Best CB/Antenna?

[ahhjaws]

Hi, what do you guys think would be the best CB radio and antenna? I am hoping to get a radio with a mic option for a few extra $$. I don't know what style (roof, side mounted, bumber mounted, etc...) or what antenna would be best either.

Thanks!!

 

[jimbo74]

being all personal opinion, where do you want to mount it? i have a 4' firestik II mounted on the center of my frontmost roof rack bar... i love it there...... has a 5 mile city range and has never been tuned

 

[ahhjaws]

I don't really have a preference where to mount the antenna. If it is on top does it get hit a lot from overhangs and stuff?

 

[TwoToneX]

But you can get a flexible antenna and it doesn't make much of a difference. The best place to mount it for reception is on the top, in the middle of the roof (that's what I've heard, I can't remember the reasons). Also, how much do you plan on using it? That would be the best question, considering if you don't use it all that much, you can go kind of cheap and still have one that does what it's supposed to do.

 

[jimbo74]

mine hits a lot of things.... but it also is mounted on a spring, so it just makes noise and flops over then pops back up. the middle of the roof is the best spot because a cb antenna recieves and transmits best from one side of the vehicle... by being in the middle it is the best for both and away from rfi causing devices....

 

[ahhjaws]

I pretty much plan to use it just when I am on trails or going to them with a group.

So should I get a magnetic base antenna placed on my roof? I might be able to rig up something for my roof rack to mount it also.

Thanks!

 

[TwoToneX]

Well, I use it only on trails every once in awhile. I have a 2 foot magnetic antenna and a radioshack CB. I got them all for about 60 bucks, and it works great for me. It starts to cut out if I'm in a big group and we're in the mountains though....

I know a few other people run Magnetic ones, with pretty long antennas and they don't have any problems.

 

[jimbo74]

Originally posted by ahhjaws
I pretty much plan to use it just when I am on trails or going to them with a group.

So should I get a magnetic base antenna placed on my roof? I might be able to rig up something for my roof rack to mount it also.

Thanks!

just do a mag mount with a cig lighter adapter for the cb than.... if wanting permanent id do a solid antenna...but you only want it for trail running where the cars are closer and you wont need a high zoot set up

 

[ahhjaws]

Sweet thax! What about a radio?

 

[jimbo74]

any cheapie will do... i have seen the cobra 19 radio for like $20 in a local electronics store....

 

[Texan01]

Heck I still use my parents 26 channel Kraco CB radio that they bought it in 1976 along with a antenna adaptor that uses the radio antenna. My parents still have the CB lisence they were issued in the '70s.

That ancient Kraco still works quite well. Just doesn't have as many channels.

 

[Gonzo]

I have 3 of those 26 ch. CB's from the 70's I found at work. They seem to work a lot better than the uniden I have in there now. Did you really have to have a license to use a CB in the 70's?

 

[ahhjaws]

What sort of test/form do you have to do to get a licence? Is it a quick thing or do I have to study like for HAM?

 

[ahhjaws]

Would I get around a 3' antenna for the top of my car?

 

[Crankcase]

Originally posted by Gonzo
I have 3 of those 26 ch. CB's from the 70's I found at work. They seem to work a lot better than the uniden I have in there now. Did you really have to have a license to use a CB in the 70's?

I have a 23 channel one that still works fine. I remember reading here that the older C.B.'S were a little better for reception.

 

[Ray Hutchinson]

NO CB LICENSE REQUIRED!

ahhjaws,

The FCC placed the CB radio service into the Un licensed radio services category, under Part 15 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This is the main appeal of CB for offroading: Anyone can have a CB that allows them to communicate over a fairly good diatance, line of sight typically 5-15 miles, depending on terrain, band conditions, etc. This range allows you no only to communicate with others in a group on a trail run, but in case you get separated, have a breakdown, or other trouble, you can call for help. It is this reason that we require a working CB on the organized Serious Explorations trail runs like Truckhaven, Moab, Arizona, etc. We consider your CB to be essential SAFETY gear.

Unlike FRS, which has relatively short range, (which may be OK for communications in a relatively small group where you aren't too spread out), your CB is very "Universal" as almost all offroaders have them.
Years ago the FCC, inorder to comply with international communications treaties, did require you to "register" your radio and get a station license, good for your whole family. There was no exam, you had to pay only a small administration fee (about $10), and you were issued a callsign. such as "XXX1234"
The treaties were later re written, so callsigns aren't required for CB anymore.

 

[ahhjaws]

Hey thax for the info. I will probably go out and get a radio and antenna next weekend.

 

[Sandy]

ahhjaws,

How's the CB / Antenna shopping going?

What radio have you dicided on?

Where do you plan on mounting it ?

 

[ahhjaws]

I acually haven't been able to go look yet. My friend offered to go with me on a couple short trails this weekend, so I decided to there instead. I will probably go shopping next week, but I will keep you informed.

 

[97 Eddie Bauer v8]

Wilson 5000 - without a doubt.

Christopher
N3VNF