Buying a CB. Suggestions?

[Bumble]

Alright... anyone out there with a CB mounted inside your truck. What are your opinions? What features do you like or would like different? I have a couple hundred to throw at this project and am willing to pay for quality and features. Now that Mike is making the brackets again, that's where the CB would be mounted.

How about ant's? I am thinking of mounting the ant. on the driver's side of the bed (no holes in the cab roof).

Right now I'm thinking of a Galaxy radio.



Ok fellows, if you were spending the money, where would you spend it?

 

[Archive]

I believe there was a pretty comprehensive thread on this a while back. It discussed brands, models, and where to get them. It also stated that the location you are planning to mount the antenna is the worst possible solution for reception/transmitting.



Do a search and read about 3 or 4 pages of good info!

 

[drag racer]

Since I just completed my way through this process, I'll share my experiences and you can take it for what it's worth.



First, CB mounting. I just received my "Brolin" mount Saturday, and installed it right away. It works exactly as advertised, and is a very nice piece. I'm very pleased with it, and would recommend it.



Second, the radio. You need to decide how serious of a "radio" guy you are, and what level of performance you want. I am not a "radio guy" by any stretch. I just wanted a full-size, big-rig style radio, that looks cool, and provides a measure of "entertainment" with decent performance while on the road (keep in mind that the antenna and antenna mounting scheme has more to do with overall performance than the radio itself). I bought a Cobra 29 series, with all the bells and whistles - Nightwatch, Sound Tracker, weather bands, etc. It looks great and seems to work fine. Does one need or want that stuff? Maybe, maybe-not. After I had bought the unit, I started doing some research rolleyes. I talked with a guy at a local CB shop, and he told me that the current Cobra models should be just fine for most casual users, but they are not made by the same manufacturer as the "Classic" Cobras of old were, which apparently were of better quality/performance. In fact, he told me that the Uniden P76 series, IS the old Classic Cobra radio. Beyond this, there are people who "supercharge" the transmitting power via amplifiers in excess of the FCC maximum of 4 watts. If you follow the high road, this practice is illegal in the US. Apparently, there are loopholes, though. You can mail order what are called "export" radios - radios designed to be sold outside the US (and FCC jurisdiction), which have higher transmitting power. I don't know much more beyond this about them. For me, I don't really care if my CB can transmit 4 miles or 8 miles. I'm not after legal troubles with the FCC.



Third, the antenna system. I chose to go with a 3' Firestik antenna w/ adjustable tip, and one of their custom made-for-Rams stainless steel fender mounts. It's a very nicely done set-up that doesn't look too obnoxious. I chose this because drilling a hole in my roof for a permanent mount was not an option, and I didn't want to deal with magnetic mounts, either.



My total outlay for the radio, antenna system, and the "Brolin" mount was $258. Overall, I am very pleased with everything.



Hope this helps. I'm sure some of the members wiser than me on this subject will join in. Good luck.

 

[Alan Reagan]

I bought a Cobra Classic just after Christmas at Bronco's on I-75 in Valdosta. $100. That's about the same as Wal Mart. It does a good job. He was out of Cobra 29s.



I had purchased a Galaxy (two actually, cause I didn't know they had to be setup by a shop after purchase) at TA (Truckstops of America). The Galaxy is a good radio but requires some additional "setup" after purchase in order to work. They are about $329 at TA which is comparable to what you find on the Internet. TA has a good return policy and a good selection of radios. Just keep your receipts.



I, too, use a 3' Firestick, mounted on my tool box rail. I mounted it on the outside rail so that I can remove it quickly. Also, the box lid lets up and it doesn't touch anything. The best mount I found (after going through three of the darned things) is the one at Radio Shack for my type of rail mounting.

 

[Pogodually]

Here is a web site to check out. The also do the peaking for extra $$. I think the peaked CB's are to 30 watts. But, much less than the those folks running large amplifiers of many watts.



http://www.exportradios.com/



For antenna's use a center of the roof mount. Can either be a hole in roof permanent mount or the magnetic type mount. I have a magnetic mount that works well, and does have good range.

 

[GA Nightcrawler]

Although there is some aftermarket "setup" to be made, the Galaxy radios are the finest radios made, IMHO. They talk very well, have excellent durability, and plenty of room for upgrading if you ever desire. As for an antenna, I have always felt the long steel whips to be the finest. Although they are unsightly, they provide the best range, and the best SWR's since they are the closest to a base antenna you can get with a mobile. I plan to mount mine on the back of my toolbox, and run a 4 ft. piece of rubber tubing over it to prevent "cab banging". But be careful in this scenario, this probably will require installation of a ground wire to the body since the aluminum box may not possess enough mass to properly ground the antenna (poor ground = high SWR's = "burned up radio")

Just my . 02

 

[Randy J]

I would highly recommend a fellow TDR member by the handle of The Patriot. He sells radios on the side for a small markup. I bought a Superstar 3000 export from him, along with a 250 amp. I will say this, if you have people will talk with on a regular basis, look at the extra channels, or export CB's (mine has 240 channels). The extra channels are nice when trying to get a (semi) private conversation. However, if you just want to be able to listen to the truckers as you go down the highway, save your money. I also have a 3' Firestik antenna, on the fender mount. Works real well, looks good, opposite the radio antenna.

