I have now filled my soda cup,donned my flame suit and hopefully I will not fall asleep while doing this(was a long nite on the road last nite). So here goes and I'll try and fish out the questions and answer them for you all. Burner,I will post some links for you to see the higher end stuff at the end or on the next post... ... .
How are the Connex 3300hp series? Anyone have one, like the General Lee from A place called RadioactiveRadios.com
Jengle. .
The Connex line were run-of-the-mill pieces until just recently. With the addition of the newest weapons the 4300,4400,4600 and 4800 series they have now just begun to really hit their stride. The 4600 Turbo will do 180-200watts PEP on a full swing if tuned and are a good way for those who do not wish to add a map to have the power they need. You will need to add the additional frequency counter on all their radios except the 4800. As for the shop you ask about,they are ok,but with you and easy drive from me come up here and I'll take you to my tech at Road Hogs to get your bullet. Gary and Dave are two of the best and have many keydown competition awards to show for their work. BTW,the "General Lee" is one smoking unit and will do what you need done.
Radio swings 40 watts & holds 30... . I have no problem's reaching 10 miles or more
Mark. .
I can believe the 40w PEP swing out of a 25LTD,but,you will never get 30watts dead key out of it,its impossible. If you understand the basics of your equipment,then you would realize it will not happen. You have a 1 watt radio chassis and circuit board and no matter how many "bigger drivers and finals" you add,its still a 1 watt chassis and board. A GOOD Cobra 25/29/148(meaning a old,and I mean old,Phillipine built unit) would net you maybe around 6-6. 5 watts of deadkey and thats using a updated driver and larger final. Watch that guy you have working on your radio,sounds like a smoke and mirrors story to me.
Does anyone know about the Cobra 19 DX IV?
Adequate unit for those desiring compact size and enough to keep and ear on traffic. It will do what you need to do for a reasonable price.
Burner. .
The Last Cobra you asked about is a ok unit. Its based for those who desire to hide the unit and only have the mic visible. The radio itself mounts under the seat and all thats left out is the handheld microphone. These style unit are good starter sets but their longevity is limited depending on how you treat the Mike unit.
The bottom line is you need to decide what options you want in a radio then shop from there. Price is a huge determining factor when you shop as you can get radios priced from around $30 all the way to a wallet crunching number. Look around a bit and see what you want then go from there. If you decide on a tuned export drop me a note and I can help you some. I'll drop a set of radio shop and radio links in a post next for you.
The Great CB Antenna debate.....
While many companies make antennas,and all claim to be the best,there are a couple which are hands over the rest. In a mobile application you will be very hard pressed to find a antenna which works better than the Wilson Antenna line. The diversity of mounts and style puts one to fit anyones mounting needs and they are one of the most durable ones going. These are the best bang for your buck in a "over-the-counter" antenna,period. I have the one I bought in 1989,a Wilson 1000 mirror mount,and it has over 2 million miles on it and has had some serious heat run through it. The can is faded from black to grey and is almost white on top,yet it still works as it did when I bought it new back then. I paid $95 for it back then and I have gotten my monies worth and then some. I'll take a picture of its raggedity look and post it tomorrow,LOL.
Fiberglass antennas,if you do not use a Wilson Silverload,then there is only one which stands out more than anyone else,Francis Antennas. Francis Antennas have been the preferred choice of over the road trucks for many years and will perform flawlessly. Reasonably priced and many lengths to choose from make them fit almost anyones style. I have yet to find any which work better and can take the abuse a Francis will. Ask any freight hauler who has been around what their preferred stick is and I am certain more than 2/3rd will tell you Francis. Yes,I know there are others made,but none will provide a better bang for the buck.
Personally,I now run a custom built piece made by one of my fellow drivers here at my job. They are made one at a time with both him and I doing the R&D on them. They are called "Trick Schitt" because some large unit driver slapped it on them as he never had a name on them,LOL. They are a West Coast mirror mount style and are built in about 5 different combinations and styles. I will take a picture of the ones I have for you all to see tomorrow and post it. He has them about as efficient and able to handle any power amount you need to whip them with.
I know some will disagree with what I have wrote,I expect that. But,when you read it I hope you understand I did it with what I have learned in some 3. 5 million miles of over the road driving and listening to what guys use and run. I have used many radio shops over the year and will attest to how many "hackers" are out there as compared to real "techs". Its best to find one you comfortable with and learn as you go. Too many fingers in the radio bring on more problems than one will desire,so its best to keep one guy working on them. I'll drop some links in the next post later after a well needed nap for those who desire to find whatever radio they want... ... ..... Andy
Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
:-laf
Do they work about as well? Do they have problems?
