SmileySixguns
Member
Is there a reference chart available to know what years particular CB models were made? I have a Craig L-103 that I was curious about it's vintage, but so far haven't been able to determine it's year of manufacture.
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CB model number reference chart
- Thread starter SmileySixguns
- Start date
You could try rigpix.com, however, on the far right side, under "other equipment," sub-topic "CB/Freeband/Export" there are a few Craig's, but no L-103. Just the L201 and the 4201. Sorry, your particular model isn't in the database. But still worth browsing around.
SmileySixguns
Member
Oh cool, thanks! I've had it apart to replace it's speaker, but I haven't noticed any dates anywhere so far. I'll check out that website you mentioned.
N1EXA
FT8 Huntin Mudd Duck on the deep end of the pond !
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Says 1980
here is the manual on Ebay
1980 CRAIG CB RADIO SERVICE SHOP MANUAL MODEL L103 | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1980 CRAIG CB RADIO SERVICE SHOP MANUAL MODEL L103 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
just googled it and here is the Schematic Diagram.
Elektrotanya for electronics experts
Electronics forum for electronics experts to repair defective appliance.
elektrotanya.com
Any IC's Should Have a MFG date Code On the top next to the type - Transistors also have MFG dates check the finals.
Pete N1EXA
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SmileySixguns
Member
That's it! Very cool, thanks! I didn't look at the individual components closely enough to notice. I'll have to have another look. I found the schematics on cbtricks.com. I took them to Staples and had them enlarged to poster size and made multiple copies (based on the recommendations of a YouTube video so if I needed to, I could use colored pencils and trace out the specific circuit I was following to make it easier to determine which component I needed to look at next. My swr meter isn't functioning any longer though. I tried opening it up and tweaking it but that hasn't helped. So to check it I just use an external meter. There seems to be plenty of Cobra style replacement meters available, but not many with the white background like the Craig uses.
N1EXA
FT8 Huntin Mudd Duck on the deep end of the pond !
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This should help explain date codes.
pete N1EXA
Electronic Components Date Code: Like "Mama Always Said" -
Date code formats vary by manufacturer, which can lead to significant issues. Collaborating with others in a sharing ecosystem can help solve the problem.
moqller.com
pete N1EXA
Fast1eddie
Member
Meter doesn't work so I went inside and tweaked it...Idiot!
SmileySixguns
Member
The needle acted like it was trying to move but it wouldn't actually move. The Tx light would come on when I keyed the mic and the needle would attempt to move. I could hear the difference of when I was keying the mic and when I wasn't. So I ran a coax through an external swr meter to see if I was transmitting and all indications were that I was transmitting. So then I actually had a conversation with another radio with it. So all indications to me are that all the functions of the radio other than the built in swr meter are working. By tweaking the built in meter, I meant I loosened and then retightened the screws that hold the needle in place. If you have any other ideas of how I can get the meter to work I'd love to hear them
N1EXA
FT8 Huntin Mudd Duck on the deep end of the pond !
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Are you using a 50 Ohm load or A functioning antenna ?
even a few mW or power will hit the other radio in the room !
1st the radio actually puting out any power ? say 3-4 watts to the antenna or load ?
If the meter is Bad they sell a generic Corbra one on ebay .
Put one of these in My Cobra 148 because the meter was stuck !
Pete N1EXA
even a few mW or power will hit the other radio in the room !
1st the radio actually puting out any power ? say 3-4 watts to the antenna or load ?
If the meter is Bad they sell a generic Corbra one on ebay .
Put one of these in My Cobra 148 because the meter was stuck !
Pete N1EXA
SmileySixguns
Member
I was using a functioning antenna. It's a magnet mount old Radio Shack antenna but it transmits. I had a short conversation with a truck going in the opposite direction the other night. We were both rolling and strolling like we had somewhere else to be lol. I should have a Tram 3500 here in the next couple of days, then I'll have 2 radios and 2 antennas. I'll have my daughter sit in her car in the driveway and I can drive off to various places and see how far we can actually communicate.Are you using a 50 Ohm load or A functioning antenna ?
even a few mW or power will hit the other radio in the room !
1st the radio actually puting out any power ? say 3-4 watts to the antenna or load ?
If the meter is Bad they sell a generic Corbra one on ebay .
Put one of these in My Cobra 148 because the meter was stuck !
Pete N1EXA
I've seen those meters for sale. Do you happen to know of anywhere that sells the versions with the white background like in the picture above? I'd try to keep it as original as I can if possible.
N1EXA
FT8 Huntin Mudd Duck on the deep end of the pond !
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Only the inserts - the meter is just a Cobra 29 or Galaxy - Just keep looking on ebay.
Pete N1EXA
Cobra 148 29 CB Radio Meter Insert | For Cobra | Blue Red Green Black | Galaxy Connex Uniden
Cobra 148/29, Cobra 25, Uniden 78, 76, 68, 66 and Many, Many More. (Pictures are the 148/29 style). Connex Madison. Cobra Look for us on the Web. Cobra 1000 GTL Be sure to check out. Plastic Insert Only.
www.ebay.com
Pete N1EXA
SmileySixguns
Member
That's pretty cool. That would work for me. I looked on their eBay page and I think it would be close enough
