CB Radio from my MM--What should I buy?

[SergntMac]

Well, it sure looks like a lot of us are planning to hit the roads of America this summer, heading out to meet up with each other, and covering some long distances to accomplish that. Surely, communications among us is something to consider.

Are "Citizen's Band" radios still popular OTR? If so, what should I be shopping for? I don't want anything permanentently installed, or, causing damage.

I know there is also the "Family Radio Service" band, which offers cleaner communications over short distances and better interoperability among manfacturers, but I don't know if this is also used for OTR communications?

All of us who will be traveling to meets this summer should have some way we can reach out to others, but a cell phone doesn't seem to fill this bill. I guess I'm asking "what's hot, what's not" before I visit Radio Shack.

Any ideas on what should be the "official choice" of the MercuryMarauder.Net member? One has to consider style too, donchano...

[LincMercLover]

I installed a Cobra in my Dad's pick-up. Gone through 3 antennas (damn drive-thru's), but that radio kicks arse! Also have a hidden CB in the Lincoln from the factory. Ahh... the 70's... :D

[idocevil]

In a road trip, i would make sure that it has single side ban operation or ssb just in case of emergencies. I think cobra offers this.

[RF Overlord]

Sarge:

FRS (Family Radio Service) is definitely the way to go...the units are inexpensive ($80/pair for GOOD ones), intelligibility is high, range is decent (up to 2 miles), and most offer some sort of "Private-Call" function, so you're not listening to everyone else in the world...unless you're trying to recreate "Smokey and the Bandit", CBs are pretty useless nowadays...

10-4, good buddy...

[idocevil]

I dont use a cb, but on long trips I use my direct connect walkie talkie on my phone. This way nobody can hear my conversation and I dont have to fuss with a new radia install.

[RF Overlord]

idocevil:

I believe that feature is offered only by Nextel...

[Logan]

FRS radio's are perfect for caravaning. I keep one in my car at all times...

[studio460]

SergntMac:

Funny you should mention CB radio . . . I am just receiving my Midland 79-290 CB radio today from UPS. FRS is good, Sarge, but GMRS has better range and more Watts. I've been searching for a mobile GMRS (not a handheld) but no one seems to make one yet.

FRS/GMRS are good for point-to-point communications, generally with people among your party (e.g., caravans, families at theme parks, etc.). I haven't even used a CB since I was in high school in the late seventies but I thought it might be fun to try one out on the road.

The Midland I mentioned is the top of the line mobile CB (not a handheld) they offer--it's also the coolest looking CB I could find with its "black matrix LCD display" (although I didn't buy it from this site, there's a good picture of it here (http://www.durhamradio.ca/midland-79-290.htm))--the Cobras still use those 70s cheesy silver knobs, but they're suppossed to be pretty good too. The Midland typically sells for under $200, but I could only find it at online retailers. The Midland 79-290 also supports 12-Watt single sideband (SSB) transceiver capability. However, CB may not be the best device for use while traveling to the meets due to the excessive chatter on the crowded 27MHz frequency. But again, I haven't used a CB since 1979.

GMRS might be a better choice for driving to the meets. They're inexpensive, powerful (up to 5 miles or more, line-of-sight, as I recall), and are available from a number of manufacturers (although I do believe GMRS requires a FCC license of some sort--basically a fee). Getting all of the members on the same privacy codes, however, I'm not sure how to do, since I haven't played around with GMRS yet.

P.S. GMRS frequencies employ a superset of FRS frequencies. All GMRS devices can talk to any FRS radio.

[LincMercLover]

I personally think Midlands are junk. Had one in my sis's car and it never did get out as far as the Cobra I mentioned above. Always used Radio Shack antennas and tuned them with a Radio Shack SWR Meters. The Cobra I calibrated down to next to nothing, as the Midland I could only bring down to right around 2, but then again, most of you probably have no clue what I'm talking about here...

