen Band to be started..."

Please fill us in on the background and source material regarding that statement, it could prove a quite interesting history lesson. While you're at it...

"I wounder if all the CB Fourms, CB Shops, CB crowd, CB Amps, CB Mods, and such would be around if the Ham Radio Fraternity was more recepcetive, more friendly, more open to the CB Crowd??????"

Maybe you could explain why you think we're so hostile and if we were how that could promote all of the above.

"Hello Jay. even though i am a ham operator i don't look down my nose at cber's."

Charles, I don't think he'll ever get it no matter how many times it's said. He seems to be on a perpetual ham rant like Air Scan is on P25. Stay tuned to this thread, if he has anything to say about this post it could be interesting in a perplexing sort of way.

SurgePGH · #14 (**permalink**) 12-21-2012, 5:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fast1eddie

(EDITED POST: )Why do y'all 11 meter types insist on installing this garbage in your radios???? Have you ever monitored 27Mhz comms with this?????

Really????? If you wanna be an ********* go do it somewhere else. He asked a legit question about a radio mod that is NOT illegal and is very common.

Moron.

gewecke · #15 (**permalink**) 12-21-2012, 7:19 PM

As I said before to the op, I would suggest leaving the radio stock.

73,
n9zas

n9mxq · #16 (**permalink**) 12-21-2012, 8:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k3cfc

Hello Jay. even though i am a ham operator i don't look down my nose at cber's. i still have a hr2510 in my vehicle that i use. now for the talk back can't he just put the board between the negative side of the speaker wire and the speaker? if you don't have a mic plugged in you can ground the neg side and make it hear. i think just put it in line with the speaker should work.

K3CFC

If I remember right once talkback is installed it only works with an external speaker. Hence the installation instructions saying to cu the trace for the external jack.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

JayMojave · #17 (**permalink**) 12-22-2012, 7:42 AM

Hello CFC: The original queation was on a new Cobra 148. I didn't know it was so easy to Mod a 2510. I have a 2510 I use as a radio on the bench to listen in only on a short wire antenna.

Speaking of Talk Back or Side Tone, I recently bought a DSP Speaker from West Mointain at
West Mountain Radio - Audio Ware
this is a great little DSP speaker removing a lot of noise and crap normally having to listen to. It worked great until I transmitted and having massive (appeared to be) feedback when I transmitted on CH 38 LSB, it didn't do it on my ham radio.

I added toroid cores on the power and audio input wires with no help. Then I realized again I have out smarted myself with the CB Radio's Talk Back being turned up just enough to pass the transmit audio to the DSP External Speaker, making appear that is was having RFI. After looking it all over and turning off the talk back knob, the West Mountain DSP Speaker works great, with NO RFI to it.

The DSP Speaker allows me to hear some local type stations off in the distance some what a lot better than without the DSP.

The talk bacl option allows me to listen to my transmit audio as the mic is sometimes intermittent.

Jay in the Mojave (I like IKE CVN69)

k3cfc · #18 (**permalink**) 12-22-2012, 9:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n9mxq

If I remember right once talkback is installed it only works with an external speaker. Hence the installation instructions saying to cu the trace for the external jack.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Talk back if installed correctly will work with or without an external speaker. it is simply a bit of resistance between the neg- speaker wire and ground. just enough that it won't feed back just so you can hear your self. most people used them when they were using a reverb old old days and or an echo mike so they would sound good without being obnoxious.

K3CFC

rthurstenson · #19 (**permalink**) 12-22-2012, 9:38 AM

Thanks for all the input guys. I can appreciate each position. I too am an amateur operator. I cut my teeth on 11 meters, though. I have not been on the cb band in almost 15 years. But recently, I have become involved with an offroad club. They use cb for trail comms. Since I was going to be putting this old 148 in my jeep, I wanted to personalize it a bit. I have installed custom case covers, new faceplate, new knobs, blue LED display, blue LED meter light, etc. I have always loved the big sound of an AM rig with just a touch of reverb. This is the reason I want the talkback, so I can monitor the level. I emailed RF Limited about more specific installation info for my rig, and they sent a PDF of the same instructions that came in the package. Not much help. I posted this question on this forum because I feel it is one of the richest sources of information on the web. I have used it many times for my amateur radios, and also for scanning. I was actually rather surprised to find a cb section. If I have offended anyone, I am sorry.

k3cfc · #20 (**permalink**) 12-22-2012, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rthurstenson

Thanks for all the input guys. I can appreciate each position. I too am an amateur operator. I cut my teeth on 11 meters, though. I have not been on the cb band in almost 15 years. But recently, I have become involved with an offroad club. They use cb for trail comms. Since I was going to be putting this old 148 in my jeep, I wanted to personalize it a bit. I have installed custom case covers, new faceplate, new knobs, blue LED display, blue LED meter light, etc. I have always loved the big sound of an AM rig with just a touch of reverb. This is the reason I want the talkback, so I can monitor the level. I emailed RF Limited about more specific installation info for my rig, and they sent a PDF of the same instructions that came in the package. Not much help. I posted this question on this forum because I feel it is one of the richest sources of information on the web. I have used it many times for my amateur radios, and also for scanning. I was actually rather surprised to find a cb section. If I have offended anyone, I am sorry.

Look at your pm and see if this will help.

K3CFC