Accessory Review:
Cobra HH 38WXST CB Radio
by Jeffrey Reed, Editor, LondonOntarioGolf.com

As a young teenager, I used to drool over the large 23-channel – and later 40-channel – full-power CB walkie-talkies. During the mid-1970s, these handheld transceivers resembled more the old army green military walkie-talkies of the Vietnam War than they do today’s modern handheld radios.

In fact, Cobra Electronics Corporation, the leader in CB Radio manufacturing, has a new 4-watt, 40-channel handheld CB that proves, great communications equipment does, indeed, come in small packages: the Cobra HH 38WXST.

Full of fantastic high-tech features, the Cobra HH 38WXST is a slimline handheld transceiver perfect for use on the road or at home. Cobra’s right when it states it offers “ingenious products for easier communication.” The Cobra HH 38WXST is a small but mighty model ready to offer free short-range communications via the 11 MHz CB band, plus instant weather forecasts from Environment Canada (and NOAA weather reports for our friends in the U.S.).

Here are the basics of this beauty. The Cobra HH 38WXST measures just 7.5 in high x 2.25 in wide x 2.5 in deep, and when equipped with the required 9 “AA” batteries (alkaline or rechargeable), still won’t tire your arm even during a long gab session. The basic control features are easily accessed, despite the small size of this walkie-talkie. Squelch and volume/on/off knobs sit at the top adjacent to the BNC antenna connector. It’s great to have this flexible connector, rather than an old-style fixed antenna – makes it easier for use with a base antenna or for changing portable antennas. I replaced the standard rubber ducky antenna with a Watson W-881 Super-Gainer antenna for extended reception. This 16 in. antenna covers 25-1900 MHz and works admirably with the 38WXST. Even using the Power Saver feature, reception is loud and clear. Note: when you use Power Saver, your transmit power cuts your range in half, but it won’t affect reception – nice little feature.

Side controls on the 38WXST include light, channel up/down and push-to-talk. The small microphone sits at the front of the casing. You can purchase an optional hand-held microphone, but the built-in mic performs well, according to the drivers I spoke to during testing. Side panel jacks include microphone, speaker, charger and power. If you’re using the 38WXST at home or in the office, I recommend you purchase an external speaker. The built-in speaker is very clear but small, and not as loud when listening to weather forecasts at 162.475 MHz in this neck of the woods. But it’s not terrible, either, and you can’t complain when you have instant weather built into a CB transceiver – it’s a perfect match.

I’ve purchased a charger for my Cobra HH 38WXST, to save money on batteries. The power jack allows you to go mobile with your radio with a cigarette lighter adaptor which, when combined with a good mobile antenna attached to your vehicle, can provide outstanding performance – not mention maybe save your life someday during an emergency. And it’s perfect for obtaining road information while travelling.

The well-lit LCD display of the Cobra HH 38WXST is a gem, and includes a four-bar power grid displaying remaining battery power, plus a transmit and receive signal grid. This tough little performer constantly transmits at a full 4 watts for an amazingly long time even when using standard alkaline batteries. This handheld CB also features a lock key and function key. You can scan all 40 channels – I love this feature – and you can choose to instantly go to Channel 9 or 19. Plus – and you’ll love this – you can use the Dual Watch feature to simultaneously monitor two preselected channels. Want to keep your ear on Channels 4 and 14, for example? No problem. The HHWXST does this for you.

Finally, the Cobra HH 38WXST features an outstanding inclusion called SoundTracker. This Cobra-patented system cuts noise coming in while strengthening outgoing signals. It reconfigures the transmission signal, allowing it to be transferred more efficiently through cluttered airwaves. Concurrently, SoundTracker reduces static on all incoming signals. When you use SoundTracker, then compare it to basic monitoring and transmitting, you wonder how you did without it – it’s that good.

Now, here’s the best part of all: the Cobra HH 38WXST retails for just $99.

If you’re a communications hobbyist like me, and you wish to add a perfect performer to your arsenal, then I recommend the Cobra HH 38WXST. Lots of power over 40 channels, instant weather – all in a compact package. What more can you ask for in a CB walkie-talkie?

To learn more about Cobra Electronics and all of its CB offerings, visit www.cobra.com.