[UncleLar]

No one here knew it until now,but my CB handle is Uncle Lar,one of the infamous guys here in Chicago on CH-18 using the old tube radios> CB has faded out somewhat again,but for the bang for the buck you still can't beat it for highway communications. FMRS,family mobile radio service is very short range due to the low power,1/2 watt output or less,GMRS is mgood,but a license from the FCC is required and the radios aren't inexpensive and some require special programming. SSB or single side band can't be counted on fior emergencies in CB's. A good regular 40 channel CB with a good antenna will have a range of at least 10+ miles in most terrain.
I am connected to get CB radios,antennas and equipment at dealers cost. If you guys are interested I can check on some stealthy(easily hidden} Cobra radios that have all the controls and the speaker in the mike and may also receive the Nat'l weather Service broadcasts,mount the radio under the seat and everything you need to operate it is in the microphone. I recommend using K-40 antennas with magnet mounts,easily removed for clearance and so nobody can tell there's a CB in your car for them to steal. I've used K-40 antennas to talk from my car in Chicago to 2 guys in cars in Great Brittain,then a few minutes later to a base station in Holland,I swear by K-40's. I was not running extra power,but weather conditions were perfect for "skip" communications.
If you're interested I can see what a package with the radio I'm talking about,Cobra 75 WX,I believe and a K-40 mag mount. As far as I can tell right now the price with shipping probably will less than $150. I will not make a cent on these for our members,my cost will be your cost.Also I get a discount on quanity orders so the more the cheaper. I can also tune the antennas for Chicago area MMer's and help the rest in setting their antennas tuning. Watch out for LML's Rat Shack meters. LOL! My antenna tuner cost me over $250.00

[JohnnyB]

Get a Cobra 40 channel

[modular46]

Go get your amateur tech no code license (or whatever they call it now) and then get a real radio. With all the .75, 1.25, and 2 meter repeaters everywhere, the coverage is great. The new Yaesu FT-90R dual band (.75 and 2 meter) has a separable control panel and mic. Hide the control panel in the flip down sunglass holder in the over head console and the mic in the center console and you have hidden radios. Just add a hideaway trunk mount and no one will no what you have when you're parked.

However, I have an SSB Uniden with a Wilson 1000, tuned for the band and as long as the folks you want to talk to also have SSB, it ain't bad.

Of course you can also purchase 10 meter radios modified for 11 meters, but you didn't hear it here. (note the correct spelling and use of hear and here).

Just my 2 meter... er 2 cents worth.

Should I add KB8TPX to my signature block?

Anyone going on the Hot Rod Power Tour?

[UncleLar]

Dave, no code tech is probably a lot more time and effort than the group in general wants to put into simple highway communications and very few people monitor SSB on 11 meters.
CRUZTAKER,no offense,but I think you've got a very generous RF power meter,2 of the best CB's out there are the Cobra 29 GTL and Cobra 148,and even with different voltage regulators,hot drivers and hot finals tuned by some really good techs the best I've seen on a GOOD true peak reading power meter like a Yaesu or a Bird is slightly over 30 watts peak in a radio that wouldn't burn up inside of a month. I got started in CB around 1965 or so and have had at least 2-3 hundred radios and had close ties with Cobra/Dynascan since 1967,I bought the last 7 Cobra 2000 GTL's that were ever produced.I wouldn't recommend an afterburner on these newer cars with all the computers. Larry KB9JUJ

[LincMercLover]

While we're on the subject, can I get some of the more expirenced members opinions on this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3026848892&category=14935

I know it's discontinued now cause it's illegal, BUT... you all know my feeling towards things like that. :D

[studio460]

Cruz:

I installed glass-mount antennas as well. Will probably install Antennex-brand band-specific permanent mounts when I figure all that out. Have you tuned your antennas with an SWR? Glass mounts won't work with "passivated" glass--glass that has been treated with a metalized tint film (which apparently some car manufacturers use). Glad to know that you're using one, and apparently it works, right? So the Marauder's glass is fine for on-glass mounts?

Would love to see a picture of your mounting placement, Cruz. I haven't installed my Midland yet (just got it today). Anyone else out there that can point me to where the accessory power terminals are located?

