CB, good, bad , or other wise

[Hammer Down]

What are your guys suggestions and comments about using a cb. What are the range of them in town? How cheap can a guy pick one up for? What about antennas and how much?
Thanks

[Hound]

A VERY good low cost unit is the Uniden PRO-520XL. It is a great little radio and a bargain for the price of approx 45.00. The one I have gets out pretty much the same as my Galaxy which cost significantly more. The Uniden PRO-538W is also a bargain as it has 4 NOAA weather channels and a front firing speaker. The downside is the bigger chasis. You'll spend more money on quality coax and a good antenna than on either little radio. Wilson, Firestik and K40 all make decent antennas. If you're doing the install yourself, do yourself a favor and get an SWR meter so you can tune your antenna properly. It will keep from cooking the transmitter in your radio. If you've got a good quality antenna, good quality coax, have everything hooked up, tuned and mounted properly then the 2 little radio's above will give more performance than anyone would expect.

[thechevyhdman]

I couldnt go without a CB, I feel naked not knowing whats going on ahead on the road(cops, backups etc.) When I got my current truck I said Ill never put a CB in it....Within a week I installed a Cobra Classic 25 STWX. Me personally I have had alot better luck with the Cobra's compared to the Unidens even though they look identical. Ive had especially bad luck with I believe was the Uniden 66XL?. I run the Cobra with a Wilson Lil' Wil antennea. Ran that setup on the past 3 trucks(pickups) Our cab and chassis run a clamp style bracket with either Firestik or this new antennae I got thats white.
In terms of range, I think nothing affects range more than your geographic location(valleys, hills) I can get a hold of my father across town no problem, just depends where I am.
I picked up my unit from Lentini's Communication, They ship nationwide 1800 666 0909 or Lentinicomm.com. Cobra 25 STWX Pinned and Peaked and a Wilson lil Wil for around 135 or 150. Bill

[a64pilot]

CB's are great. Don't know how many times I've found the best fuel stops etc. by My CB
I would get a CB from a CB shop in a truck stop though. There they can be peaked, matched with a Linear amp, echo card and talk back added etc, plus they'll install it for you if you want and service after the sell. If you go the Linear route I would try to stay below 500 watts as there may be possible interference with the truck computers. Big Linears under good conditions can Xmit up to 50 miles or so. Barefoot radios under less than ideal conditions may not get out worth a flip. The best mobile antenna you can have IMHO is a 102 in steel whip as it is a 1/4 wave I believe. Whatever antenna you choose mounting location is very important to avoid dead spots in coverage, again the radio man at a good truck stop can be of great help here. BTW He'll set your SWR's as well, important to make the radio perform well and to keep it from burning out the Xmitter

[HD-Nate]

Hammer,

Sounds like you are getting lots of good advice already.

I have had a CB in my trucks since 1972 - Still have my old CB license number in my head KJA-9032. (You don

[GMC D-Max]

While we're on the subject of radios, does anybody know of a decent radio that will fit in the "stuff holder" (above the flip-up door compartment) in the '01-'02 center console? A front firing speaker would be great, but I think the size will prohibit that. It doesn't matter where the speaker's at on the unit otherwise, as I'll just use a remote speaker.

[BlueOx03]

On the subject of using external/remote speakers, how about mounting one in an autometer gauge pod? They make them for pillar, column and even dash mount for our trucks. I think it would give you smooth, factory look.

TJ

[a64pilot]

The Cobra external speaker works great and is a press fit in front of the center console under the heater vent. I mounted my Cobra 29 classic under the center of the back seat as I couldn't find a place up front that worked.
Oh yeah, the little willy is a great antenna if you don't want a whip and will handle plenty of power if you go that route, SWR's are easy to set on it and of course you only have to do that once. Very flexible if you forget it's there and drive under an overhang or something. The magnetic mount one get's out great if you put it on the roof,(no blind spots) Kinda obvious which antenna I'd have if I didn't have a whip isn't it.

[ 07-23-2003, 01:48 PM: Message edited by: a64pilot ]

[HD-Nate]

Originally posted by BlueOx03:
On the subject of using external/remote speakers, how about mounting one in an autometer gauge pod? They make them for pillar,.....
TJ Hmmmm, I like the pillar mount idea. Problem would be finding a small enough speaker that would be high quailty.

