The Cobra CTX425 is a Micro TALK 2-way radio, two pack with up to a 25 mile range. This unit consists of 22 channels, 121privacy codes (38 CTCSS codes/ 83 DCS codes) and comes complete with 8 NiMH rechargeable AAA batteries, and a 2-port desktop charger. This unit also features hands-free operation (VOX), a 10 channel NOAA radio, a backlit LCD display, a scanning function (channels/ privacy codes), a single pin speaker/ microphone/ charge jack, a 10 channel memory, selectable hi/low power in GMR
$ 35.94
batteries,
I am writing this in the hope that it will help some other buyer’s of this product.
There is a place on the belt clip to place a wrist strap. However, no wrist straps come with this model. I had wrist straps that came with my older Cobra 950DX model and transferred them to this model.
The reason I bought this model is that it had the longest advertised range that still used AAA rechargeable batteries. It does say in the manual to “Use only the supplied rechargeable batteries and charger for recharging your Cobra microTALK radio.” Now I know why! I tried to use my duracell AAA rechargeable batteries that were fully charged. No lights came on the charger and the batteries would not charge. AAA rechargeable batteries should be interchangeable-right? The Duracell batteries are 800mah 1.2 volts and the supplied rechargeables are 600mah 1.2 volts. If you look at the batteries in the illustration, you will note that the bottom 3/8″ of the battery is silver in color. This is a continuous wrap from the bottom negative terminal. On the lower left inside the battery compartment of the radios is a contact that makes contact with that lower 3/8″ of the battery. Without making that contact the charger lights and charger will not work. You can wrap some aluminum foil around the one duracell or generic AAA rechargeable battery that makes that contact and everything works. I can only figure that Cobra tried to make everyone buy their OEM batteries for replacement. Personally, I think this is stupid. The advantage of the AAA rechargeable batteries is that they can be easily found and purchased if needed.
The radios work although I have not done any distance range tests. I also wish they had the vibration alert on this model. I can live without it, but I did like that feature on my old 950DX model.
The AAA battery problem has been overcome. The reason for the 4 stars and not 5 is the omission of the wrist straps. It just seems like all of the manufacturers are cutting every corner they can to save pennies.
Was this review helpful to you?
|Worth the money spent.,
I have owned this product for 2 years. It is built solid and has several nice features. I like that it is small enough to fit comfortably in a pocket and the antenna is not big. I have used the units on road trips to keep in contact with other vehicles and used it in theme parks. I have used the VOX (voice activated features) to know when my baby woke up (sleeping in a cabin), and I have used the US weather alert reports. I am pleased with the range and clarity. In the city its range is superior to 5 mile talk units which is not suprising as this is a 25 mile unit. This unit has given me fairly reliable reception at about 2 miles in residential areas. I tested it at 26 miles across Salt Lake Valley from one high point in Salt Lake City to another high point at the other end of the valley in Herriman, Utah. The reception was good, so the furthest distance claim is accurate as long as there are no intervening buildings and hills, etc.
Was this review helpful to you?
|Cheap accessory ruins it.,
Bought these as a Christmas present and after three weeks of light use, noticed that the radios would not recharge. Contacted Amazon who sent a replacement and e-mailed return shipping to me. Got the new ones and plugged them into the charger and these would not charge. “Wiggled” the power cord a little and the charger started working, but this only lasted a couple of days before it crapped out completely. I suspect the chargers cord is made from very cheap and brittle wire. While the radios appear to work well, they are useless if they cannot be charged. Amazon promptly refunded me for this item.
As far as Amazon.com goes: Their customer service has been outstanding. They sent the first replacements and they appeared on my doorstep the very same day I shipped off the defective ones. The refund on the second set came very quickly, too. They have been Johnny-on-the-spot. No questions asked. Thank you Amazon.
Was this review helpful to you?
|