new to CBs, what is right for me? - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

*Four0Sport* · 08-07-2009, 10:45 AM

I am very new to the world of CBs, but on a recent trail ride discovered how useful they are to have. I am looking for something relatively affordable with total costs <$150. Can any of you guys point me in a good direction to start shopping? What should/shouldnt I be looking for in a radio? Any ideas or feedback is most welcome.

Thanks,

Jack

privetryan89 · 09-14-2009, 03:38 PM

First, determine what you are going to be using the radio for and how much you plan on using it. Just for highway use? off-roading? or work?
Second, determine where you plan on mounting the radio. CB's come in all sizes.

Cobra and Galaxy in my mind are two of the best know CB makers out there. Anyone of there product are good and if you know where to look not to expensive. Radio Shack sells Cobra and they have there own brand of CB's. I personally have a Radio Shack CB with weather band that I got for $30.

Weather band is a nice feature but you don't need it and it just adds on to the cost of your radio (unless you get it on sale like I did). It's nice to have and use it on my way to and from college but it wouldn't make a difference to me it I had it or not.

Antenna's are a whole different subject and everyone has there idea of what antenna is best. To start out go with magnet mount and go from there.

www.claysradioshop.com or Radio Shack sells everything you could possible want or need.

Hope this help a little.

*techieman33* · 09-14-2009, 03:42 PM

Check out the cobra 75, or 76. All of the controls are on the mic itself, which makes it easy to keep it hidden/out of the way when your not using it.

*Four0Sport* · 09-14-2009, 10:17 PM

thanks guys.. i was actually looking at one of the lower priced cobras and a firestick antenna to mount above my taillight.

Sandy · 09-18-2009, 09:09 AM

Check out Uniden CBs, they make all kinds of CBs, every bell and whistle or size you want.

The model 520 is a good entry level CB and has a PA function , if that is something you might want.
The model 510 is a little down with one or two less options.
I like a CB with an "RF Gain" Control; this allows you to talk to people close up without overpowering your CB Audio by turning the RF Gain down.

Now to basics, the most important part of the system is the antenna, next the coax and then the CB, so if there is a little extra cash buy the best antenna you can afford and the best coax, then the CB.

Antennas, Firestik appears to rule the roost but I like the Wilson brand of antennas.

Coax, Belden is the best Coax that is readily available to the general public, RG-58U is good coax, RG-8X is a little better, time MicroWave if it was an amateur Radio Tower Setup.

The best location for the antenna is centered on the best ground plane and that is the roof; not always feasible but still the best location.
If you are Bumper Mounting make sure there is a good ground path from the antenna mount to the frame/body of the vehicle.

An option later on after the CB is installed and the antenna TUNED for low SWR is a Power Microphone, pricey ($60 or so) but it will help out a lot when needed.

Don't mean to confuse but buy a good antenna, the Coax and a good antenna mount first, then the CB.

95XMADDOG · 09-18-2009, 09:37 AM

I turned to the guys at http://www.rightchannelradios.com/ for help, they have kits with everything you need. There technical section with write-ups is very extensive and useful. I bought one of the Jeep Off-Road Kits and I use it everyday. Very happy with customer service as well, They forgot to ship a piece from the kit, they overnighted it to me the next day.

08-07-2009, 10:45 AM	#1
Four0Sport Elite Explorer West Virginia 1993 Sport, 1997 5.0 Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 2,322 Vehicle Specs	new to CBs, what is right for me? I am very new to the world of CBs, but on a recent trail ride discovered how useful they are to have. I am looking for something relatively affordable with total costs <$150. Can any of you guys point me in a good direction to start shopping? What should/shouldnt I be looking for in a radio? Any ideas or feedback is most welcome. Thanks, Jack __________________ 1993 Explorer Sport, 4" TTB lift, custom rear shock setup, swingout rear bumper, 33x12.50s