 

[drives mopars]

dont peek the cb radios its a lost item

those baby power supplies in those cheap cb's are only good

for a few amps. do your ohm's law math



you will see that those is no way peaking will work



those cb tweckers peek to highest peek power , usually



producing a high pitched tone into mike will make cb max out

for a split second the watt meter may bounce up to 12 or

25 watts

while average power is still unchanged

remember it takes 2x power to see a 3db change in the single

this level is not noticed by your ear.

guys i ve said this stuff before, and i will say it again

dont waste money on peaking , buy the biggest antenna

center mount it high, if you want more power



why ! only the guy u r transmitting to will benefit

buy the biggest antenna keep the cb stock that way

you will also benefit hearing 3 to 6 db better

and if that is not enough , try power , but you will

see that to is a waste.



if you want to talk more and further and have reliable

communications ggggo HAM

i did years ago its easy now , and guess what ill help you guys

 

[Bumble]

Thanks for the info everyone.



Another question. Has anyone had trouble with the CB screwing up other parts of the truck? In my old F250, which had a small CB, it seemed that every time the CB was connected the truck would burn up ignition modules.



Would you agree that running a separate power line (fused of course) from the batteries to the CB would keep this from happening on the Ram? Any suggestions on isolating the CB power?



About the Galaxy radios, what needs to be done to them before they can be used?



With the new web site software, I haven't gotten the hang of the new search engine yet. Sorry if these questions have been covered in the past already.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I have used the Ranger Comunications RCI-2950 for years in my other trucks with a 150watt Linear amp. Worked great and looked really nice with the huge digital display. I have never heard of anyone getting trouble with the FCC for having an amp. Its all how you use it. I dont use any CB in my Ram though. I have a Motorola Locomotive radio in my truck now with a custom built mount (Email me for pictures). I mounted the Antenna in the center of the cab roof. It is only a 3/4" hole and a short whip. They sell a hole plug (95 cents) if you ever want to take it out. A 3/4" hole is not big and unless you are 8 feet tall, you will never notice it in the center of your roof anyhow. Just an idea.

 

[GA Nightcrawler]

Can't remember the specifics on the Galaxies, but a few wires have to snipped and soldered. Not a tough modification for someone with a little experience.

 

[David Wheeler]

Antennas and power source

Bumble,



It appears you are receiving great advice on the radio so I won't go there. As for the antenna, center of the roof is best, but you said that is not an option. As for my setup, I went with 10 meter ham radio antenna at the suggestion of a friend of mine that is a radio nut. And I mean a NUT!! He knows so much about that kind of stuff he builds his own radios, amps, etc. I purchased the antenna (link below) he suggested, mounted to my bumper on the driver side (no, this mount is not great, but works pretty good), and tuned the antenna to match the radio (worst SWR is 1. 3, not bad!!).



Here is the link for the antenna I purchased.





http://www.hamstick.com/9106.htm





You will need the model 9110. BTW, if you do order and install this antenna, please be sure to remember NOT to force the whip portion down into the fiberglass portion of the antenna. There is a small wire down there (they mention it in the installation instructions) that can be easily damaged if forced. Just thought I'd mention it to save you or others some grief You will not need to push the whip portion anywhere near that low for proper tuning, but others have damaged their antennas trying to force the whip down before tuning.





As for the power lead... ... . I tapped into the power and ground for the power drivers seat (under the drivers seat) using 3M suitcase clips. Works great with no routing of power wires forward. Unfortunately, Mike Brolin had stopped making his CB mounts when I was ready to mount my radio





I hope all this helps you and others,



David

 

[Ramafid]

I have a Cobra 29 Nightwatch and like it quite well. It is very easy to use at night due to great back-lighting. I have friends that use Galaxy's, but unless you are really into using the radio, I think the Cobra will do just fine

 

[Bumble]

Thanks for the info fellows!



Ramafid, did you have to set up your Cobra before you could use it? That looks like a nice radio also, and would do the job as well.

 

[Rammin On]

Bumble ...



I'm running a Galaxy DX99V with a 400 linear using a Wilson 1000 mounted on the roof ... . not a mag mount ... I cut the 3/4 in hole in the roof ... . I was more leary about that than the hole for the Physcotty ... . but - the ant has been up there for over three years and no leaks. The worst part is getting the headliner down.



Peaking the CB is rather questionable ... there are several different methods to do this ... esp with the Cobra's ... the older ones will peak up better than the newer ones if done properly.



If you go with an export model Galaxy ... you will need to have it "converted" for use on the CB channels. . no need to go this this radio peaked.



IMHO ... the Galaxy is the way to go



Keith

 

[OILBRNR]

Ugh, I'm agonizing over this too. I want power, convenient ant. mounting location that can fit in the garage, NOAA channels and maybe SSB.



I'm considering the Midland 79-290(?). Anyone have experience with this unit?



I ordered Mike B's mount.

 

[John]

Yes OILBRNR, I have the Midland 79-290 (face-off model) mounted on a Brolin CB mount. It seems to work pretty well although, I need to further tune my system to maximize the systems full potential. I'm going to add a Astatic power mic... soon (I'm still trying to decide which model).

 

[Ken B]

What's the scoop on the Mike Brolin CB mount? Where do you mount his bracket and how do you contact him?



Thanks, -Ken

 

[Duraque]

Hi, guys

while we're on the topic of cb's..... I have been looking into a radio and I was told that 10 meter was the way to go. Just needs the AM range set up. I"m looking at a 257 Magnum. Any suggestions before I leap?????

 

[Archive]

Originally posted by Ken B

What's the scoop on the Mike Brolin CB mount? Where do you mount his bracket and how do you contact him?



Thanks, -Ken

You can contact him HERE



It mounts just in front of the center seat console, I believe. Email him... I am sure he could send you a pic!