CB suggestions

[RedRamer]

Hope someone can help me. I don't think I have the time to search out which radio, antenna, where to install , etc, etc, and hope I get it right...

I thought maybe some of the "experts" here might be able to help me make the right choice.

I don't want the best and don't want the cheapest either.

Can I have some names of radios that work with best type of antena and best place to mount it?

thanks

 

[jgillott]

I have a uniden pc68xl mounted under the dash of my 01. I put it directly under the ash tray in front of the data connection. It is a tight fit beside the transfer case lever but it does fit ok. The downside is that you have to drop the radio to reach the port, but is within easy reach fronm the drivers seat. The uniden is a rather large radio, so anything smaller should fit a little easier.



As far as the antenna goes, i would suggest either a wilson or k40 for the best quality at a reasonable price.



I have a cheep cb from radio shack in my jeep that I use all the time. Believe it or not, it works fairly well. It is very small and will fit almost anywhere. Now it isn't going to give you the quality or clarity of a better brand, but will be very easy to install. Plus it was probably a 4th of the price of the uniden.

 

[Weidner]

goober... I too am in the same situation. I am leaning toward the Cobra 75, with all the controls on the mic... I like the stealthy install options this way. But I am hesitant because I don't know if the cobra 21/25/29's or the dozen others will out perform the 75 with my desired set up. I like the fender mount antenna from firestik, since I need to keep my truck garage-able most of the time I am looking at the 3 foot antenna. I have a link to a really cheep on line CB source at work, I can post it on Monday. Hope this helps.

 

[46mech]

Goober,



I have the Cobra 25 WX and a Cobra 29; I like 'em both, but they're far from top of the line. I think I've heard it said that Uniden and Cobra are one-and-the-same. The WX has the weather station feature, which is nice, but the alarm for a weather alert scares the be-jeepers out of ya 'cause there's no warning and I'm not smart enough how to figure a way to lower the volume; especially when the alarm works even with the radio turned off.

I like the Wilson 1000 antenna. I think it's been proven to out perform the K40, but then I don't keep my truck in a garage so the antenna isn't an issue... ..... until I have to go into those parking structures with low ceilings, then I have to take the antenna off. When it comes to mounting, you'll want to consider that carefully. As I understand, the placement of the antennna will have an effect on it's optimal transmission and reception.

Truck stops seem to have the best price on these mid-grade CBs.

 

[aram2nv]

Cb's

I have a Uniden Pc66 and it works great not yet mounted since I 'm HOPING t find a nice mount like Michael B's that goes in front of the center jump seat. The best palce to mount an antenna is out front like the fender mount style or on the roof so that you have a nice ground plane for the radio to reflect off of. I really like the stake pocket mount since it puts the antenna back out of site and harms way but it does not work to well, withthe rear cab corner right there and the big sheet of glass known as the back window. Good luck let me know if you have any ?'s

Jason

 

[RedRamer]

Thanks guys

So the antena sounds prety important. No sense buying a good radio if the antena is cheap or mounted in the wrong place.

Is the Wilson 1000 the best?

If so, what's THE best place to mount antenas?

front fender, center of sheet metal like roof top?

Is the height what does it?



goober

 

[scbrown]

Yes the antenna is very important.

A Cobra 29 is a fine radio.

I use a Galaxy with a Wilson 5000, but I am also using two linear's a 5 driving an 8, pushing about 1600 watts.

While driving at night and talking on the radio my headlights will dim every time I key-up the mic. Its fun being the loudest around.

A Wilson 1000 would work well for you.

 

[46mech]

Goober,



Position depends on what you're looking to get out of transmission and reception. Being electrically challenged, I'm gonna try to explain this as best as I can. The metal of the vehicle acts as a conductor for the radio waves. Some like to mount the antenna on the right rear so the radio waves project forward and to left, which would make for better transmission/reception with oncomming traffic.

I like the idea of having all around transmission/reception so I've always mounted my antenna on the roof and as center to the vehicle as possible; not just center of the roof. Make sure your mount is well grounded and swing your antenna so you get optimum performance. By swinging I mean adjust the length to get the lowest SWR. Whatever antenna you get, it should come with instructions how to do this, but you will need an SWR meter (some CBs come with a meter in it). Or, any C. B. shop can do it for you.

Hope this helps.



scbrown -

1600 watts, yowza! I guess you be shootin' skip all the way around the globe and back to yourself!



I'd like to get a kicker, but I think 300 or 400 would do for me.

 

[scbrown]

46mech... Yep skip land is a beautiful thing but I have to get out of the Detroit area to really get out.

The farther north I go the better it is. I have no problem getting out to your end of town.

 

[RedRamer]

Great stuff, you guys are really helping out here.



antena

is the magnetic Wilson 1000 the same / as good as the Wilson Silverload fibergalls whips?

These guys say whips for best performance in top-laoded, whaever... Is there 1 or 2 antenas? Looks like the whips mount on mirror braces.

http://www.durhamradio.ca/wilson-cb-antennas.htm



The cobra 29 with soundtracker reads like decent unit.

Now is SSB needed as it's an extra $100 bucks. What is that and do I need it?



Finally - scbrown... whats this dimming lights stuff? Sounds like long distance talk. Is it worth it?



goober

 

[SOOT]

I have the Cobra 29 LTD Sound Tracker with two 4 foot whips mounted to my mirrors, works really well. After I did the stacks I can't fit in parking garages or through drive throughs:{ so having the antennas that high does'nt matter.

 

[C. Harlan]

I have a Connex 3300 XT-HP, dual final radio with Galaxy 88 finals, a Texas Star 400 Kicker, RK56 Chrome mic, As well as a Cobra 29, tweaked and peaked, chromed, with a Connex board, and all the trashy noise toys! I have several antennas I use, depending on where I go, and what I pull. . I usually use an 8' stainless steel whip. However I have a custom made "MASTER BLASTER" antenna from the 406 CB Shop in Weatherford, Tx, as well as a wilson 2000. I dont have a CB in my truck, because I do not want to drill any holes in the floor, but I am making a plate to mount it to existing seat bolts. Go with a Cobra 29, get it peaked and tuned from a reliable CB shop, have talkback installed, and get a noise cancelling mic as well, and you will rock and roll!



-Chris-