Cobra 29 LX AM/FM CB Radio — Full-Size Trucker CB with 4-Color LCD and NOAA Weather

The Cobra 29 LX AM/FM is the feature-loaded edition of Cobra's industry-standard 29 platform — the full-size chassis truckers have been running since the 1970s, updated with a selectable 4-color LCD dot-matrix display, 10-channel NOAA weather receiver with emergency alerts, instant channels 9 and 19, and dual-mode AM/FM operation across all 40 CB channels per the FCC's 2021 rule change. Same chassis and layout as the 29 LTD Classic — the LX adds weather-alert capability, a color display, and a self-test radio-check feature.

Every Cobra 29 LX from CB Radio Supply ships with the factory dynamic 4-pin microphone, DC power cord, mounting bracket, and mic clip. Don't forget to add the Pro tune and alignment option at checkout so that your radio is professionally bench-tuned for best performance per the manufacturer's service manual.

Who this radio is for

• Truckers and OTR drivers who want the traditional full-size Cobra 29 form factor with weather-alert capability built in — no separate NOAA radio needed in the cab
• Storm-country drivers and fleet operators who need severe-weather awareness on the road — the built-in NOAA receiver monitors 10 weather channels and issues an audible alert when the National Weather Service broadcasts a warning
• Buyers who want a color display to match the interior lighting of a modern truck cab — the LX display cycles through blue, amber, green, and red with a manual dimmer
• Drivers stepping up from the 29 LTD Classic who want the same trusted chassis with weather alerts, channel 9/19 instant access, and the Radio Check self-test
• Buyers upgrading from an AM-only CB who want dual-mode AM/FM without changing their antenna install — fully backwards-compatible with older AM-only CBs

What's in the box

• Cobra 29 LX AM/FM CB radio
• Factory dynamic 4-pin microphone with coiled cord
• DC power cord (pre-fused)
• Universal under-dash mounting bracket and hardware
• Microphone clip
• Cobra owner's manual and warranty card

Radio features and specs

• Dual-mode AM and FM operation on all 40 CB channels (FCC-approved 2021)
• 4 watts output on AM and FM (FCC Part 95 Class D maximum)
• FCC Part 95 certified — license-free CB operation in the United States
• Selectable 4-color LCD dot-matrix display: blue, amber, green, red
• Adjustable display dimmer
• 10-channel NOAA weather receiver (162.400 – 162.775 MHz)
• NOAA Weather Alert with audible warning tone
• Weather Scan and Alert Scan modes
• Instant Channel 9 and Channel 19 access
• Radio Check self-test — reports RF power, vehicle voltage, and antenna SWR status
• Built-in SWR meter and SWR alert
• Adjustable Dynamike microphone gain boost
• Variable Talkback control
• PA (public address) capability with external speaker jack
• RF Gain, Squelch, NB/ANL noise filtering
• Built-in clock, timer, and alarm
• Frequency display for CB and weather channels
• Front-panel 4-pin microphone jack
• SO-239 antenna jack (rear)
• External speaker jack (rear)
• Input voltage: 13.2 VDC nominal (positive or negative ground)
• Current draw: 1.5 A max transmit, 0.3 A squelched receive
• Chassis: approximately 9.25″ deep × 7.25″ wide × 2.25″ tall (full-size trucker CB form factor)
• Weight: 3.36 lbs
• Two-year manufacturer's warranty from Cobra

Available upgrades and options

• Pro Tune and alignment service — bench-tuned to Cobra service-manual spec before shipping

Complete kits and combos

Prefer to buy the radio and everything you need to install it in one order? These pre-built kits pair the Cobra 29 LX with matched antennas, mounts, coax, mics, and speakers at approximately 5% off vs. buying the components separately:

• Cobra 29 LX + President Virginia magnet-mount antenna + 3″ external speaker combo — plug-and-play magnet-mount install for trucks, pickups, and SUVs
• Cobra 29 LX audio combo — DRX-9010 premium speaker + DRX-6560 noise-cancelling mic — the standard audio upgrade for drivers who already have an antenna
• Cobra 29 LX truck install combo — Stryker SR-A10 + DRX-3402 mirror mount + DRX-1518 M213 coax — complete hardline install on a mirror bracket
• Cobra 29 LX + Hustler IC56 102″ stainless whip bundle — traditional full-size quarter-wave whip install with heavy-duty mount and barrel spring

Don't forget to add the Pro tune and alignment option at checkout so that your radio is professionally bench-tuned for best performance per the manufacturer's service manual.

Cobra 29 LX vs. Cobra 29 LTD Classic

The 29 LX and the Cobra 29 LTD Classic share the same full-size chassis, same 4-watt AM/FM RF section, same SO-239 antenna jack, same 4-pin dynamic microphone, and the same PA and talkback capability. What the LX adds on top of the LTD Classic:

• 4-color LCD dot-matrix display (vs. blue LED backlit channel indicator on the LTD Classic)
• Built-in 10-channel NOAA weather receiver with alert tone — no separate weather radio needed
• Instant channel 19 in addition to instant channel 9
• Radio Check self-test feature — one-button diagnostic for RF power, vehicle voltage, and antenna SWR
• Clock, timer, and alarm

The LTD Classic is the simpler, purist-oriented edition of the same platform. The LX is the feature-loaded edition. Both use the identical 40-channel AM/FM RF section and 4-watt output — RF performance is the same.

