CB Radio Location

[bluebear15]

Anyone have a good location to mount a CB? I have a Cobra 25GTL that I'd like to put in but wasn't sure where to mount it. I was thinking in maybe one of the pockets on the center console but it's a little big for that without cutting it up.

Also, what's a good CB antenna? I was thinking of mounting it opposite of the radio antenna by the corner of the hood on the driver side.

 

[MadDogDelpho]

If you have the full center console, I think a lot of guys put theirs in between the cigarette lighters or right below there. And I've heard good things about Firestik antennas, lots of bang for your buck.

 

[bluebear15]

If you have the full center console, I think a lot of guys put theirs in between the cigarette lighters or right below there. And I've heard good things about Firestik antennas, lots of bang for your buck.

Any pictures or links to pictures? Ideally I'd like to put it in between the cigarette lighters but wasn't sure about cutting to make it bigger and how to put the mic.

That's what I was leaning towards was a Firestik just wasn't sure of what kind.

 

[MadDogDelpho]

This is on an 02 so the console is different, but @02TahoeMD has a build thread on Expedition Portal that is just awesome for overlanding!
http://forum.expeditionportal.com/t...itionary-Vehicle-quot-Under-Construction-quot

 

[MadDogDelpho]

Here's one in an 03-06 truck, gives you a better look at what I mean.

 

[Kenny D]

Back in my CB days, I ran a little bitty Realistic 40 chan. with SSB. Added a little silver box and ran all that through a Wilson 1000 antenna. I could talk coast to coast on SSB. The little CB shop that built the system, peaked and tuned my set up. I am not admitting anything but I may or may not have pushed the 4 Watt max envelope.

 

[bluebear15]

Thanks for the pictures. That's not bad doing a face plate. I'll play around with it some and see if I can come up with a good location. Was thinking of maybe putting it in the center console it self possibly instead of in one of those pockets. But we will see.

Back in my CB days, I ran a little bitty Realistic 40 chan. with SSB. Added a little silver box and ran all that through a Wilson 1000 antenna. I could talk coast to coast on SSB. The little CB shop that built the system, peaked and tuned my set up. I am not admitting anything but I may or may not have pushed the 4 Watt max envelope.

What's SSB? would be nice to have a long range on mine.

 

[Kenny D]

Single Side Band. You get into Ham Frequencies. Basically it steps in between the standard frequency bands 1-40. You can switch to channel 19 for example and either go upper SSB or lower SSB. I forgot which channel I would drop from to get the best responses.

 

[Kenny D]

Are you getting a CB for any particular reason? Just curious as even when I had mine back in the early 2000s, the air waves were full of noise with the occasional truck stop blasting out with a 2000W base station advertising their truck wash or some joker with a powerful radio deliberatly talking over everyone. If you are just going to try and talk with truckers while traveling then you do not need much reach. I had more fun just sitting in the truck at night on SSB reaching out to whoever could hear me, some nights I would catch someone on the east coast and some times it was west coast. Once I got all the way to Jamiaca. Skip is wonderful.
One thing to remember that if you do not have an SWR meter to set your system up, find a good CB shop that can match your antenna with your system, your SWR or "Standing Wave Ratio" is more important than wattage. If you got a little extra cash, have him tune and peak your radio, and ask about some fire for your wire, wink wink.

 

[bluebear15]

Are you getting a CB for any particular reason? Just curious as even when I had mine back in the early 2000s, the air waves were full of noise with the occasional truck stop blasting out with a 2000W base station advertising their truck wash or some joker with a powerful radio deliberatly talking over everyone. If you are just going to try and talk with truckers while traveling then you do not need much reach. I had more fun just sitting in the truck at night on SSB reaching out to whoever could hear me, some nights I would catch someone on the east coast and some times it was west coast. Once I got all the way to Jamiaca. Skip is wonderful.
One thing to remember that if you do not have an SWR meter to set your system up, find a good CB shop that can match your antenna with your system, your SWR or "Standing Wave Ratio" is more important than wattage. If you got a little extra cash, have him tune and peak your radio, and ask about some fire for your wire, wink wink.

