Uniden Off-Road Compact CB radios - any reviews?

I have one weekend to fix up my Cobra 19 DX IV (which is sending out screeching noises to listeners) so that I can be ready for a trip through the Washington Back Country Discovery Route with friends.
Since I'm on a tight schedule, my plan is to pick up an SWR meter. I will also buy a replacement radio just in case I can't get things fixed with the option of sending it back if it doesn't get used.

I noticed that Uniden came out with a series of radios they market as "compact off-road". Has anyone got any reviews?
CMX560
CMX660

$158 CMX760 Bearcat Off Road Series Compact Mobile CB Radio, 40-Channel Operation, Ultra-Compact for Easy Mounting, Large 7-Color Backlit LCD Display on Mic with Built-in Speaker Mic, Black

CMX760

I generally like the interface of a traditional CB, so I'm leaning to the 660.

 

I installed the

$158 CMX760 Bearcat Off Road Series Compact Mobile CB Radio, 40-Channel Operation, Ultra-Compact for Easy Mounting, Large 7-Color Backlit LCD Display on Mic with Built-in Speaker Mic, Black

CMX760 a few months ago and like it. It's my first CB so I don't have much to compare it to. The speaker seems adequate with the windows up at highway speeds and off road at lower speeds I can hear well also. The display text and the buttons are large and easy to read. I was looking at the Cobra 75 before this series was recommended to me and they seemed nicer and newer.

I'd recommend it!

 

Wait, Cobra 75 seemed nicer and newer? Those are old as the hills.

I've heard the CMX series only have 3 levels of squelch, as opposed to traditional units with a rotary dial. That would definitely be a drawback

 

I meant this CMX series seems nicer and newer. The 760 has 7 levels of squelch I believe. I can verify in a few hours. I would think the other models are the same. I am usually at 3 or 4. Thankfully haven't had a need to go any higher!

 

Have you tried a different microphone? I installed a

$67 Uniden PRO520XL Pro Series 40-Channel CB Radio. Compact Design. ANL Switch and PA/CB Switch. 7 Watts of Audio Output and Instant Emergency Channel 9. - Black

Uniden PRO520XL in the center console. It's a tight fit when the lid is closed and would kink/bend the mic cable. After several months of trouble free operation, I suddenly got a loud squeal when transmitting. Signal came in loud and clear, SWR checked out and my radio and antenna mount were grounded properly. I swapped the mic with a new one and no more squeal. I also installed a 90 degree fitting to prevent the rubber cord from getting pinched again.

 

I think the 560 only has 3 levels, which is really short sighted if so - you need more control. 7 levels might be OK

I borrowed one from a friend and it didn't work at all, but he had a different manufacturer. Not sure what that might mean.
I should also say that it seems like a short since there's moments when I'm clear. I've done a test of continuity so far and that seemed OK. Going to wait for the SWR to come in and do a bit more with that. My buddy is hooking me up with his spare Uniden 75, and one of the guys on the trip has an older Cobra so I can try with his mic as well.

 

As long as the plug is the same 4 pin style, it should've worked. Short of checking your grounds and tuning the antenna, I'm out of ideas but I'm no expert. Good luck finding the issue!

 

Hey guys, I got my CMX 760 installed and tuned. I turned the radio on the other day and when I key the talk key a chime (almost like an alarm) goes off and I can't transmit. Anyone have any idea what may be causing this?

 

You should be able to turn that off.

 

many idea how? It’s stopping me from transmitting

 

did you get this resolved? Are you using the mic extension cable?

 

No extension cable. I believe it's because my antenna mount is poweder coated. I need to get the powder coating off and try to retune it, just haven't done it yet.

 

gotcha. I had the same issue and ended up putting an RF choke on the extension cable and it fixed it. If you aren’t using that then it’s prob a ground issue causing interference.