Hand-held CB O.K?

[FattyB]

I notice that most hand-held CB's are typically cheaper, than getting the in-cab versions + antenna + plus a bitch to set-up (so I've read). Is it stupid to buy one of these hand-held types, are they going to have very little range compared to the in-cab versions? Most come with the cigarette adapters so batteries isn't really an issue. Anybody had one or any comparisons you've had? The only time I would be using one is when wheeling and I would think the trucks are pretty close most the time so range would not be such an issue:confused:

[devinsixtyseven]

You'd be amazed at how crappy comm can be between two trucks right next to each other, with a poor TX or an untuned antenna.

Check out the Cobra "All In Hand" units, they're really easy to install...the antenna is a little more work, but not bad. I wouldn't get a handheld CB unless it were specifically for a spotter to talk to the truck.

I've used the duck antenna for spotting a buddy's truck with the 2m...works well...but that's all I'd use the duck for.

[Lysmachia]

x2 on the hand held... spend the extra coin and do it right. We have enough peeps here who can help you install and tune it and it will be very worth it!

[thefatkid]

Yea, my handheld is good for 3 to 4 truck lenghts when in the cab. Outside the range is good but wears the batteries fast.

Grounding surface completly around you is a bad thing

[FattyB]

Hmmmm, ya that doesn't sound like it's worth the cheaper price. Got it

[ike]

you can get cheapos from radio shack that will be ugly, but work great for just wheeling also. When not on the trail unplug it and store it somewhere so it isnt cluttering the cab.

[Chalkie]

This is the CB I have in my truck.

http://www.cobra.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=314&category_ID=30

Works great and when I don't want it hanging around, unplug it and toss it in the glove box. Also have a quick disconnect on the antenna so I can take it down when not using the CB.

[RedRunnertc]

If you get a handheld that can attach an external antenna, that might work pretty well. As Brian said, the big issue is having the antenna INSIDE the truck.

[TowerRigger]

I new a tech in the mid 90s that had some that would reach out and touch people when modded. can't remember what they were though. I think as a general rule you should stay away from them. Buy a good radio. And not from radio shack. Never never never.

[mrdoug]

Hey, I love my 1970s style radio shack special.. been serving my purposes for years.

[Chalkie]

Nothing wrong with buying a CB at Radio Shack... as long as it is not a Radio Shack brand. :D

It's funny though, while they no longer make them, I have heard a lot of the 'older' ham operators rave about how good the Radio Shack ham rigs were.

[Lysmachia]

Odd.... I have the Radio Shack 40$ special and have never had to tune it. It has worked awesome since installation. (Though hasn't been used in a year.... LMAO)

[TacoBlanca97]

All I know is, having a cb sure beats my motorola two way radios. Their range is decent but I can't understand a word anybody says.

[Lysmachia]

Well and not everyone has the Motorola....

[Chalkie]

All I know is, having a cb sure beats my motorola two way radios. Their range is decent but I can't understand a word anybody says.

You talking about the FRS radios? The range on those is pretty limited due to the low power. Unlicensed use is limited to 500 milliwatts of power. At least a CB will generally put out 4-5 watts of power.

[4x4_YOTA]

walmart has a cobra 19 for about 35.
works good even with the cheap antenna i have.

[Sucka]

I know absolutely nothing about CB radios, what's a good unit for just the trails? I want a low profile one, possibly one that mounts in the ashtray location of a Tacoma. I went to RadioShack and they had a small unit for $60 bucks, seemed a little steep to me for a RadioShack brand. Also have heard the Uniden 520 fits in the ashtray, how about that one for the same price range? Other suggestions?

Are these things hard to get wired up and tuned in? Ideally i would like it mounted in the ashtray or some other non conspicuous area that is out of the way 99% of the time and looks clean. I would also like a smaller antenna, maybe something in the 4' range that is removable? Anyone here a HAM/CB type guru who can help me get one setup?

[Chalkie]

The Cobra 19 that Walmart has is pretty compact.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4642484

I have the Cobra 75-WXST. Very compact and can be tossed in the glove box when you want it out of the way. More money though.

http://www.cobra-radios.com/c75wxst.html

My personal recommendation for antenna is a Firestik. You can get mounts for them to mount about anywhere you might want as well as quick disconnect mounts. I know several in the group use Firestiks.