[UncleLar]

It's a good unit,I don't know if it's illegal by you in Mo.,but don't bring any scanners into Michigan. Check your local and state laws on legality of scanners in autos,some states it's okay for anyone,others you must be a licensed ham radio operator,and in some they're flat out illegal for non government agencies.
BTW,if you talk on a cordless phone,analog cell phone,have a baby monitor or wireless video monitor chances are someone is listening to you or can view what your video monitor is monitoring. Don't ever give out credit card #'s ,or any other important personal info on a non-wired phone. Anyway,if anybody's interested in a CB for their Marauder let me know and I'll see what I can do for you.

[studio460]

Well, I couldn't wait to mount my new radio. Just finished mounting tonight. Still have to route coax from rear window antenna. Still haven't figured out where the DC accessory terminals are. Anyone?

Midland 79-290 mounted w/mic:

http://newsfile.tv/nbc-cb5.jpg

Close up of Midland 79-290 with removable faceplate removed:

http://newsfile.tv/nbc-cb17s.jpg

[modular46]

Uncle Lar: Got my start in CB in '63. And you are right about both the ham license and SSB. But they do make a difference.

[Geo]

I too have been interested in picking up a used (now discontinued) Uniden Bearcat BCT-12 radar-detector style scanner. I already have downloaded the manual as a PDF file from the internet expecting that the unit I buy doesn't come with the manual.

Does anyone have any idea why it was discontinued (really why). I had thought it was because many law enforcement agencies are switching to encrypted digital and these BCT12s cannot pick them up. From what I see though, the majority of police frequencies are still analog.

On another note, I still have my old CB that I bought from Radio Shack in 1988. It was the only model that I had ever seen that had 6-channel pre-sets. Ofcourse it is a 40 channel 4W unit. I hope to install it again or am I wasting my time. When I had stopped CBing on a regular basis by 1995, SSB had become quite the in thing. Should I be wasting my time with a regular 40ch unit; that Midland looks cool. I undersand that SSB gets better range.

CBs can't be too dead if so many here are in to them and if they are still invaluable as a highway communications device; must be alot of people out there with them. I assume all semis still use them.

GEO

[studio460]

The Midland does look cool, but I think LML is right in that the Cobras tend to have better transceiver range. Haven't tested my Midland yet, but I saw some internet posts that supported LML's evaluation regarding the 79-290 specifically. Ofcourse, then there were other posts which raved about the 79-290. For max signal, I'd probably go with the Cobra. For pure cosmetics--the Midland rocks (plus the detachable face is a pretty nice added feature!).

[TAF]

This has been an interesting read....but....for folks like me that are willing to spend a little for 2-way/multi-way communications for the road-trip to Dallas but, are not interested in outfitting a full-fledged CB system.....recommendations?

[martyo]

Originally posted by TAF
This has been an interesting read....but....for folks like me that are willing to spend a little for 2-way/multi-way communications for the road-trip to Dallas but, are not interested in outfitting a full-fledged CB system.....recommendations?

Todd: How many times do I have to tell you?? You simply can not use two tin cans and a string to communicate between fast moving vehicles!!

[LincMercLover]

Todd,

We'll give ya a coconut, some foil, and tape. Don't worry, we got ya covered buddy! :up: :lol:

[Heavy351]

Sarge:

FRS radios will be fine for what you want them for. GMRS are better having more power and are still compatible with the cheapo FRS radios. Have everyone bring their own, decide on a group what frequency you want and go.

I used to use my CB all the time to chat it up with the truckers, now I just listen to channel 19 on my beartracker BCT-10. This unit picks up the mobile repeaters installed in most patrol cars and relays the radio to the officer's handheld. These repeater frequencies are programmed into the chip and lert you with a beep when they are nearby. As time goes on I am noticing less and less alerts on the unit. I am assuming the police are moving to other (digital?) frequencies. Soon I expect the feature will not work at all...

