CB Radio Users Inside!
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 7
From: Anchorage, AK
CB Radio Users Inside!
As someone who is new to truck and living/driving in remote places it sort of seems to me that I should find out more about CB radios. I saw a wide variety of options along the many truck stops on my drive but I didn't really want to sit and learn about them right there and then.
What are the options, benefits, cons etc etc?
What are the options, benefits, cons etc etc?
PREMIUM SPONSOR
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,038
Likes: 73
Get ahold of Mark (MillerOutdoors), he is pretty up on the CB stuff..
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 40
From: Newport, WA
I've been debating about putting a CB in my truck as well. Never saw the need for one, but I know quite a few folks on another board use them and it might be kind of handy to be able to talk back and forth. I'll be tuning in for more info also.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Warrenton, Mo
The thing I like to remind people is that all CBs are limited to 4 watts, and I have never seen one that did not put out 4 watts stock, no matter how cheap the unit. I have owned every thing from $30 Midlands to $400 Galaxy's/ Connex's and the cheap throw away Midlands will talk as well, if not sometimes better than the high dollar units with proper antenna tuning. Now if you want all the bells and whistles, side bands, freq. counter, talkback, echo, ect. and plan to have it peaked, tuned, and possibly add an amp, then go with the big'uns, if you want a small inexpensive radio that will do everything you need, go to Wally world and pick up a cheap Midland. BTW if you do want a big radio, I have found by expensive trail and error that Connex is king (IMO) I have had better luck with Connex than any other brand. Cobra has major quality issues and Cobra owns Galaxy now I believe.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 40
From: Newport, WA
The thing I like to remind people is that all CBs are limited to 4 watts, and I have never seen one that did not put out 4 watts stock, no matter how cheap the unit. I have owned every thing from $30 Midlands to $400 Galaxy's/ Connex's and the cheap throw away Midlands will talk as well, if not sometimes better than the high dollar units with proper antenna tuning. Now if you want all the bells and whistles, side bands, freq. counter, talkback, echo, ect. and plan to have it peaked, tuned, and possibly add an amp, then go with the big'uns, if you want a small inexpensive radio that will do everything you need, go to Wally world and pick up a cheap Midland. BTW if you do want a big radio, I have found by expensive trail and error that Connex is king (IMO) I have had better luck with Connex than any other brand. Cobra has major quality issues and Cobra owns Galaxy now I believe.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
Likes: 11
From: Rochdale MA
If you buy a kit that comes with the antenna cable etc. Is it all matched up and is it ready to use out of the box?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster, Pa.
I've been running CB's off and on for years. I would agree with Jeremy, Connex seem's like a great radio, heard nothing but good things about them, a bit pricey but you get what you pay for. A friend of mine got one, don't know the model unit he has but he loves it. Jim, would be a great idea for the beginner CB'er, everythings there for them. I can't remember if I seen them or not.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,292
Likes: 6
From: Ardenvoir, Washington
As someone who is new to truck and living/driving in remote places it sort of seems to me that I should find out more about CB radios. I saw a wide variety of options along the many truck stops on my drive but I didn't really want to sit and learn about them right there and then.
What are the options, benefits, cons etc etc?
What are the options, benefits, cons etc etc?
I just turned mine on and heard only 1 station on all of the 40 channels..
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: northwest missouri
i personaly run a uniden bearcat pc68xl with dual 5' firstik antennas. i dont know if it does me better to have 2 over 1 antenna i personaly just like the look. i have had this radio for years and have never had a problem 1 out of it it has all the options i want and has been a great radio. i just had it peaked and tuned before i put it in my "new" truck and it seems to work even better...just my two cents about my set up and maybe an option for ya.
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 639
Likes: 3
From: Indiana
Subscribing. I have a Cobra that I have yet to put in the truck. The PO had a business band antennae on the roof so I bought a CD antennae but need the time to install it. Mounting location in the cab may be interesting and I hope to see some suggestions. Thaks guys!
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 7
From: Anchorage, AK
I just recently saw a F250 drive by that has his antenna mounted around the edge of the hood using some kind of mount that probably mounted to the side of the engine bay.
But getting down to the more basics of CB radio. What would I be looking for? I don't have any friends with a CB so I wouldn't be planning to talk on road trips but maybe a few times right now. Can I just leave it on scan and listen in on stuff? Anything I should do? Anything I should NEVER do?
Does antenna height matter? What is this tuning reference?
But getting down to the more basics of CB radio. What would I be looking for? I don't have any friends with a CB so I wouldn't be planning to talk on road trips but maybe a few times right now. Can I just leave it on scan and listen in on stuff? Anything I should do? Anything I should NEVER do?
Does antenna height matter? What is this tuning reference?