Ok all I have a few questions... I am interested in purchasing a CB radio for my Explorer in an attempt to become more of a "country" boy, or in layman’s terms; a cowboy! What I need from you guys is to tell me what brand is a good brand when it comes down to CB radios.

1) Some people I know tell me Motorola makes a good line of CB radio's, is this true?

2) If you answered "no" to question (1), then what is a good brand to buy when thinking "CB radio's"?

3) What should I look for when purchasing a CB radio?

4) What is the overall range of a CB radio?

5) Is there a special licence I need to operate a CB radio?

6) Will I be able to communicate to truckers, trains, etc?

Well I appreciate anyone who attempts to answer these questions for me, as I am EXTREMELY interested in making a buy pretty quick here!

Sincerely,

Peter

1) Some people I know tell me Motorola makes a good line of CB radio's, is this true?

Don't know...I'm sure they do, but I can't give you a yes or no answer.

If you answered "no" to question (1), then what is a good brand to buy when thinking "CB radio's"?

I and many people on the site use Cobra. They've been around for awhile and make a cb for several uses

3) What should I look for when purchasing a CB radio?

That all depends on what you're looking to use it for. For off-highway use you'd want one that has a nice distance. It can save your life when the need arises. For the highway use you really don't need the distance(although it is nice) due to the fact that you'd often be talking to somebody right behind you.

4) What is the overall range of a CB radio?

The most I've got in town was about 4 miles. Although at T-haven I didn't have a problem talking to camp from the trail. There are several things that limit the range of the radio from building to the clouds....

5) Is there a special licence I need to operate a CB radio?

Nope

6) Will I be able to communicate to truckers, trains, etc?

I don't think that trains use the CB, but they may. One big plus and minus of the CB is anybody that has one can hear you and respond. That's good when you're asking a question to the general public(IE.....Directions), but bad when you're talking to the person behind you and somebody keeps butting in.

I myself use the Cobra 75wx st in mine. I chose this one due to the quality and the "hidden" fact. All the controls are in the mic and all that needs to be mounted is a small box that can go under the carpet. Just make sure you team this up with a good antenna....Most people here use either a firestick or a wilson.

Hmm.. there sure is a lot to know, thanks for the help Leebo! I will check out a couple of places after school/work today, I hope they run a good price!! Cobra eh, I have heard bad things; about there radar detectors, and some good things; there CB radios!

Regards,

Peter

Originally posted by ilikedellcomputers
1) Some people I know tell me Motorola makes a good line of CB radio's, is this true?

I don't believe Motorola makes any CB stuff any more.

2) If you answered "no" to question (1), then what is a good brand to buy when thinking "CB radio's"?

Not sure. They will all be the same power output unless they specify less than 5 watts. SSB probably won't be of much use to you.

3) What should I look for when purchasing a CB radio?

Size of the unit so it will fit where you want to mount it. Features you want like weather channels, scan etc.

4) What is the overall range of a CB radio?

That will vary greatly with terrain and antenna choice and placement. Out on a prarie you will be able to talk as far as you can see. In the mountains, probably the same range.

5) Is there a special licence I need to operate a CB radio?

No, not in the US or Canada.

6) Will I be able to communicate to truckers, trains, etc?

Truckers yes, trains, I doubt it.

Hey guys, I was just checking out some CB Radio websites when I came across someone saying Midland CB's are pretty good. Well I went to their website and found one that appeals to me. I will post the link and it should take you directly to the website with a big picture and a full description of what the CB has to offer. So in other words, can you please check it out and tell me what you think?

I look forward to reading your replies.

Regards,

Peter

http://www.national-electronics.com/images/midland/79290.htm

That Midland has lots of bells and whistles, but looks like a good unit. Midland makes quality products, many on the board are happy with them. Just remember, a great CB with a crappy antenna = a crappy CB.

Originally posted by Alec
Just remember, a great CB with a crappy antenna = a crappy CB.

Umm, ok well we have that figured out. Do CB radios not come in a package with antenna's? If not, what antenna do you recommend, I want something discrete and small, like what the cops use. I also want the antenna to clip onto the side of the hood, like my radio antenna.

Regards,

Peter

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ilikedellcomputers

Do CB radios not come in a package with antenna's?

Nope, they shouldn't come with an antenna. Your antenna choice is probably more important than the radio.

If not, what antenna do you recommend, I want something discrete and small, like what the cops use. I also want the antenna to clip onto the side of the hood, like my radio antenna.

Well, you are going to be disappointed. The size of the antenna is directly proportional to the type of radio. The cops use a much higher frequency so their antennas are smaller. Shortest you are going to get is about 3 feet long with a small round box at the bottom about 1.25 inches round and 2.5 inches high. You can get one that will mount on the edge of the hood with out any problems. The antenna will probably cost you close to what the CB cost.

