Cb Radio's

[85cj7]

So, is it important to have one in my rig? What model shoud I look into getting?

[grateful]

I don't have one yet and I've been on a few trails in the last 2 months....and found that I'm missing lots of conversations....like where the rocks are and where to pick the line, among other things. They told me today just a little inexpensive one will work, and I do plan on getting one...soon as I can get a day off work. My weekends don't seem to allow me much time to run out and get one!
smiles, karen

[Stickbuddy]

Yes, you should have one. I personally like the Cobra 75, but, that's just me. Go by Apollo at 43rd and Northern, they will steer you in the right direction and give you some price options. If you are in the east valley, go to the CB nazi (I don't know his address). What do you run JK, XJ, CJ, Y/YJ?

[TanTJJim]

For a Jeep I highly recommend a Uniden 520xl or the Cobra 75. The Uniden is one of the best sounding radios I've heard for an entry level radio and the Cobra is great if you want a cb in a small package, all the controls are in the handmike so you only need room on your dash for the mike.

Firestick antenna's are pretty rugged and easy to tune. If you don't mind the extra height a 102" stainless steel whip is going to get you the best reception and for all intents and purposes you really don't have to tune them. But you do smack them on everything, especially at drive thru's and such.

Just one last rule of thumb, pay particular attention to where the antenna attaches to the mount. There is a very specific way to set it up and if you don't get that part right your cb will not work at all.

[gefelix]

Just reading TanTJJim's post on CB radios. Then took a look at all the other posts and wanted to add.
First, I agree with TanTJJim's success with the uniden and Cobra radios. They are both very good - I use the Uniden 520XL. But I have used others - Radio Shack's tiny CB is a good performer too. CB shops have told me they won't mess with the RS radio whereas they will peak and tune the Uniden and probably the Cobra and Midland too. You may be able to find a shop or a person to Peak and Tune the RS radio too... I don't know. Is it necessary to P & T? Not really. Buy a cheap Radio Shack and when it dies, throw it away and buy another one.
3 of my brothers run RS CB's in their Jeeps. I bought the radios for them a couple years back and they like them (got tired of yelling out the window and/or standing on a rock jumping up and down waving our arms). :aagh:
For close range communications, they all work well. The key is the antenna, the cable, and the SWR. It's already discussed in the other posts..... AND, if you really want to take a nap, go to the Firestick web site and you can read all about it in as much detail as you wish or until you're snoring. Bottom line, SWR is important.

The one thing that I haven't seen discussed:
Think about this - obstructions:
When you use a water hose, the water sprays a lot further when you're out in the open - If you're standing 3' from a brick wall, the water will not go as far and a lot of it will splash (reflect) back at you and get you all wet!
Same with an antenna - Ideal mount is the entire antenna totally exposed above the vehicle with a good ground plane. But a fiberglass top is not a good ground plane. So a Jeep with a totally metal body and roof will probably work pretty daing good if you mount the antenna in the center of the roof.
I also use the very flexible Wilson 4' on the Wrangler. It is mounted near the top of the spare tire via a metal bracket. A great antenna - SWR is 1.1 on channel 4. I also had a Firestick 4' antenna - SWR 1.1 - great antenna too. It bit the big one when I tried to drive into my garage one day - Someday the Wilson will suffer the same fate if I forget to remove it. So I keep a 2' antenna on the Jeep most of the time and switch to the 4' when wheeling. By the way, SWR on the 2 foot antenna is 1.5 - It's a Firestick.
Point of all this is that they are all mounted higher (in relation to taillight or bumper mounts) - there is not as much antenna "hidden" by the vehicle.
I have a 102" Firestick that I can mount too and it is absolutely the best length to use - It even kicks b#tt when you mount it very low on the bumper because it is a more perfectly matched - wavelength - antenna - BUT like TanTJ says - IT HITS EVERYTHING.
I've used both CB Exchange and Apollo. They've both been in business for a long time. I suspect they both have a lot of happy customers. I'm sure someone rubs someone wrong on occasion or has a bad day and that stuff just happens. Both shops are reputable - I've always been taken care of in my various visits to either shop.
And finally, if you find you like experimenting with antennas, radio, etc., definitely try your hand at amateur radio. :)

[85cj7]

LOL I just realized that I posted this in the wrong place. Dumb question for you all, If I get a CB like the Cobra 75, will I be limited to other CB users only or will I be able to communicate to other radio frequencies like 2 way radios "walkie talkies"?

[gefelix]

CB channels 1 thru 40 only, base mobile or walkie talkie types..... Again, CB only.
You will not be able to communicate with amateur, FRS, GMRS using a CB.
Check this link:

http://support.radioshack.com/support_tutorials/communications/67159.htm

There are many more points of reference, just Google cb frequencies and I'm sure it will lead the way to ton of reading and reference.

[85cj7]

CB channels 1 thru 40 only, base mobile or walkie talkie types..... Again, CB only.
You will not be able to communicate with amateur, FRS, GMRS using a CB.
Check this link:

http://support.radioshack.com/support_tutorials/communications/67159.htm

There are many more points of reference, just Google cb frequencies and I'm sure it will lead the way to ton of reading and reference.
cool, thanks! any other comments welcome.

[YJunk]

be carefull about having a shop peak and tune your radio... you should know what that means before you ask for it; otherwise what you get may not be a better performing radio, just one that looks better on some junk meter.

Here are some quick pointers...

Buy a cheap CB, they all put out 4 watts; everything else is bells and whistles that you don't need on the trail.