[SergntMac]

Well, thanks y'all for checking in with the 411, I hope the travelers here are picking up what they need to know.

I've had some experience with radios, I sold my repeater station on the Sears tower a few years back when the rent got hideous, but my GMRS license is still valid. The FRS stuff is good for on-site connecting while walking around any large event. IMHO, any FMS kit would work fine. Much to pick from, best to get a set with all the options in frequency and PL tones for cross compatability. Extra batteries, or a rapid-charger may be a thought too, and Cobra makes several nice toys for under 100 bucks, see your local Best Buy or equalivent. BTW, the FRS "hailing" channel is channel 1, 462.550 simplex, tone off.

On the road, the FMS stuff can keep a long caravan in touch, and privately too. But, I believe that a CB will be a necessary mod for this kind of traveling. UncleLar's suggestion seems the way to go for me. Concealed, yet powerful enough to get the job done. CB isn't my hobby anymore, I see it as a safety option in the event of an emergency, not to mention the customary "smokie" reports.

The weather option on UncleLars suggestion is probably most important to me. Looks like I'll be traveling Tornado Alley from Chicago, and let's face it folks, the weather has been most unpredictable lately, seems like seasons are shifting, and anything can happen anytime.

So, for a few well spent bucks, I'll be wired up for anything, and without starting another hobby, again.

Thanks UncleLar for the offer to help us out. I'll be getting my order into you soon.

Here's a link with some pics...

http://www.valcoelectronics.com/cb/c75wxst.htm

[james_hart6]

Mac,

I run a Cobra CB that has all of the controls in the handset - and has the weather channel as well. A small control box is used to power the box and give a place to connect the antenna. I mounted the control box using an existing screw in the glovebox.

I've a K-40 trunk mount antenna which is a quick-disconnect and comes with a small button to cover the antenna base when the antenna is not in use.

Range varies with terrain, of course.

As for usefulness - the general public may have fallen off of the Rubber Ducky fad some time ago (thank goodness!) but most OTR truckers still run CB's. I've found the CB, in conjunction with the Valentine, to be very useful on the highway. In town - at least near Detroit - it isn't worth turning on. The language would make Mr. Nixon blush.

Your mileage may very.

HTH

Jim

[Murader03]

Sarge...I went with a one-hander, everything in you hand. It's a permenant mount, and I used a glass mount antenna, as the K40 magnetic mount I had left a scratch in the trunk lid. Now that I see how NBCShooter mounted his CB, I might pull my other CB out and mount it there. I also ran an external speaker from the CB power box to the overhead console and mounted it via velcro just above my right ear. No problem hearing it without blasting out conversations or radio, and it can be removed when not in use. Likewise, if I don't want to keep the CB in the car, it simply unscrews from the power box and I carry it away.

[modular46]

Unlce Lar, You say that scanners are illegal in Michigan.

Does that apply to Ham Operators? If so, then most any solid state ham radio would be illegal.

I read an article several years ago in one of the trade magazines that claimed the FCC regs superceded state laws in this area.

Your thoughts are welcome.

[studio460]

Cruz:

Thanks for the tip! Fuse holder #5 is unused--do you happen to remember which is the hot lead? The hole facing "up" (toward the steering wheel) or the hole facing "down" (toward the firewall)? I used to have a meter somewhere around here . . .

http://newsfile.tv/nbc-cb8.jpg
27MHz through-glass antenna mount

By the way--connected antenna and got temp power to the radio. Through-glass antenna seems to work! But still need to borrow an SWR meter to dial it in. Getting TONS of ignition RFI! Do the accessory terminals from the fusebox supply filtered power? Or do I have to buy a filter and put it in line? Thanks for all your help!