The ham radio I use in my explorer is C$1600 and the antenna is C$600. I don't know the american prices, but expect to pay around $50 for a CB antenna?

Midland does make another fine CB. My question is....Why the detatchable face??? IS anybody really going to steal a CB?? Maybe Bo and Luke but that's about it.

You also can look to spend anywhere from 30 to 50 on the antenna, about 10 for the mount, and about 15 for the cable. Just like alec said.....crappy antenna=crappy cb

An average antenna will run you for a decent one about $40. If you want long range don't go with those little cell phone looking antenna's (they suck). Your best bet is to stop by a truck stop and get one there.

Cobra...They make a very dependaable entry level CB. I drove a 18 wheeler over the road for several years and still take an ocassional trip. Go to your local truckstop and ask around if you can, but don't buy anything without see and hearing it your self..Also with the cobra, you can get it repaired at almost any radio shop. The whip and wire that you choose mean everything..After you get your radio, go to the shop and let them tweek it for you,most charge about 35 bucks.Try to stay away from fiberglass whips, they give you great reception, but are easily broken..I have dozens of them laying on the shelf that tree limbs have removed for me..

Originally posted by mdrut
..After you get your radio, go to the shop and let them tweek it for you,most charge about 35 bucks.

Where the heck do you live??? It cost me 5 to get mine done the last time I did it. Am I just more handsome than you?? ;)

I have a question. What do they do when they tweak it? I have never heard of this. Can someone help me?

On most antenna there's a small "bolt" on the top of the antenna. They adjust that to get the most power from the antenna. This is how they set-up the antenna to get the most from where you mount it on your truck. All they do is hook up their meter to the coax cable and adjust the antenna to where it's as close to zero as it can be.

Corner of I-75 and the Florida turn pike..When they tweek the radio, and or antanna. the are matching the output and input power with the size, lengh, and dia. of your whip. You can do this youself by going down to radioshack and getting a swr meter.The meter cost about $20 ..The lower the swr reading , the better the signal..You also have to take into affect the size and lengh of your coliax cable..Thats why its best to let somebody else do it that has some experience with it..There's a thousand trucks a day rolling thru here..Has nothing to do with how ugly I am..Atleast that's what I keep telling myself..HEHE I see leebo beat me to it.

Thanks for answering my question.

Originally posted by mdrut
When they tweek the radio, and or antanna. the are matching the output and input power with the size, lengh, and dia. of your whip.

Well, close, but not quite right. They are adjusting the electrical length of the antenna so it is the proper length for the frequency you are using. The SWR meter (or bridge) measures your output power and then when you switch it to REV, shows you a ratio of power out to power reflected back down the feedline into the radio. When the antenna is at resonance (correct electrical length) the 5 watts you are generating with your CB is almost all going out and only a miniscule amount goes back into the radio. When this ratio is way out of whack you can physically damage the radio. The diameter of your whip will affect the range of frequencies that your antenna is resonant at. Thicker whips cover a larger range than thinner ones.

You can do this youself by going down to radioshack and getting a swr meter.The meter cost about $20 ..The lower the swr reading , the better the signal..You also have to take into affect the size and lengh of your coliax cable.

Contrary to popular myth, the size and length of your coaxial cable will not affect your Standing Wave Ratio (SWR). The size of the cable is important when running higher power or over long distances (100 ft or more approx.) The length of the cable will affect your power output, but this depends on the quality of the cable and its length. Also, how many connectors in the line can have a great effect. This is why it is important to buy a long enough length of cable. Its easy to cut it short, but they are a real bear to stretch 8^).

Also, a SWR ratio of 2:1 or less is adequate. Lower is prefered, but usually not worth spending money to correct. If your SWR is 3:1 or higher your gonna have troubles.

Originally posted by leebo
Why the detachable face??? IS anybody really going to steal a CB?? Maybe Bo and Luke but that's about it.


ROFLMAO.. my god leebo, your just too funny!! LOL, yah well it is a bit extravagant, but hey, it has 200 channels, you can't beat that, or do I even need that?

Regards,

Peter

You will never need 200 channels. Most CB's only use 40. If you're on the road and want to talk to truckers....channel 19. When you're on the trail you choose a channel for the group and stick to it unless you're getting cut off from somebody else talking. As far as I know we only had to do this once at Truckhaven so it's not too big of a deal. But hey....with all those fancy lights on the cover it might match your stereo. :)

Thanks everybody for your help! Please check out my newest post entitled: "My brand new Uniden Pro 520XL CB" in either the "Exploring Ham Radio" section or the "Modified" section!

Thanks,

Peter