[TxDoc]

I would not be without a CB. Thanks to SoMnDurax, I have the factory-look antenna mount, FireStik FireFly 3 foot antenna, FireStik FireRing coax (http://www.firestik.com/Catalog/MU-8R18.htm). On a decent, clear night, I can talk 15-20 miles. On the interstate, I can talke and listen 10-15.

The FireRing coax provides:
-Stranded center conductor to maximize flexibility and prevent untimely breakage.
-Shielding coverage that averages 95% to protect against RF leaks and interferrence.
-Polyvinyl center insulation for ruggedness and longivity.
P-erformance that exceeds mil-spec requirements for 50 ohm RG-58A/U coax

FireStik provides a technical library with mucho info-- click here (http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs.htm)

I mounted mine in the center console and put a scanner directly below it (pics in the sig). I found a mod that allow the scanner to piggyback on the AM/FM OEM antenna. I can listen to 2 meter repeaters 60-70 miles away. And, the AM/FM reception does not seem to be affected.

For "Things Every Thing CB'ers Should Know:
click here (http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs/63Things.htm)

Testing SWR--click here (http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs/SWR_Testing.htm)

Setting SWR--click here (http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs/Setting_SWR.htm)

Running an amp or linear is illegal and not necessary. Though you may not be caught or prosecuted, you still can be and not being aware of the law does not go over will with judge.

[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 47, Volume 5, Parts 80 to End]
[Revised as of October 1, 1999]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 47CFR95.411]
[Page 532]
TITLE 47--TELECOMMUNICATION
PART 95--PERSONAL RADIO SERVICES--Table of Contents
Subpart D--Citizens Band (CB) Radio Service
Sec. 95.411 (CB Rule 11) May I use power amplifiers?
(a) You may not attach the following items (power amplifiers) to your certificated CB transmitter in any way:
(1) External radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers (sometimes called linears or linear amplifiers); or
(2) Any other devices which, when used with a radio transmitter as a signal source, are capable.
of amplifying the signal.
(b) There are no exceptions to this rule and use of a power amplifier voids your authority to operate the station.
(c) The FCC will presume you have used a linear or other external RF power amplifier if--
(1) It is in your possession or on your premises; and
(2) There is other evidence that you have operated your CB station with more power than allowed by
CB Rule 10, Sec. 95.410.
(d) Paragraph (c) of this section does not apply if you hold a license in another radio service which allows
you to operate an external RF power amplifier.
[48 FR 24894, June 3, 1983, as amended at 63 FR 36610, July 7, 1998]

[Hound]

BlueOx03, I mounted my remote speaker in the overhead console. It's in where the garage door opener is supposed to go. I bought an external speaker form west marine and there's lots of room in there for it.

You will get better performance out of a higher dollar radio, but even an "el-cheapo" radio with a good antenna setup can get out a good way. The newer more expensive stuff isn't always better as Cobra found out when they stopped buying the Uniden boards and started buying cheapo and putting in 1/6 watt resistors instead of 1/2 watt. The resistor issue has of course been fixed but the consumer didn't pay any less for the radio. Galaxy and Connex make some great high dollar export radios if you want spend some cash.

I have yet to find a negative comment about the 520 XL except about the cost. I actually have one and it works as well as the old black face Cobra 29 Classic that I have. The Galaxy is a bit better but it cost a lot more to gain that bit too. I can't speak about too many others as all I have are 1 Cobra 2 Uniden and 1 Galaxy.

It's sort of like a chevy ford dodge arguement about brands.

Links to lots of good CB stuff:
http://www.angelfire.com/ok/funwithunclejim/

[ 07-23-2003, 09:39 PM: Message edited by: Hound ]

[Dawg]

I have the 40/20/40 seats in my truck with no center console. I have an old Cobra 25ltd and want to install it under the dash where the blank plastic cover is located. In my old truck the dash was metal so you just screwed the CB bracket to the underside of the dash. Any ideas on mounting it in the new truck??? It is a very good old CB and miss not having it in the truck.

Thanks

[Hammer Down]

Thanks for the great input fellas, this should help with my search for a radio.

[drthv8r]

I wouldn't go on a long trip without a CB. I use a Cobra 75 WX ST. All the controls and speaker are built into the mic head.

