CB Radio Help
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Rookie
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 56
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From: Minnetonka, MN
CB Radio Help
Im looking to put a CB radio in my truck so i can talk to my friends who have them too. Im looking for a inexpensive one that is good quality but is easy to use.
I also need to find Antennas. I wanna put two black antennas on the front of the pick up bed like this but on both sides and 4' tall: http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/d...m/IMG_0793.JPG
My truck is a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 regular cab short box.
I also need to find Antennas. I wanna put two black antennas on the front of the pick up bed like this but on both sides and 4' tall: http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/d...m/IMG_0793.JPG
My truck is a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 regular cab short box.
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,204
Likes: 10
From: Gainesville, Ga.
get the cheap little cobra model from walmart. it used to be about $34 and it was as good, if not better than the full size units.
for antenna's, brackets, springs, cables, etc - shop online including ebay. firestick, wilson, etc are all good. i'd recommend a tunable tip. even though the cheap radio may not have a built in swr measurement, if you did have antenna troubles them someone with a meter can adjust the antenna.
one of many.
http://www.wearecb.com/
for antenna's, brackets, springs, cables, etc - shop online including ebay. firestick, wilson, etc are all good. i'd recommend a tunable tip. even though the cheap radio may not have a built in swr measurement, if you did have antenna troubles them someone with a meter can adjust the antenna.
one of many.
http://www.wearecb.com/
Last edited by dhvaughan; Oct 22, 2010 at 10:12 PM.
Professional
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 136
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From: Rhode Island
Cobras are probably the best CB's you can buy. But your CB will only be as good as your antenna. Like the above poster said, make sure you get one with a tuneable tip. STAY AWAY FROM GLASS MOUNT ANTENNAS! Firesticks are great antennas.
One of these mounts will work:
http://www.wearecb.com/store/side-an...21_94_102.html
But I will tell you that the dual antennas will not help you get any better reception. The reason is that the dual antennas will be too close together to work properly. They work great on the 18-wheelers because out on the mirrors they are far enough apart and don't interfere with each other. Honestly you're probably better off with just one if you are looking for good performance. If you'd rather go for looks, you'll still be able to get away with the duals, though.
One of these mounts will work:
http://www.wearecb.com/store/side-an...21_94_102.html
But I will tell you that the dual antennas will not help you get any better reception. The reason is that the dual antennas will be too close together to work properly. They work great on the 18-wheelers because out on the mirrors they are far enough apart and don't interfere with each other. Honestly you're probably better off with just one if you are looking for good performance. If you'd rather go for looks, you'll still be able to get away with the duals, though.
Last edited by Andrew2500; Oct 22, 2010 at 11:29 PM.
Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,570
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Both guys know what there talking about. I can't stress how much the bolded is true. You can spend upwards of 3-400 on an awesome cb, but if you don't have a good tuned antenna, it is useless. Make sure you take the time to get it tuned. Also if your doing tunetip firstiks, make sure you put the cap back on when testing swr. It will change your value. Make sure you mount to a good ground plane and you'll be good to go. If you can't get your swr values low enough, check out the wilson silverloads, they have a matching lead to lower swr. Also consider mounting two for looks, but only hook up one. Can't go wrong with a good magnet mount on your roof either. Do some research and you'll be good to go.
Grand Champion
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,011
Likes: 6
From: Meeker, CO
A Cobra is a Uniden... so between the two shop either price or looks but know that for a given quality level both are sporting identical mainboards.
For what you want, I suggest you take a look at the mid-range radios like the Cobra 29LTD. You can get one for about a hundred bucks if you shop around. And don't be fooled by "five watts is five watts" thinking -- unless, of course, "four wheels is four wheels" so a 1985 Yugo is every bit as good as a 2010 Ramcharger.
For what you want, I suggest you take a look at the mid-range radios like the Cobra 29LTD. You can get one for about a hundred bucks if you shop around. And don't be fooled by "five watts is five watts" thinking -- unless, of course, "four wheels is four wheels" so a 1985 Yugo is every bit as good as a 2010 Ramcharger.
Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,570
Likes: 0
A Cobra is a Uniden... so between the two shop either price or looks but know that for a given quality level both are sporting identical mainboards.
For what you want, I suggest you take a look at the mid-range radios like the Cobra 29LTD. You can get one for about a hundred bucks if you shop around. And don't be fooled by "five watts is five watts" thinking -- unless, of course, "four wheels is four wheels" so a 1985 Yugo is every bit as good as a 2010 Ramcharger.
For what you want, I suggest you take a look at the mid-range radios like the Cobra 29LTD. You can get one for about a hundred bucks if you shop around. And don't be fooled by "five watts is five watts" thinking -- unless, of course, "four wheels is four wheels" so a 1985 Yugo is every bit as good as a 2010 Ramcharger.
Professional
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 136
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From: Rhode Island
If I ever find the need to get A CB, it'll be this baby:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16872007067
Cobra 29 LTD with Bluetooth.
It allows you link your CB with your cell phone via bluetooth. If you get a call on the phone, you press the blue button on the mic and you can talk on your phone through your CB! KEEEEWL!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16872007067
Cobra 29 LTD with Bluetooth.
It allows you link your CB with your cell phone via bluetooth. If you get a call on the phone, you press the blue button on the mic and you can talk on your phone through your CB! KEEEEWL!
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Grand Champion
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,011
Likes: 6
From: Meeker, CO
If I ever need a new CB, it'll be a Galaxy DX98VHP. Because five watts is five watts. 
But that crappy stock mic will be replaced with my ancient reliable Turner. Ain't never been a better sounding mic than the Turners.
But that crappy stock mic will be replaced with my ancient reliable Turner. Ain't never been a better sounding mic than the Turners.
Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,570
Likes: 0
If I ever need a new CB, it'll be a Galaxy DX98VHP. Because five watts is five watts.
But that crappy stock mic will be replaced with my ancient reliable Turner. Ain't never been a better sounding mic than the Turners.
But that crappy stock mic will be replaced with my ancient reliable Turner. Ain't never been a better sounding mic than the Turners.
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,204
Likes: 10
From: Gainesville, Ga.
^ $439 is $439 LOL.
after the $34 walmart unit, my favorite is the 029 NW-WX the WX is the NWS weather broadcast. sort of handy in an old fashioned way. I-phones and Accuweather etc have pretty much obsoleted any read need for it, but i still like listening to the computerized voice i call "my little indian". it also works in places that don't have a cell phone signal.
after the $34 walmart unit, my favorite is the 029 NW-WX the WX is the NWS weather broadcast. sort of handy in an old fashioned way. I-phones and Accuweather etc have pretty much obsoleted any read need for it, but i still like listening to the computerized voice i call "my little indian". it also works in places that don't have a cell phone signal.