The Cobra 142 GTL was introduced in the USA in January 1977. It is the little brother to the Cobra 2000 GTL; it is 90% the same radio as the 2000 GTL. The only major difference is the receiver. The Cobra 2000 GTL uses a dual conversion receiver on AM and a single conversion on sideband. The 142 GTL use a single conversion receiver on both AM and sideband.
The other internal differences are minor. The 142 GTL has a variable voltage potentiometer on the power supply that will allow varying the voltage up to 16 volts. It is set at the factory for 13.8 volts; although it may be lower. I recommend setting it at 14.8 volts; this will allow for more output power without damaging the radio. The 2000 GTL is fixed at 13.4 to 13.8. A diode must be added to increase the voltage to 14.8.
The final difference besides the way upper sideband is generated (this is a minor point from a technical perspective) is the Phase Lock Loop chip (PLL). It is an MB 8719 capable of channel expansion whereas the MB 8734 in the Cobra 2000 GTL is not. These PLL’s are interchangeable as long as pin 10 is not grounded on the MB 8734. The mixer crystal 11.1125 MHz must be changed if the radio is to be expanded.
The radio can have an external constant readout frequency counter added as shown in the picture on the Photo Album; notice the before and after picture of the Cobra 142 GTL. The radio is very consistent in its output power. They all are capable of 18 watts peak power. The 2000 GTL is not consistent; they vary from 14 to 24 watts peak. The average 2000 GTL does 17 watts peak on sideband.
With no counter and an internal speaker the 142 GTL looks nothing like the 2000, but performs just as well with a few alterations, and a frequency counter added. The 142 GTL has the advantage of being less expensive and has the MB 8719 PLL already installed. This MB 8719 by Fujitsu goes for $35 today and is no longer made. The MB 8719 is not easy to find. The crystal needed for channel expansion is a common cut, and readily available.
Considering the cost of the Cobra 2000 GTL and the cost of expansion, if it is performance that one is looking for in a radio, then I recommend the Cobra 142 GTL. The Cobra 2000 GTL does have a quieter receiver on AM and is a beautiful radio when there are no holes drilled in the faceplate. The 142 GTL will cost half as much and is a fraction of the cost to expand the channels.
Author Rick Lewis - The CB Doctor
Visit Rick's website at TheCBdoctor.com