I use this type bracket that was made by SoMnDmax which I highly recommend(he did an outstanding job), along with a 3'Firestik antenna


http://forum.thedieselpage.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=001257

[ 07-24-2003, 06:01 AM: Message edited by: drthv8r ]

[David Utz]

Don't have one. Don't want one. I didn't use the one I had 20 years ago. They tend to be useless in large urban areas with very limited range due to the heavy use and the guys with the linear amps who will over power the truck in front of you from 25 miles away. I also don't care for the language that is used now. Back when you needed a license (I was KAVR3012), any rough language was severely reprimanded by the other users. We used it on the farm to communicate between tractor-combine-truck. I haven't used it since.

[HD-Nate]

David,

I have to agree with you on the language, it wish they would respect the air since many younger kids are listening also. I

[zip]

Dawg-
It's do-able. I removed the plastic panel and drilled 2 holes for the mounting bracket. Used screws and nuts to hold the the bracket to the under panel and then, of course, used the side holes in the CB to mount the radio into the bracket with the knurled-head screws supplied with the CB. had to check for proper alignment a few times before drilling the holes. The radio sits somewhat at an angle pointing up but it's not unreasonable. Microphone attaches to the L/H side of the CB.
Wish I had pics. But I'm sorta challenged that way- posting stuff. I'll see if I can get my daughter to help.
:( zip

[atvpilot]

I have a cobra 25 classic NW with a wilson 5000 antenna and I love it. I bought it from a truck stop on the NYS thurway. It is pumped to 25 watts in and out. You can have your radar detectors I like having an extra set of eyes out there telling me whats going on. :D

GmcD-MAx I installed my Cobra in the spot you were asking about. I had no problem installing it. If you want pics, let me know and I'll e-mail them to ya.

[ 07-24-2003, 03:00 PM: Message edited by: atvpilot ]

[Dawg]

Zip, thanks for the info. It would be great if you can get the pics. I too have the same challenge!!

[chevmeister]

Just a note to those of you running linears and "tuned" Radios. It is illegal. It is a federal offence. You dont have to be using it to be prosecuted. Watch what you say. I wouldnt want anyone to leave the DP for a all expence paid trip to uncle sams perminent vacation club.

[hoot]

Originally posted by chevmeister:
Just a note to those of you running linears and "tuned" Radios. It is illegal. It is a federal offence. You dont have to be using it to be prosecuted. Watch what you say. I wouldnt want anyone to leave the DP for a all expence paid trip to uncle sams perminent vacation club. Yea... could you come back on that one?...

Somebody just walked all over ya.... ;)

Seriously,

You can't beat having a CB while traveling. I had one in my 97 K2500. It's nice to know why you're sitting in a traffic jam and if you're lucky you find out way before you're stuck in it.
Only problem is you can't really have it on with kids in the truck.

[HD-Nate]

Originally posted by hoot:
You can't beat having a CB while traveling. I had one in my 97 K2500. It's nice to know why you're sitting in a traffic jam and if you're lucky you find out way before you're stuck in it.
OR to know what lane to get in if there is a problem.



Only problem is you can't really have it on with kids in the truck. Unfortunatly you are correct, but you can run a ear bud from your CB if the little ones are around.

[Kollin Syverson]

With the new age of cell phones, CB's are a thing of the past. In my part of the country, I don't know of anyone still using them.

[GMC D-Max]

Originally posted by atvpilot:
I have a cobra 25 classic NW with a wilson 5000 antenna and I love it. I bought it from a truck stop on the NYS thurway. It is pumped to 25 watts in and out. You can have your radar detectors I like having an extra set of eyes out there telling me whats going on. :D

GmcD-MAx I installed my Cobra in the spot you were asking about. I had no problem installing it. If you want pics, let me know and I'll e-mail them to ya. Yes, I'd like to see the pics! You can e-mail them to me at briancATartmorrison.com (just replace the AT with @ smile.gif )

[Maxter]

Originally posted by Kollin Syverson:
With the new age of cell phones, CB's are a thing of the past. In my part of the country, I don't know of anyone still using them. I don't think CBs and cell phones serve the same purpose at all.

First of all you propably won't know the cell phone number of the truck in front of you with a loose strap on his trailer about to lose some cargo on the road and if the roles were reversed, he probably won't know yours either.

You want to know what's holding up traffic in front of you, who are you going to call. Just ask for it on the CB, you're going to have friends all over the place replying to you with some good accurate info.

In that regard, cell phones are more like emails and CBs like instant messaging or a forum.

The CB helped me countless times while on the road and I would never have been able to do the same with a cell phone.

As an added bonus; In canada, radar detectors are not allowed so the CB is VERY helpfull in that regard.


One doesn't replace the other, they are a good complement.

Just my .02$

JF.