[studio460]

Cruz:

Thanks again for your help! And certainly, free advice is ALWAYS welcome (absolutely NO offense taken)! I installed an inline noise filter to 12V supply to radio--still have ignition system noise via the antenna. Going to try this (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTL G&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F010%5F0 04%5F009%5F000&product%5Fid=273%2D105&MSCSProfile=745D84CBF04D14A48A A6FF9C89D722C0BA68C1B04FE38467 8A5285FCD6E056B17AF21627FDABE3 16B90B3C038D68EBD6B7F9F3BD1712 EAA9951ACB2590A05C6517EFE46941 FEFDD1985D4EFD6321F5E70B4DE9B6 C1D45512A2E2690A6961FCE4E1FF3B 78243E5D6225E0325F406AE3AA32DA 6964F1A583DC0A65BF97BC21B6DDC6 B53F14A9F46E9B) fuel injector noise suppressor from Radio Shack (noise is worse when accelerating, so this makes sense, doesn't it?). You put these things on the electronic injector power supply lines (both pos and neg). But where the heck are those? If that fails, I'm going to try a high amperage (100-200A) filter on the alternator.

[martyo]

NBC, if all of that fails, let me know. I can make some recommendations from some of the marine (boat) catalogs. Boats have lots of electronic equipment and suffer from ignition noise, etc. Prices can be steep though.....

[UncleLar]

A few years ago a lot of guys with Fords were having electrical interference problems due to the electric fuel pumps.The cure for that was to install a special electronic filter from Ford. The guys with Crown Vic PI's probably already have them as part of the PI package.

[studio460]

Martyo, UncleLar, Cruz:

Thanks for all your help on the RFI/EMI noise suppression project! UncleLar, I've heard about the fuel pump problem--now I only have to find a part number and figure out where to install. Martyo--I'm going to a ham radio shop in Burbank to see if they have the heavy duty filter that goes on the alternator output directly--unfortunately, the install will require soldering. There's a good marine shop here I can check out as well--thanks for the tip! Price is really no object to get a clean signal, since I plan to install more radio equipment in the future. Keep y'all posted on the progress and fixes!

[martyo]

You are on the right track NBC. You can repay me by coming to NY and taking some of those great photos of MY car (so I can stop showing pics of yours and saying they are mine!!!).

[TAF]

Originally posted by martyo
taking some of those great photos of MY car

I believe we have identified the "Official Photographer for MM.net" for FFW in Ennis....whatchasay Shooter?

I'll be first to say I'd be willing to give you a little sumpin, sumpin that would cover more than just the film for some cool pics of my ride...and I bet others would be right with me....Hmmmm?

[Marauderman]

Yeah --your a salesman alright---ok --I'm in....looks like you may need to think of what kinda $ will be needed cuz you know their gonna be askin....well..Shooter. great time..great place...great audience...seems like it's just for you...I'm with TAF......

[Marauderman]

SHooter---That's of course if your coming to Ennis--are you?

[martyo]

Originally posted by TAF
I'll be first to say I'd be willing to give you a little sumpin, sumpin that would cover more than just the film

Money is no problem, but here in NYC, a little sumpin' sumpin' has a whole different meaning and homey don't play that game! :lol:

Ooops, I forot, I am not supposed to make fun of other members posts. Sorry, Todd from the bottom of my stone-like, cold lawyer's heart!!:bs:

[UncleLar]

Most of the Fords that had the problem with the fuel pump noise were Taurus's,I believe the fuel pump was in the gas tank. None of the guys dropped the tank to install the filter,instead they tracked the wiring down to a spot under the rear seat and installed the filter there. I'll check with one of the former victims and see if he can recall anymore info like a part# or anything,this was like 5-7 years ago.
2 questions for NBC Shooter,how long after the station does a news story do they keep the tapes of the story,and is it possible to get a copy after 3 years?

[TAF]

Originally posted by martyo
Money is no problem, but here in NYC, a little sumpin' sumpin' has a whole different meaning

Don't know what you boys use it for up there...but in the A-T-L...it means green, dead-prez's, dough, bread, etc.

Now...can I get a second on the nomination of Shooter as our official "paparazzi"?

Shooter...you planing on travel to Tejas?

[martyo]

Originally posted by TAF
Now...can I get a second on the nomination of Shooter as our official "paparazzi"?

Seconded!

