Cobra 148 GTL "25 Watt" Driver and Finals Mod...

[thefsr]

I have read up on this modification to improve my radio, I followed this guid to improve my 148gtl, the mod is made for the latest model production release out on the market, well after the modification had taken place, i am an amature on doing mods, im not sure on how to check if the radio is working more or less how to tune or peak the radio, what equipment is needed to tune and peak the radio? Or did i just overlook something? not to mention, after i had moded this radio, the cal / swr meter isnt working,...

I guess what i am saying is that i need some good advice.. or if i did everything ok, if needed ill include images - good quality ones to that someone could check my work..

A Schmetac of the latest production edition of this radio would be most appreciated so just in case i can return this back to the original factory condition..

I cant add the images, so e-mail me your e-mail address and ill send them if needed..
Any Help would be most appreciated, Thanks Eric

[speedracer6g]

Well from what i read the newest version of the 148 is a ranger board like the dx-33hp but with sideband. I am not sure what finals came stock though because i have not seen the new ones in the shop yet. twards the front of the radio what model number board does it say it is and what numbers are on th 3 finals mounted to the rear of the radio. Let me know and then we can get started.

MIKE

[frogman296]

if the radio has 1969 on the finals...i would leave it alone and give it a peak and tune

[thefsr]

Sure thing mike, ill post this info in the morn, its 1am now, so ill post in the early morn. Thanks Eric..

[thefsr]

Solder number on the board is kepc-332-E6 or ES, as for finals numbers are "C2166 35AU -C" , "C1969 36AE - CH", these finals were replaced with ERF-2030 using an install guide - I have most of the original parts, I just need a copy of the service manual to put things back together. But i would rather get this mod to work... My knowledge of radios is very limited, so if need be, u run a shop and know radios, i would pay to get this mod and radio working plus the peak and tune... Thanks Eric, I guessw lets do the walk through first..

[speedracer6g]

Well frist thing is do you have a link for the install guide or did you get it off of cbtricks. If it is the ekl version well then we may have some fun with that. Let me look at the mod first. Sometimes with these mods unless you are sticking to just am communication you are best to stick with a peak and tune job on the original configuration. Let me take a look at this mod and i will get back to you on it. Another problem is that with this mod you may only gain a couple of watts and loose sideband clarity. Again i will look into it here tonight and see what i can come up with.

MIKE

[thefsr]

this guide did come from CB Tricks, here is the link to the guide.. Thanks again Eric


http://www.cbtricks.com/miscellaneous/f ... tl_mod.pdf

[speedracer6g]

Let me check my notes in the shop and see what i have on this project. I think the last time i did anything with this it was with IRF520 mosfets and non of the ekl components.

MIKE

[thefsr]

Wondering if any news yet.. Thanks Eric

[speedracer6g]

I thought i did a mosfet upgrade but i installed an md-1 kit and a pcn-60 sticnger with rf shield. worked well and sideband worked well. Had to install switch for ssb. I was getting 60 watts swing on am clean modulation. Deadkey was set at 10 watts.

MIKE

[thefsr]

Well here is some info. I had already done the 25 watt driver and final change.. that was before i had posted this to begin with, I did some half a** testing that i can do with 2 cb's.. I am getting audo from the other cb through my cobra recieve is working with the radio, now as for transmitting there is not transmit from the modified cobra cb.. The meter works with recieve, but doesnt work with key up.. Ill list the radio model again with all information that i can come up with..
Manufacturer - Cobra
Model - 148 GTL D
Fcc ID - BBO3K2148GTL
other numbers on back is G505022769
Board Number is KEPC-332-E6

Modification was with ELK Components, 2030 for Driver and Final, Solder side of board ELK EN 369DR soldered to TR38, ELK EN 369FN Soldered to TR36, Resistor Soldered in junction from Gate of TR38 to Jumper wire located at L48

When keying up in LSB and USB, radio lights dem as if when i key up for that breif sec, like there is a ground out issue..

Any thoughts on these issue?

Also would anyone be willing to fix this issue that i have created? if so just e-mail or post..

[speedracer6g]

I can get it fixed up for you here at the shop if you would like. The ekl mod papers dont always work as planned. Sounds like there is a short somewhere. Email me and i can give you more contact information.

MIKE

mike@mynovasecurity.com

[Rick]

Sounds like you have shorted the Final to ground.

[thefsr]

not sure how i accomplished that, i did follow the step by step instructions. worse comes to worse, ill just buy a new radio, I might go with a ham radio, any recomendations?