CB-Do I need Weather Channels

[lizzyhermit]

for those of you who spend a lot of time on the road: do you use the weather channels on your CB with any regularity? I think that a weather radio in the trailer/5'er would make more sense. reason for the question is that I like the small Uniden units but weather channels seem to only be available in the larger units which pose a mounting issue.

 

[willyslover]

IMHO... yes, especially if your going to be on the road in tornado country and summer storm areas...

they make units with the controls in the mic and then hide the radio under the seat or dash somewhere

I'll be on the road soon and that what I'm going to upgrade to

 

[WadePatton]

I utilize weather radio frequencies quite a bit on my ham gear. I had a CB once with "weather alert" and it drove me crazy. Sold it right away.



Now days you can limit the response on weather alert radios via programming. But that's not a CB.

 

[ImagesThatSing]

We use the Weather Channels In our Cobra Wsxt

We camp a lot and are atop the mountain, but when the weather comes, some of the roads we exit by are subject to flash flooding. I cannot get this fromt he regular radio. Also this little hand held, presented no mounting issues. I keep this in the truck rather than in the Travel trailer, so in case of emergency we can use it as well. We don't yet use a cell phone, and it wouldn't work anyway in the place we spend 3 out of every 7 days in the summer. Just our circumstance for your consideration.

 

[RJOL]

Installed a Cobra 75 WXST in my rig three years ago. Here's what I liked about it.



The main box can be remotely mounted (I mounted mine under the drivers seat on a piece of sheet metal that I bolted to the seat pan bolts). I also have my Kenwood FM dual band HAM radio (TM-G707) mounted there.



If you need a radio for more then one vehicle you can buy an additional main box for a second vehicle and just unplug the mic/control unit, take it with you, and plug it into the other box. The spare boxes are pretty reasonable.



It has the WX band and all the controls are in the mic (note: if you have small hands this could be a problem as the mic unit is a fist full).



It may not be the hottest or most powerful CB, but it is convenient and works for me.



Here is a site (did not buy it there) that has some specs. I bought mine at Radio Shack, I think.



http://www.youreq.com/outdooreq/Radios/cb/mobile/cobra/75wxst.asp?bhcp=1

 

[Turbo Horseman]

Get the weather channels and the right antenna imho.

 

[MN Cummins Lvr]

I have the weather channels on the CB in my truck and I find it useful on long trips so I can instantly have local forecasts and be warned of any approaching bad weather. I also have a portable AM/FM/Weather radio that I use both in the 5'er and home to be warned of any approaching storms.

 

[KBalzuweit]

I use the weather channel on my cb all the time. Thats about the only time I turn the cb on. Sure is better than surfing the stations on am for a forcast!!



Karl

 

[Fireman]

Used mine once. Last year towing my 5w, ran into a hellacious storm, turned on the weather radio and learned that I was on a collision course with a tornado! Yes, it's worth having! Also it doesn't add that much to the price of the radio.



Fireman

 

[Dean Upson]

Like Fireman said. I seldom use mine, but I am glad it is there.



Dean

 

[txwingrider]

Hi All ... . Does anyone know if it is all possible to change one of the crystals (channels) in my CB unit in order to get a weather channel? Thanks, Cliff

 

[C. Harlan]

You cant get a weather band with a real radio. . Over the counter radios, yes... I run a Connex 3300 with Galaxy 88 finals in it, Chrome case, chrome knobs, and chrome mic and cord. . Swings ~48, deadkeys 11. Over the counter radios run on the 11 meter band, and weatherband is at a much higher frequency. I am not saying it will not pick it up, but it is not good for the antenna, so I was told by the tech who tweaks and peaks my radios. I have a Cobra 29 LTD, with all the upper and lower channels, connex echo board, donkey fart, solid chrome case, Chrome toggle switch extensions from a Pete 379 for the knobs, chrome mic cord, going to a Chrome Road King 56. Try to stay away from the hand held CB's. . Remember, take a shortcut to save some $$, and you get what you pay for in the long run! Keep that in mind.



-Chris-