CB Radio

[Ewright]

I'm looking to get a nice CB radio and antenna for a cross country trip I'm taking soon, anyone have one they really like, or can recommend? Thanks

 

[bgilbert]

I have a President Jackson, I like it alot. They are not sold in the states anymore though. A good Cobra 29 classic, and Wilson magnetic mount antenna will do a good job. 10-4

 

[Bob Wagner]

I am using a Cobra 29LTD ST with a firestik firefly antenna



I love it!

 

[sparks57]

Check my signature, I like my setup... I always seem to be able to reach a little further than everyone else.



is it true that you are supposed to space your antennas at least 9 feet apart or they will interfear with eachother? I have mine on either side of my truck behind the cab, and don't have any problems.



I was also told that if you put them on either side of the truck, it will direct your signal forward and back more than side to side... is that true?

 

[bmoeller]

Originally posted by CB_Parker

Check my signature, I like my setup... I always seem to be able to reach a little further than everyone else.



1. is it true that you are supposed to space your antennas at least 9 feet apart or they will interfear with eachother?



2. I have mine on either side of my truck behind the cab, and don't have any problems.



3. I was also told that if you put them on either side of the truck, it will direct your signal forward and back more than side to side... is that true?

1. Around 8'+ is what I heard.



2. So do I, no problems so far.



3. Can't say for sure. Kinda seems that way sometimes. If I have my radio set right, I can hear truckers talking even if I am traveling on a road running parallel to, and a 1/4-1/2 mile away from them.



I have a Cobra 29 NW/WX/ST and a pair of 3' K40's on Firestik Stake pocket mounts. Have a Cobra 25 NW ST in one semi and a Cobra 25 ST in the other. Both have a pair of 3' Barjan antennas.

 

[JBournes]

CB'S

I have about 5 different ones at the time, imho, the cobra 25 or 29 is the best for the money, if you are going to buy one get one of the night watch editions, it just helps you find the knobs and controls in the dark. Get it installed and get anteneas that you can tune and adjust. Have a cb shop match it up for your swing, and have them show you how to properly calibrate it. As far as whitch ant. well thats up to you and what you want it to look like, they are all pretty much the same except for apperience. If you have any more questions just let me know.



JEB

 

[skobylenski]

As for the dual antenna spacing, my dad's a ham, and he says that you really need about 10 feet before duals even think about doing anything, and 12 feet before they do anything better than a single antenna. Even OTR trucks don't have the width, but it's close. So, other than that it looks cool, duals don't do anything for you. Sorry.



The physics of it is pretty simple, though. Each antenna emits a round signal, like dropping a rock into a still pond. When you put a second antenna near it, about 12 feet away, the 2 signals bounce off each other, and push the emitted signal into more of an oblong shape. This shape makes your yakking transmit farther forward and back, and less side to side. This is so you can talk to someone who is farther awar from you than the average CB range of about 15 miles.



As for a radio choice, I like my Cobra. It's connected to a 4' Firestik mounted on the top of my headache rack, and tipped alightly forward so at highway speeds it stands up straight. I won't do duals until I get the West Coast mirrors.



Hope y'all can understand this,

Scott

 

[Buffalo]

CB Radios

Ewright, I've had a Cobra 25 LTD with a Wilson 1000 ant. in my 91 W-250, since new. It works great. Had the same radio with a fiberglass ant. in an '85 Landcruiser. It did not work nearly as well. Same radio. Different antenna's. You might think about spending a few extra bucks and have the power turned up by the CB shop. It's supposed to make a difference. I like the 25LTD especially, because it seems to have all the adjustments that you really need. The bigger radios have more but, you will probably never use them. The new "night watch" face plate looks like a good idea. Also, i've heard that having the weather channels while traveling is a good idea. I was told that the Wilson 1000 has a heavy guage copper wire that is plated with silver. Apparently, electrical current (the signal) travels on the outside of the wire so the larger the guage the more current can travel. Also, the silver plating is an even better conductor of current. Don't let the radio shop try to sell you the new Wilson 5000. Unless you are running a tremendous linear amplifier, you will never use it's capabilities. I got that info. directly from Wilson. Hope this helps. Joe Fihn (Buffalo).

 

[Eric_77]

From all reports I have heard the Galaxys are the best on the market even though they look a little old fashioned.



I bought the 29 NW/WX/ST and really like it as I switch between trucks a lot and have to rest calibration all the time and having a built in SWR meter is real nice feature. The night feature and noise cancling are great as I rarely use any squeltch with this system and single or dual firestik antenae (depends on the truck I end up in FLD are mainly single while Volvo, Century and Columbias are dual setups).



I have yet to do it but I am told the biggest diffenrece between a Galaxy and a Cobra is the Cobra is just assembly lined while the Galaxy are actually tested and tuned and when you "peak and tune" a Cobra it will be close to performace of a Galaxy. Peak and tune seems to run about 35-100 depending on who you talk to and what they do someincrease wattage others just dial in existing.