Mainly just since I have an older Cobra that was my dad's stepdads and it's just been sitting around. So figured I'd put it to use and there's the whole cool and fun factor too. But ya that's mainly what I'd use it for and for those emergency rare kinda situations

 

[trox88]

I'm going to have to research mine again for you. I have everything built into the microphone with my small base under the front seat. As for an antenna, I have a firestik and love it. I have it mounted on the driver's side as you discussed.
I'll take some photos for you tomorrow before work.

 

[trox88]

Ken, how much does what you discussed cost?

 

[bluebear15]

I'm going to have to research mine again for you. I have everything built into the microphone with my small base under the front seat. As for an antenna, I have a firestik and love it. I have it mounted on the driver's side as you discussed.
I'll take some photos for you tomorrow before work.

Pictures would be great to see how you have it.

I'm also interested in the cost of things Ken mentioned

 

[Kenny D]

The cost depends on the CB shop. Most CB shops will do the SWR calibration if you purchace the antenna there or have them install the system. The peak and tune also depends on the shop, If I were to guess in today's prices, it would probably cost about $25 to $50 for the radio guy to go through your radio. Some may even do it for free if you purchase your radio there. As for the "fire in the wire", not all shops do that as for it is illegal for Citizen Band radios and require "Licensing" for ownership of a linear amplifier.

 

[Kenny D]

Also, to clarify on the SSB, that will come built in to the radio itself. Not all radios have that ability. If you wanted to get really into the radio world without going all the way into shortwave and Ham license, Look into Galaxy radios. There are models like the 500 that have your standard 40 channel AM bands with Upper and Lower SSB, but also have FM frequencies. They are pricey but are considered on the lower end of mobile radios. Most CB's do not have the SSBs. I was given the Realistic that I had by my father because someone gave it to him and he did not want it.

 

[TigerEyz3]

I vote Wilson on the antenna...the higher you mount it, the better the signal (transmit and receive) will be. I also STRONGLY agree with setting the SWR correctly...makes a world of difference when it comes to transmit/receive clarity as well as distance.

I started out with a magnet mount on the roof (Li'l Will), but eventually drilled a hole and mounted mine through the roof (Wilson 1000). The through-the-roof mount is removable, [EDIT for clarity: the COIL is removable, the hole and mount remain - a cap is threaded in place of the coil] so it's not on all the time (garage clearance or just not needed/wanted).

I've carried a conversation with a person that was ~20 miles away with my Wilson 1000 setup while sitting in my driveway (he had an amp/footwarmer/heater on his setup). The driver said I was "loud and clear". Conversations on the highway were getting similar reports. Keep in mind that geography (mountains, hills, valleys, flatland) and weather (cloudy/rainy vs. sunny/clear) all play a part in CB range and clarity.

 

[bluebear15]

Thanks for the input guys. I was thinking of maybe selling my Cobra and maybe get one that's smaller size to fit better in between the cigarette lighters pocket. What are the main things to look for in a CB? Also, does anyone have any suggestions on a smaller size CB?

 

[TigerEyz3]

True CB radios have the necessities (guts, performance) in common. The non-essentials (aesthetics) are really the differentiating factors. As long as you go with a reputable brand you've got a good starting point.

Get it peaked and tuned by a reputable radio tech and you'll get maximum performance - whether you choose to keep it legal (4 watts) or boost the power. Just remember, don't skimp on the antenna or connective wiring and make sure that your power/ground connections are clean/strong.

 

[bluebear15]

I was looking around at different more compact CB's and came across this Uniden CMX560
that looked like it would be compact and easy to mount as well as be a good CB that I'm looking for. The other one I was looking at was Midland 1001Z that is still pretty compact but doesn't have the weather channels. Was wondering your guys thoughts on these two or if there are other options that might be better.

 

[TigerEyz3]

Uniden and Midland have been around a long time...I see nothing wrong with either brand.
Personal choice in desired features will be subjective.
Have fun, it's just a radio... if you get one you don't like, replace it with a different one.