[hrtn_monky]

Good evening all,

I've been following the radio install/ noise issues. Haven't installed a radio in the MM yet. There is a TSB for interference generated by the fuel pump, not sure it is in effect for MM but my last vehicle purchase was a Mountaineer that had unbearable fuel pump noise. Dealer installed the filter under warranty. It mounts in the gas tank. It resolved most of my issue. The remaining noise was eliminated by moving the antenna as far away from the gas tank as I could.

The TSB # 98-7-3 was in effect in 98.

The part #s installed were F1PZ-18B925-A filter, 95873-s, F5AZ-14A099-AA

you may want to check with the dealer for an updated TSB.

______________________________ ____________
John

[Marauderman]

Oh -we're back to having normal intuition

[Marauderman]

Kinda liked what TAF and all were doing--ok--back to the info merchal--darn keys..

[LincMercLover]

I dunno... Anyone considered Nextels? MAYBE they could be a sponsor of this site? I'm looking at getting one this week.

[grzellmer]

Not too keen on the Nextel's

Have a CB in our RV. Don't normally listen to the truckers but when the weather or the traffic are bad, the thing is invaluable.

Just cause it came from the 70's doesn't make it bad. Hell, bell bottom pants and platform shoes are making a come back why not CB's.

[studio460]

Martyo, TAF, marauderman:

Thanks for your votes of support, and for the nomination! Wouldn't think of taking money from any of you guys (well, except to help pay for the bikini models we'd need to pose with the cars). Unfortunately, my schedule probably won't permit the Texas meet (not driving there, at least).

hrtn_monky:

Thanks for the TSB and part numbers for those fuel pump filters!!! Much appreciated! You're THE MAN!

UncleLar:

Thanks for all your help, by the way. In answer to your questions, I'm not sure what stories local news stations keep, or for how long (I shoot for network, which keeps everything). Getting dubs of stories out to a viewer may be difficult only because of the time involved to retrieve, dub, and send. If you're persistent, and really nice, someone at the station may do you a favor. If you know the exact air date, that will help them immensely in finding it.

Meanwhile, back at the Shack . . .

I just installed eight of Radio Shack's "Snap-Together Ferrite Choke Cores" (part no. 273-105)--one on each fuel injector's power line. I couldn't believe it, but they actually suppressed about 70% of the RFI/EMI that's been bleeding into my CB! Now, my squelch pot only needs to be turned up about 20-30 degrees further clockwise, with the engine on and revving, than when the engine is off. Very effective!

http://newsfile.tv/nbc-cb28.jpg
Ferrite cores installed on injector wiring

If I decide to go nuts, and filter both the alternator and fuel pump (plus, address a few grounding issues), that radio should be dead silent! Thanks again for everyone's input on the subject!

Got the same remote speaker Cruz has also (part no. 19-318A) and installed it with double-stick tape. Planning to add a second remote speaker to left of mirror for scanner.

http://newsfile.tv/nbc-cb25.jpg
Remote speaker installed

Well, this has been a helpful, fun thread--thanks to all for your input and kind words.

[CRUZTAKER]

Nice pics, we use those chokes on the power feeds to the Soneplex repeater bays....I may be able to snag some spares...

Thanks NBC-

[studio460]

Yer welcome, Cruz . . .

Just tuned the antenna and the numbers are in . . . SWR numbers, that is, for my Midland 79-290 CB transceiver w/glass mount antenna.

1.2 SWR on channel 20.
1.8 SWR on channel 40.
2.1 SWR on channel 1.

Was actually surprised how good channel 20 was! Can these numbers be right? Will retest in another location--don't quite trust how good these numbers are yet.

