This is the Cobra Cam 89, a solid state 23 channel AM base station radio. Debuting in the 1973-74 timeframe, this base station version of the popular Cobra 29 mobile rig, spearheaded Cobra's new ergonomic design (along with the Cobra 135 and 139) which departed from the usual flat front panel face, and instead utilized a sloping front panel for user controls.  Cobra would stick with this design for the next 20+ years. User controls and features were typical for a radio of this type, and included the usual standard controls like Volume, Squelch, Delta Tune, ANL, and P.A switches, and a large S/R.F meter. Also included were some more "advanced" features like Dynamike (Mic Gain), R.F. Gain, Tone, and a Modulation meter.  All this was wrapped in a simulated woodgrain veneer metal top, highlighted by black panels with chrome trim, making for an attractive piece of radio gear which would not detract for the rest of the furniture in a room.

Performance-wise, this radio did well, and held its own against similar competitive radios.  Receiver sensitivity was good, and adjacent channel rejection (An important parameter for areas with many CB'ers) was about average to good, but as was typical of early Uniden-based radios, it had some difficulty with strong signal overload and intermod.  The "S" meter was fairly linear, and did not compress at "S9" like some radios did.  On the transmit side, the radio performed equally well, with full 4 watt power and strong modulation which was unencumbered by modulation limiting, as the radio was not equipped with any clipper or AMC circuit.  Audio fidelity was good with either a D-104 or Turner +3 desk mic's.  The radio was designed with electronic switching and, like similar radios, required that the mic remain connected in order to hear the receive audio.

In my local area, Big Al, Rebel, and a few others ran Cam 89's. Big Al's Cam 89 was my signal measurement standard. Any time I'd change antennas, power, coax, or radios, I'd have him turn down his R.F. gain to minimum and check my signal level. I had very consistent readings over the years from his CAM 89. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd rate this about a 6.

 

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