As for tuning, all you need is an SWR meter. I have one, but I am in the Springs. I think Troy has one. Not sure who else might have one.

[Sucka]

Thanks, that Cobra looks pretty good for the price. They don't sell those in store though it appears, anyone know if there's an exception to that around here?

Just looked at the firestick, that looks like exactly what i want. Does anyone carry those locally or is that strictly an online purchase?

[Chalkie]

Actually check the stores. Almost all the Walmarts around here have it in the store. They are in the auto department.

[RedRunnertc]

I had bad luck with fiberglass antennae and prefer stainless versions.

I have an SWR meter we can use to tune it in.

I had the little RS one - it was OK, but died after a couple years. I have a Uniden 510XL and it is WAY better.

[TowerRigger]

Base loaded antennas will give you the best bang for the buck. Wilson is a great brand for all of us running low wattage. Sucks that there isn't enough interest in CBs any more for them to make some new cool radios that are in a smaller package. The little radios that they do sell don't have much options for modifacation. If you don't mind giving up a cerial box sized amount of space in your cab go with anything that has a connex 3300 main board in it. You can really pump the wattage on those babys up. And as I always tell everyone (Hell I might have even posted it earlier in this thread) Grounding is a big key in getting your radio to talk well.

:thumbs:
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x192/coonclimb/ground.jpg

[RedRunnertc]

Ummmm .... is there supposed to be more to that picture than a pitchfork?

[TowerRigger]

That's electronic schematic speak for chassis ground.

[Chalkie]

I had bad luck with fiberglass antennae and prefer stainless versions.

Because the fiberglass broke? or due to it not performing as you expected?

I ask because I had a nice chat one time with a lady at the Firestik plant. She was quite surprised that the antenna had broken and wanted the antenna sent to them so they could examine it. Of course, they didn't want it bad enough to pay for the shipping, although she did say that if it was in the warranty period they would likely replace it for free.

Stainless is good though. My ham antenna is stainless and has a "break over" feature so if I am in trees or something I can get it out of harms way.

Another thought, if you want something you can remove, is to just get a magnetic mount. And, yes, Wilson has an excellent reputation in the CB community.

I won't get into the legalities of pumping up the power on a CB, except to say that if you want more power, study and pay the $14 for a ham license. :D

[RedRunnertc]

Yeah - broke at the base. I couldn't get a SWR worth half a shit with the spring in place. The stainless one has stood up SERIOUS abuse.

[TowerRigger]

I won't get into the legalities of pumping up the power on a CB, except to say that if you want more power, study and pay the $14 for a ham license. :D

I might get my hamster license someday. But it's so formal in the ham world. I can't sit around yelling about "Big poles for tight teen holes" and "Who's dick do I gotta suck to get some butt sex!?" The last one gets the truckers all mad and riled up.lol I'll just pump the juice in the 11M side. The FCC has bigger fish to fry than keeping track of my 30 watt (relatively low power) rig.

[Sucka]

I ordered a setup for better or for worse. I had a gift card to Amazon and went with the Cobra, Firestick and some Coax. Troy if you wouldn't mind helping me get it tuned in and setup that would be great!

[Adrenalinepirate]

Here is a question I have a perfectly working cb radio from the factory. Still works but I took it out and put my other one in. Does anyone know how much it is worth or how rare it is? Thanks taco

[Chalkie]

Here is a question I have a perfectly working cb radio from the factory. Still works but I took it out and put my other one in. Does anyone know how much it is worth or how rare it is? Thanks taco

And Karnak the Magnificent says......... 25 cents.

Seriously though, without make/model, etc. that would be rather difficult to figure out.

[RedRunnertc]

I think he means the TOYOTA factory - they were available in some of the older rigs... Might be worth quite a pretty penny to some hardcore resto guy. Might check rising sun or ih8mud

[ike]

Would be sweet to have a factory cb setup.

[Sucka]

Got all my CB stuff today in the mail.

Any of you CB gurus want to help me install it in the ashtray location :D