This is the Cobra Cam 89, a solid state 23 channel AM base station radio. Debuting in the 1973-74 timeframe, this base station version of the popular Cobra 29 mobile rig, spearheaded Cobra's new ergonomic design (Along with the Cobra 135 and 139) which departed from the usual flat front panel face, and instead utilized a sloping front panel for user controls. A design that Cobra stayed with well into the 1990's. User controls and features were typical for a radio of this type, which included standard controls like Volume, Squelch, Delta Tune, N.B. and P.A switches, and a large S/R.F meter. Also included were some more "advanced" features like Dynamike (Mic Gain), R.F. Gain, Tone, and a Modulation meter. All this was wrapped in a simulated woodgrain veneer metal top, highlighted by black panels with chrome trim.

Performance-wise, this radio did well, and held its own against similar competitive radios.  Receiver sensitivity was good, and adjacent channel rejection (An important parameter for areas with many CB'ers) was about average to good. The "S" meter was fairly linear, and did not compress at "S9" like some radios.  On the transmit side, the radio performed equally well, with full 4 watt power and strong modulation which was unencumbered by modulation limiting. The radio was equipped with electronic switching and, like similar radios, required that the mike remain connected in order to hear the receive audio.

In my local area, Big Al, Rebel, and a few others ran Cam 89's. Big Al's Cam 89 was my signal measurement standard. Any time I'd change antennas, power, or radios, I'd have him turn down his R.F. gain to minimum and check my signal level. I had very consistent readings over the years.