Cobra Electronics Merges Bluetooth with CB Radio Technology
Posted on Oct 14, 2008 - 6:16pm by Mike Davis in Technology
My previous job was as a cell phone salesman for a major wireless carrier. I sold many cell phones and cell phone accessories to truckers. A popular cell phone accessory for many of these truckers was a Bluetooth headset. Truckers relied on the Bluetooth technology for safety and also to follow the laws of many states. The major complaint I received from a lot of the truckers was the sound quality of the headsets. Many of the truckers had a hard time hearing over the noise of their trucks. Many of them ended up returning the Bluetooth headsets because they did not fit their needs. They were frustrated by the effectiveness of the Bluetooth headsets.
Cobra electronics has seemed to solve this problem with their new CB radio with Bluetooth technology. This is the first ever CB radio to combine the two technologies. The CB unit allows drivers to receive their cell phone calls wirelessly into the unit and also comes equipped with noise canceling technology.
“With Bluetooth technology, the 29 LTD BT allows drivers a better way to have phone conversations on the road because calls from a mobile phone are synched with the CB radio. A noise canceling microphone allows calls to be heard loud and clear, even over a noisy engine. Incoming audio is routed through the radio’s 5-Watt CB speaker making it easy for the driver to hear the caller. The Bluetooth feature also gives drivers the ability to answer and terminate calls by pushing one button on the CB microphone, allowing drivers to stay focused on the road. The new auto redial feature also allows for one-touch redialing of the last phone number called.”
The 29 LTD BT offers the features many drivers have expected from cobra.
- 4 Watts AM RF power output(the maximum amount of power law by law)
- Instant access to emergency channel 9
- Controls to allow the driver to feel where the dial is in its rotation
- Talkback controls to adjust the desired amount of modulation talkback that is present at the speaker
- Cool blue illumination of channel selections
- Delta tune to clarify incoming signals
- Adjustable Dynamike boost
Cobra electronics with the introduction of the 29 LTD BT has solved a common problem many truckers have faced over the years with cell phone Bluetooth technology. Whether you are calling a family member or doing business you now will be able to hear calls clearly and be safe while you drive. The 29 LTD BT can be purchased from travel centers and CB dealers for about $150. The only bad thing is I was not able to offer truckers this option while working as a cell phone salesman.
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Have you tried this product? I don’t believe anything a “manufacturer” says. I rarely use my CB. Maybe if Cobra made a “radio” that makes a good cup of coffee would I consider it.
It appears to me that the various manufactures TRY to NOT give me what I want. They seem to have an agenda of their own as to what I OUGHT to want and they push that. Regardless of usability.
Don’t get me started on cell pones.
……..and I don’t use the CB anymore either. Too much filth…not worth the aggravation.
Come to think of it. There IS a CB that they could make. I dunno if it would require government permission or not…probably would.
Today’s CB’s are analog. Analog takes up a LOT of bandwidth….and it’s stupid. Stupid CB as opposed to SmartPhone (like my blackberry)
Why not make a digital CB? Using digital technology many, many, MANY conversations could take place on the same “band” without “stepping on” each other. Other neat things such as “caller ID” and “caller blocking” could be implemented.
That way if Potty Mouth isn’t someone you want to hear just block HIM and no one else….or block EVERYONE except for one or two others….I’m thinking Pilot Cars. (I still remember the time I was in a bind and needed my Pilot cars help to back a HUGE load up and everytime he said something he’d get walked on…..deliberately)
I won’t even go into the possibilities of Frequency hopping spread spectrum encryption techniques. Old tech…..but CB is ancient.
I have a nice citizens band (Cobra). Must say it sounds like a great idea to be able to ignore the CB “RUDENESS” and try to talk on the bluetoothe part only? “If you can do that.” I have struggled with the type of talk over the radio for years now. I will say that the CB helped me with an emergency medical condition once out on I-17 in Arizona. We didn’t have cell phones at that time!