Cobra 29 LX vs. Cobra 25 LTD Classic

The Cobra 25 LTD Classic is the compact sibling to the 29 platform — narrower chassis, same brand DNA, fewer features. Two differences matter most:

• Chassis width: the 29 LX is approximately 7.25″ wide; the 25 LTD is narrower at about 6.4″. Same depth (~9.25″ vs. ~8.6″), same height (~2.25″). The 25 LTD fits narrower mounting spots where the 29 LX's wider chassis won't.
• Features: the 25 LTD Classic does not have a color display, does not have NOAA weather receive, does not have a built-in SWR meter, and does not have the Radio Check self-test. It's a simpler radio for tight spots.

Backwards compatibility

The Cobra 29 LX is fully backwards compatible with older AM-only CB radios. AM mode is the default and the FM upgrade adds cleaner-sounding audio only when both radios in the conversation support FM. Everyone else still hears you fine in AM — nothing about the FM upgrade breaks the CB you and your buddies have always used.

Install and tuning notes

The 29 LX has a built-in SWR meter and Radio Check self-test, which are both genuine conveniences for antenna install and periodic checks. That said, SWR should always be verified at the antenna during install — a proper antenna tune with an in-line meter is the reliable measurement. The built-in SWR meter is a great fallback for on-the-road antenna checks after the initial tune. Don't forget to add the Pro tune and alignment option at checkout so that your radio is professionally bench-tuned for best performance per the manufacturer's service manual.

Radio license note

The Cobra 29 LX is a Citizens Band (CB) radio operating on the 27 MHz band. It is FCC Part 95 certified and license-free in the United States — anyone can operate it legally without an FCC exam. This differs from 10-meter amateur radios, which require an FCC amateur radio operator license.

Compatibility with common install locations

• Fits the traditional CB slot in most Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Volvo, Mack, and International cabs
• Fits most older Ford, Chevy, Dodge, and Toyota pickup dashes with the included under-dash mounting bracket
• Compatible with any 50-ohm CB antenna system (4-foot fiberglass, mag-mount, 102″ whip, mirror-mount)
• Works with any standard 4-pin CB microphone (Cobra, Astatic, RK56B, Roadking, DRX-6560, and others)
• External speaker jack for external CB speakers or PA horn

Warranty and FCC compliance

The Cobra 29 LX carries a 2-year manufacturer's warranty from Cobra Electronics. It is FCC Type-Accepted for CB use in the United States. Buyers are responsible for compliance with all FCC rules including maximum power limits (4W AM / 4W FM). Use only with a properly tuned 50-ohm antenna system.

Cobra 29 LX AM/FM — Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Cobra 29 LX have FM?

Yes. The Cobra 29 LX is the updated dual-mode AM/FM edition, following the FCC's 2021 rule allowing FM on Class D CB radios. It transmits and receives on all 40 CB channels in both AM and FM modes. AM is the default; press the AM/FM button to switch.

How many channels does the Cobra 29 LX have?

The Cobra 29 LX is a full 40-channel CB radio with dual-mode AM/FM operation, plus a separate 10-channel NOAA weather receiver for storm and emergency alerts.

How much power does the Cobra 29 LX put out?

The Cobra 29 LX outputs 4 watts on AM and 4 watts on FM, which matches FCC Part 95 regulations for all Class D Citizens Band radios sold in the United States. Higher output requires an amplifier or an FCC amateur radio license.

Does the Cobra 29 LX need an FCC license?

No. The Cobra 29 LX is FCC Part 95 certified and can be operated without a license in the United States. Anyone can transmit on the 40 CB channels legally without an exam. Amateur radio (10-meter and other ham bands) is what requires an FCC operator license.

Does the Cobra 29 LX have NOAA weather alerts?

Yes. The Cobra 29 LX has a built-in 10-channel NOAA weather receiver covering 162.400 to 162.775 MHz. It supports Weather Scan (finds the strongest local NOAA channel automatically) and Weather Alert (issues an audible warning tone when the National Weather Service broadcasts a severe-weather bulletin). No separate weather radio is needed.

What's the difference between the Cobra 29 LX and the Cobra 29 LTD Classic?

Both radios use the same full-size 29 chassis, the same 4-watt AM/FM RF section, and the same SO-239 antenna jack. The 29 LX adds a 4-color LCD dot-matrix display, a built-in 10-channel NOAA weather receiver with alert tone, instant Channel 19 (in addition to instant Channel 9), a Radio Check self-test feature, and a built-in clock/timer/alarm. RF performance is identical.

What is the Radio Check feature on the Cobra 29 LX?

Radio Check is a built-in one-button self-test that reports RF power output, vehicle voltage, and antenna SWR status. It's a quick sanity check for on-the-road diagnostics and helps identify install problems (bad power connection, high SWR, weak transmit) without any external equipment.

Does the Cobra 29 LX have a built-in SWR meter?

Yes. The Cobra 29 LX has a built-in SWR meter with an antenna warning indicator, plus the Radio Check self-test that reports SWR as one of its three diagnostic outputs. SWR should still be verified at the antenna during the initial install using an in-line meter for the most reliable measurement.

Does the Cobra 29 LX come with a microphone?

Yes. The Cobra 29 LX includes a factory dynamic 4-pin microphone with a coiled cord. For upgraded transmit audio in a noisy cab, the DRX-6560 Driver Extreme 4-pin noise-cancelling dynamic microphone is a plug-and-play swap for the stock mic.

What size is the Cobra 29 LX?

The Cobra 29 LX is a full-size CB radio: approximately 2.25 inches tall, 7.25 inches wide, and 9.25 inches deep, weighing 3.36 lbs. It fits the traditional CB slot in most Class 8 trucks and older pickups. For tighter or narrower mounting spots, the compact Cobra 25 LTD Classic uses a narrower chassis.