09-14-2009, 03:42 PM	#3
techieman33 Elite Explorer Topeka, KS 00 V8 Mountaineer Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 6,010 Vehicle Specs	Check out the cobra 75, or 76. All of the controls are on the mic itself, which makes it easy to keep it hidden/out of the way when your not using it. __________________ This car would be less annoying to eco-mentalists if it's engine ran on sliced dolphin. -Jeremy Clarkson

09-14-2009, 10:17 PM	#4
Four0Sport Elite Explorer West Virginia 1993 Sport, 1997 5.0 Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 2,322 Vehicle Specs	thanks guys.. i was actually looking at one of the lower priced cobras and a firestick antenna to mount above my taillight. __________________ 1993 Explorer Sport, 4" TTB lift, custom rear shock setup, swingout rear bumper, 33x12.50s

09-18-2009, 09:09 AM	#5
Sandy Wannabe Elite Explorer Boston Area 2003 Ranger Edge Join Date: Mar 1999 Posts: 1,403 Vehicle Specs	Check out Uniden CBs, they make all kinds of CBs, every bell and whistle or size you want. The model 520 is a good entry level CB and has a PA function , if that is something you might want. The model 510 is a little down with one or two less options. I like a CB with an "RF Gain" Control; this allows you to talk to people close up without overpowering your CB Audio by turning the RF Gain down. Now to basics, the most important part of the system is the antenna, next the coax and then the CB, so if there is a little extra cash buy the best antenna you can afford and the best coax, then the CB. Antennas, Firestik appears to rule the roost but I like the Wilson brand of antennas. Coax, Belden is the best Coax that is readily available to the general public, RG-58U is good coax, RG-8X is a little better, time MicroWave if it was an amateur Radio Tower Setup. The best location for the antenna is centered on the best ground plane and that is the roof; not always feasible but still the best location. If you are Bumper Mounting make sure there is a good ground path from the antenna mount to the frame/body of the vehicle. An option later on after the CB is installed and the antenna TUNED for low SWR is a Power Microphone, pricey ($60 or so) but it will help out a lot when needed. Don't mean to confuse but buy a good antenna, the Coax and a good antenna mount first, then the CB. __________________ SandyB, N1MAU/W1IO NnF000@gmail.com Do It Right The First Time ! Last edited by Sandy; 09-18-2009 at 10:00 AM.

09-18-2009, 09:37 AM	#6
95XMADDOG Wannabe Elite Explorer State College, PA 95 Limited 4Dr 4x4 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 15 Vehicle Specs	I turned to the guys at http://www.rightchannelradios.com/ for help, they have kits with everything you need. There technical section with write-ups is very extensive and useful. I bought one of the Jeep Off-Road Kits and I use it everyday. Very happy with customer service as well, They forgot to ship a piece from the kit, they overnighted it to me the next day. __________________ 1995 X Limited 4Dr 4x4, War153/Pro Comp AAL/2" TT, One-Touch Passenger Window, Rough Country Nitro 9000 Shocks Front and Rear, Alpine CDE-9852/Cobra 18 WX ST II In-Dash Install, Screamin Demon Coil/Magnecor KV85/0.065" Gapped Plugs

09-14-2009, 03:38 PM	#2
privetryan89 Wannabe Elite Explorer Pa '98 XLT 4.0 SOHC Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 127 Vehicle Specs	First, determine what you are going to be using the radio for and how much you plan on using it. Just for highway use? off-roading? or work? Second, determine where you plan on mounting the radio. CB's come in all sizes. Cobra and Galaxy in my mind are two of the best know CB makers out there. Anyone of there product are good and if you know where to look not to expensive. Radio Shack sells Cobra and they have there own brand of CB's. I personally have a Radio Shack CB with weather band that I got for $30. Weather band is a nice feature but you don't need it and it just adds on to the cost of your radio (unless you get it on sale like I did). It's nice to have and use it on my way to and from college but it wouldn't make a difference to me it I had it or not. Antenna's are a whole different subject and everyone has there idea of what antenna is best. To start out go with magnet mount and go from there. www.claysradioshop.com or Radio Shack sells everything you could possible want or need. Hope this help a little.