CB Radio Question

[Jwigs7]

I posted this over in the CB/Ham radio section but thought I would probably get a quicker response here.. I'm looking into getting a CB Radio and was liking the idea of a remote faceplate like the YAESU FT-7800R (I want to install it similar to this: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=227565). However, not so much a fan of the price..especially since this would be my first CB. I was curious if anyone knows of something similar for cheaper than $200?

Also, I think this is everything I would need to get a radio system set up with the exception of the SWR meter (and maybe a different radio) but wanted to double check here first: http://www.amazon.com/gp/cart/view.html/ref=gno_cart

 

[Ronin8002]

Why not try the Cobra 75WXST? Can be had for less than 100 bucks and all the controls are right there on the mic. I have one and I love it...I also can remove it from the jack and tuck it away in the armrest or the glovebox when I don't want it hanging on my dash.

It has a scan function built in as well as a shortcut button that takes you to 9 and 19. Also has a shortcut button that takes you to the National Weather Service station.

I can't see what's in your amazon cart...can you post links?

 

[Ronin8002]

I posted this over in the CB/Ham radio section but thought I would probably get a quicker response here.. I'm looking into getting a CB Radio and was liking the idea of a remote faceplate like the YAESU FT-7800R

Also that Yaesu is not a CB it's a ham radio.

 

[Ronin8002]

If you want to see how the Cobra looks installed check out this thread:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2625327&highlight=cobra+75wxst#post2625327

I originally put the cb antenna in the factory am/fm antenna location but the mounting area was too tall and too flimsy so I moved it to the back corner of the truck....pics of that are also in the thread.

 

[Jwigs7]

James, Not sure how I missed your thread lol. I read through like 15 different CB threads.. anyway, Your set up looks great! and I like the pin port under your ac controls!

Here's the individual links for each item,
FireStik 2 Antenna
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00317HUWU/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=A3SPLR0MSOYZ8O
Antenna Spring
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00042LC9M/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=A3SPLR0MSOYZ8O
FireStik MK-204R Adjustable "SS" Door Jamb Antenna Mount
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X39TQ0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&m=A24ZFZP99Y372T
then add the radio of course.

 

[Ronin8002]

James, Not sure how I missed your thread lol. I read through like 15 different CB threads.. anyway, Your set up looks great! and I like the pin port under your ac controls!

Here's the individual links for each item,
FireStik 2 Antenna
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00317HUWU/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=A3SPLR0MSOYZ8O
Antenna Spring
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00042LC9M/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=A3SPLR0MSOYZ8O
FireStik MK-204R Adjustable "SS" Door Jamb Antenna Mount
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X39TQ0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&m=A24ZFZP99Y372T
then add the radio of course.

Thanks, I really enjoy it and it works well. That is the exact same stuff I used except my antenna is 3'.

Don't forget to get a 18" coax cable to run from the radio to the antenna if you mount it in the same place as mine.

Also Amazon has a cheap SWR meter (around 15-20 bucks) that will aid in tuning your setup.

There is a good guide on how to tune it on the Firestik web site.

 

[Jwigs7]

Sweet! Thanks for the info, probably gonna add this the "list" for Christmas.

 

[Wills05xlt4x4]

I've been talking to my neighbor since he has a 32 pil ham radio setup (very into it) and I told him I wanted a 4' red firestick to match truck and he SWEARS that a 102" steel whip will perform best...... Idk what to get need to get.must have a antenna this week for our run this Sunday.....

His base station is in the top 5 in va and his swr meter doesn't read it just pegs when u key up(cant find one that reads past 5k) we should be able to chat from trails depending on where were facing...

I like the firestick but if a whip will work better....
Opinions?

 

[Maxstealth04]

That is all I did, kinda cheap, simple, and works! Payed $40 for the CB on Ebay, $20 for the antenna, and $1 for two sided stickies from the Dollar Tree. Have not had a single problem communicating with the truckers on where the police are! LOL!

 

[willindsay]

I've been talking to my neighbor since he has a 32 pil ham radio setup (very into it) and I told him I wanted a 4' red firestick to match truck and he SWEARS that a 102" steel whip will perform best...... Idk what to get need to get.must have a antenna this week for our run this Sunday.....

His base station is in the top 5 in va and his swr meter doesn't read it just pegs when u key up(cant find one that reads past 5k) we should be able to chat from trails depending on where were facing...

I like the firestick but if a whip will work better....
Opinions?

Your neighbor is correct a 102" antenna will work the best but it is huge. I run one on my 94 mounted to the driver side tail light. It hits every low hanging tree and when I go through the drive through I have to remember to put it down. It sure will take a beating though I can bent it all the way to the ground and let it go and nothing happens to it.

But it sure does work great.

I'm will most likely be switching to a 3foot fire stick some time after Christmas as I'm tired of hitting it on things plus I can't back under the car port with it up.

So if you don't have a problem hitting it on things go for it. It's basically plug and play since most aren't tunable but have great SWR out of the box.

I have heard though that they aren't a true 1/4wave antenna untill you put a 6'' spring on it but I haven't used one yet.

 

[Ronin8002]

I can attest that the 3" firestik can take a beating and has no issues with SWR and range. It's also compact enough to not hit everything.

Haven't done a specific test to determine the max range but I do know 4mi+ on the open road has been no issue. Plus the price is good.

 

[Wills05xlt4x4]

I can attest that the 3" firestik can take a beating and has no issues with SWR and range. It's also compact enough to not hit everything.

Haven't done a specific test to determine the max range but I do know 4mi+ on the open road has been no issue. Plus the price is good.

Yes price is right and I think the matching red would be a great accent...doubt I'd have one shipped to me by sunday without paying a lot... I know I can get a lil wil for 30 up the street it may be the one for a bit since I can buy locally and I've heard only good things about them..

 

[willindsay]

I can attest that the 3" firestik can take a beating and has no issues with SWR and range. It's also compact enough to not hit everything.

Haven't done a specific test to determine the max range but I do know 4mi+ on the open road has been no issue. Plus the price is good.

That's what I've heard from several people and that's why I'm going to be switching to one soon.