Need CB Help

[Jester99]

I know absolutely nothing about CB radios, but I would like to have one for the trail, traffic, weather, and emergencies. Preferable under a 100 bucks too. Any info on them at all would be most helpful. What should I be looking for? What is the typical range on CB's, 5 miles?

This is what I'm looking at getting...

http://www.wearecb.com/store/cobra-18-wx-st-ii-economical-cb-radio-p-159.html

 

[Metal Thrasher]

In order to properly tune a cb you would need to remove the tinfoil from proximity to the user. As this seems to be a problem I suggest you look into signal flags instead:
http://www.anbg.gov.au/flags/signal-flags.html


If you persist in the idea tha a cb might be useful with out radiating your cerebrum you should look at the C 75 WX ST. eace:

 

[Jester99]

Thanks...you've been a tremendous help Thrasher. Anyone else? I would really like some help please. I'm ready to order everything today in hopes that it might get here by Christmas.

 

[Big Kev]

I have a cobra that was about $65. Works good, I took it and got it peaked after putting it in the jeep, also get the antenna tuned.

I am not too sure what model I have but it does weather and all that stuff...

 

[Metal Thrasher]

http://www.target.com/Cobra-Channel...1-9986167?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k:cb&page=1


Is that more helpful?

While wheeling it is very handy to be able to have all the controls in your hand. This unit is highly recomended as it includes the speaker and the controls in the hand held unit.

My local Target store stocks this unit. I'm sure it can be found cheaper on the internet.

 

[JCS JP]

My local Target store stocks this unit. I'm sure it can be found cheaper on the internet.

The same site that you were looking at has them for 99.95.
Here is the link.
http://www.wearecb.com/store/cobra-c75wxst-all-in-the-handset-cb-radio-p-168.html

 

[GSequoia]

The first step is in the antenna, I like fiberglass FireSticks but the Wilson 1000 magnetic mount is an awesome antenna too.

I run mine off a ball mount on the left side of the body. This requires two 1/4" holes and one 1" hole. If you're not 100% committed to a CB just get a mag mount and stick it on center of the roof, they work surprisingly well. If you run with a roof rack expect complications. Roof racks play hell on antennas. You could mount an antenna to the rack if you make sure to ground the rack well, I wouldn't expect perfect performance though.

As far as range if memory serves if you have a properly setup and adjusted antenna (and it's long enough), a CB pushing the FCC maximum 4 watts, your line of sight range is twenty miles.

After you get your stuff installed try to hook up with a local member who has an SWR meter to adjust your antenna. Your CB will thank you.

As for radios both yours and JCDP's are good. I don't really like the one JCDP posted because the mic is uncomfortably large in my hand.

I have one of these and absolutely love it: http://www.wearecb.com/store/uniden-pro510xl-professional-mobile-cb-radio-p-43.html The only change I make is to use a different mic that is more ergonomic (I use one off one of my Cobra radios, but just pop into any truck stop and you'll have a range of mics to chose from).

PS -The government can listen in without a warrant :gag:

 

[imboostedru]

Check out http://www.sparkyscbshack.com they have really good radios there. They are mainly top end radios but if you call them they will help you with everything you need.

 

[scottmcneal]

Can we see pics too? J/K I went to a radio shop an got what i needed.. If you have one around you, try them..