SWR= standing wave ratio: indicates the ratio of power transmitted to antenna to power reflected from antenna
1 = theoretical best
3 = bad

[UncleLar]

NBC Shooter,first,thanks for the reply to my question.
Now for your SWR, 1.1 to1 is considered ideal,but it doesn't happen often. 3 to 1 for transistor radios is definitely too high,sooner or later it'll create problems.tube type radios are usually tuneable to help match to the antenna and they can tolerate SWR's in exess of 5 to 1.
Did you use the SWR meter in your radio to tune your antenna? If so,be aware that those built in meters are notoriously inaccurate,they can be used to tune for the lowest SWR,but most will not give an accurate reading of the true SWR.They are good as a reference point to check for any problems that may develop with the antenna or coax.If you use a GOOD SWR meter to tune your antenna for the best match you'll know what your true SWR is and then can check it with the meter on the radio to use as a future reference point. I use an MFJ antenna analyzer for setting up antennas,it costs aound $270,but I've set up a lot of antennas and use it for building antennas too,you guys don't need that,but a good,not a $20 Rat Shack,meter.,or having access to one is almost a must for tuning an an antenna.
When you want to tune your antenna or check for the most accurate SWR readings try to find a large open area with no obstructions like light or phone poles and wires,trees,buildings or parked cars,I like to use a large empty parking lot,also check it with your car doors,hood and trunk lid closed,windows open is okay and no one standing by the car.
Also,NEVER grab or touch an antenna when the radio is transmitting! You'll get an RF burn,trust me,you don't want one,granted 4 watts isn't a lot of power,but don't do it.
Using those chokes on the injector wires was a good idea,just be sure they don't chafe the wires and if you wrap around them once or twice with electrical tape it'll help keep them from unsnapping due to vibration.You can also use them on the ground and power wires to the radio.

[hrtn_monky]

Shooter, how long is that glass mount antenna? I don't imagine it can be very long being mounted on the glass. What kind of range are you expecting to get with it? Personally I don't recommend anything smaller than a 4 foot loaded antenna for any usable range. Remember, the proper length for unloaded antenna for 27Mhz is approximately 8 feet. Anything smaller than that is a compromise.


John

[lyonsd]

I'm interested in CBs too and spent some time looking around a while ago. I wish CBs would become popular again.

Anyway, here's a web site that sells "good" CBs. http://exportradios.com

These are brands that you won't find a Radio Shack or Wal Mart:

Galaxy
Connex
Ranger
Etc...

You can also order them "modified" to produce more power and other bells & whistles.

[Hemlock]

IM LOOKING AT COBRA 75 , HAND HELD WITH REMOTE BRAIN (TRUNK) IT SHOULD TAKE CARE OF NO ROOM UNDER DASH IN MM .

[studio460]

hrtn_monky:

It's a 22-inch, center-loaded whip. Coil generates significant "whistle" at 60MPH--still need to apply shrink tubing over coil to eliminate. The glass-mount whips are temporary until I spec out permanent-mount, NMO-style mounts and antennas. Was looking at Antenex and Maxrad brand 27MHz and multiband (scanner) antennas. Not sure about the K40s and Wilson antennas since center loads are supposedly inherently better than bottom-load antennas.

Although I would prefer greater antenna performance, I have pretty strict clearance issues where I have to park. Eventually, I was thinking of installing a permanent-mount 27MHz antenna on the trunk, and another permanent-mount multiband antenna (if I dare) on the roof.

UncleLar:

Thanks again for the antenna tips. I have some friends at work that have some serious SWR test equipment I hope to borrow as soon as I can get one of them to bring one in.

lyonsd:

Great site, thanks!

[studio460]

Cruz:

Your Wilson 1000 trunk mount looks great! Is that the lip mount? How strongly do you recommend the Wilson--have you verified your transmit range at that length?

[hrtn_monky]

cruz, why would you cut the whip down to 4'? The antenna is designed to be resonant at the ~6 foot whip length for 27Mhz. Cutting the whip significantly will seriously affect your performance and your SWR. You won't be able to "calibrate" with the whip that short.

Shooter, the wilson is one of the best available, however if you don't need the power handling capacity (ie: external amplification) - radio shack has a antenna called the all terrain whip - it is base loaded, ~6' whip, has a 3/8 -24 mount and performs comparatively to the wilson at a very reasonable price. I have run both antennas and recommend the rs antenna to anyone looking for a low cost / good performance system. Avoid radio shack mag mount 3/8 -24 mount and opt for a K-40 or similar mag mount or trunk lip mount.

[Geo]

Does anyone remember the firestick?

[CRUZTAKER]

Originally posted by hrtn_monky
cruz, why would you cut the whip down to 4'?

One too many times smacking the roof from hitting the rafters in the barn. :mad2:
I guess I just got PO'd one afternoon and took a hacksaw to it. I never did re-calibrate or check it.
I had no idea I was screwing it up...made me happy at the time! :P

[hrtn_monky]

cruz,

at least you had a good reason :-)

geo,
firesticks are still available - now an improved version that is tunable

[amedd50]

I have a Uniden PRO538W mounted on the drivers side of the center console. Since I am only 5'6" and 135lbs it does not interfere with my legs in anyway. I am using a Wilson 1000 trunk lip mount and I have both the 6' antenna and I just got what they call a short whip for the 1000. It is 4' tall with a center load. This antenna is better suited for driving around town and getting into and out of my garage. I will use the 6' for long road trips. I do get alternator noise through the antenna. I understand that the CVPI has an RF package. Does anyone know how much that is or how much it will cost to have the alternator filtered?

[UncleLar]

Geo,they still make Firesticks,I just gave some to my nephew.
Cruz,you're lucky you didn't smoke your finals,try that 4' center load amedd50 mentioned before you do smoke 'em.
NBC Shooter,save the NMO's for your multiband scanner(?) receiver,they're not necessary on 27MHz,144MHz and above they do help.
Quick tune tip for K-40 antennas,bottom the whip in the top mount,pull it up 1/4" and tighten the allen screws and you should have a safe,decent SWR until you can set it with a meter.
I wish I knew how to use my scanner to post some old pics I took of my base station and could get it sized so you could see it well,some of you old time CB'ers would freak. Stacks of Browning Golden Eagle MKII's,III's,a couple of MK IV's,Sonar FS-2340,Tram D-201's,all 5 variations,etc.,etc. My ham receiver is an old Hallicrafters boat anchor,SX-101 mkIII,it weighs 80 pounds and is the size of a big microwave oven,I sold the matching transmitter,it was the same size,but weighed closer to 120pounds.
For audio quality there is no substitute for tubes.

[Geo]

Why not install a Cobra remote unit (with the controls on the mike) brain box in the trunk (away from speakers ofcourse) and have wires coming out for antenna(s), PA and MIC.

This way, all you would have is a MIC to worry about and one can make a connector under the seat (say coming out from the back of front passenger seat for easy connect-disconnecting) and velco the mic on the armrest.

[UncleLar]

Geo,you'll have to do some cutting of wires,splicing and soldering to extend the Cobra 75's mike and control cables to trunk mount it,I'm not sure how many wires there are but normally there are 4 to 6 for the mike alone,not counting the controls.It might be a headache.
Cruz,I didn't know Wilson had been bought ought,I haven't been active on CB for about 2 or 3 years,but I always preferred K-40 as I never ran power and if I had any problems they're local in Elgin,Il. If anything goes wrong I drive out,give the old set-up minus the whip to them and for $20 I get a brand new one. K-40's are also easier to get a good match(SWR) on vehicles with small trunk lids or small roofs like mini pick-up trucks. We here spent hours on the air arguing over whether K-40's or Wilson's were better.I always meant to get one of each with magnet mounts and set them up with lowest SWR's and go way off and do radio checks with everyone with one ,then the other,but never did. Both were good.
BTW,tune for lowest SWR on channel 20,then check at channel 1 and channel 40,as long as you're under 2.5 to 1 you're safe,but not ideal,under 2.0 to 1 is good.1.5 to 1 is darn good,under 1.3 to 1 is great. The lower the SWR the more of your radios power is going out into the air and the less is being fed back into the radio effectively choking it,sort of like a dirty air filter and a plugged up muffler in a car.