If your CB doesn't have a MIC Gain, replace the stock mic with power mic with adjustable gain.

Run the CB power wire directly to the battery; do not run it off a cigarette lighter or tie it anywhere in the harness...

Run the CB ground wire (preferably) to a bolt or screw close to the radio that has good continuity to the frame. The shorter the ground wire can be the better. If you're not going to check the continuity... run the ground to the battery.

If you're not going to run a proper length of coax (what you need no more no less) be carefull not to ball the excess up; this acts as a choke on the signal. You are better off to route the coax in a fasion where it is stretched out.

You're antenna mount MUST be properly grounded or you simply will not get out and your SWR's will be jacked... Paint is a barrier to a good ground, so be mindfull of where and how you mount your mount.

2/3 of your antenna should be above the roof-line...

Check your SWR's and tune your antenna (visit firestick for lots of good information).

Most CB speakers blow (meaining the just suck) - get a remote speaker.

A setup like this will last years and years; you'll be able to talk to and hear everyone on the trail and will be heard nice and clear.

[Wayco]

Yjunk has most of the particulars nailed down, and I must emphasize getting your power and ground from a clean source. As far as "2/3 of the antenna over the roof line" that's hard to do, and will whack every branch you go under. Firestick is a good choice of antenna because they make a "top loaded" version that doesn't need to be that high to get out. Just as a side note, I have a quick release on my antenna, for when I'm covering it or just want it out of the way. Funny thing though, even when I leave my antenna off, I can still talk to most of the Jeeps in the area, limited range, but all this electronic stuff is magic anyways. Nobody knows why it works, its all theory.....
If you don't want to figure out all the wiring and coax routing, Apollo Communications will help you out, that's where I go for advise and materials.
http://www.openlist.com/glendale-az_apollo-communications/90311610/

[YJunk]

Wayco... most of the Firestick antenna are a contiuous load; the "coil" runs the length of the shaft. So you'll want more than just a little bit of it above the roof line. The rule of thumb is to have the coil at least a foot above the roof line possible; with the fire stick you might want it a little more. The best performance frome those antenna will come if they are 2/3 above the roof line, but as you noted that can be tough to do, especially if you are starting at the bumper.

[Wayco]

I just copied this off their website:

Model: KW2-? 2 Ft (61cm) 5/8 wave Rated @ 100 watts $19.99 (MSRP*)
Model: KW3-? 3 Ft (92cm) 5/8 wave Rated @ 300 watts $21.99 (MSRP*)
Model: KW4-? 4 Ft (122cm) 5/8 wave Rated @ 400 watts $23.99 (MSRP*)
Model: KW5-? 5 Ft (152cm) 5/8 wave Rated @ 500 watts $25.99 (MSRP*)
Model: KW6-? 6 Ft (183cm) 5/8 wave Rated @ 600 watts $27.99 (MSRP*)
Model: KW7-? 7 Ft (213cm) 3/4 wave Rated @ 700 watts $29.99 (MSRP*)

* MSRP (Manufactures Suggested Retail Price) shown in U.S. Dollars only.

Whereas "?" designates antenna color; B=Black; R=Red; W=White; BB=Blue;.

BRIEF: Proven hi-performance coil design, Rugged solid-fiberglass core.

DETAIL:
The most popular wire-wound CB antenna in the world. This is the original Firestik design, and a proven performer since 1975. The "KW" antennas are compatible with autos, trucks, vans, motorcycles and ATV's in a single antenna configuration when metallic ground plane is available. Or, they may be used in dual (co-phased) configuration on any vehicle made from any type of material. Like all CB antennas, the "KW" antennas require fine-tuning (SWR) in their final mounting location. The loading coil on all "KW" antennas is easily accessable for precise SWR adjustments. All "KW" antennas exceed the requirements of any CB radio, new or old. Aside from the hi-performance loading coil that maximizes the transmit/receive functions of your CB, these top-loaded antennas will also receive the NOAA emergency weather alert and national weather broadcasts for radios with those features.

The "KW" antennas are 100% American made with 100% American materials. To maintain a balance between flexibility and ruggedness, we use a custom blended, glass fiber reinforced shaft. Each is wound with heavy insulated copper wire to prevent the oxidation and shorted windings often found on non-Firestik antennas. The 3/8"-24 threaded base has a tapered contact point that works especially well with Firestik mounts and accessories. The tapered "lug-nut" effect transfers stress away from the threads and reduces the possibility of vibration induced loosening of the antenna in its mount. Each antenna is covered with a static reducing, water-tight sleeve containing UV and pigment stabilizers. For peak performance we recommend that you use one of our 18-foot Fire-Flex coaxial cables with these antennas.

All "KW" series antennas are factory bench tested for resonant frequency and overall quality. They are available in four (4) standard colors .. Black or White with a red tip, or Red or Blue with a white tip. WHERE TO BUY?

And don't forget ... ALL antennas, regardless of style or manufacturer, MUST be tuned after installation on the vehicle. Transmitting antennas are not "plug-n-play" devices. Read our article regarding this matter. Also, visit our technical library to find the answers to your most common questions or to learn how to troubleshoot and tune your CB antenna. It is unique on the Internet!

If you really want to spend way too much time researching CB's and all the stuff that goes with them, you can. TONS of info. on this subject right here on our forum.
My bottom line is get a cheap CB, (less to loose when they steal it out of your open Jeep) buy a good Coax and a good antenna. Put it in or have a wrenching party to have it done by one of us "internet experts" and enjoy. It's no big deal.:)

[Cave Gimp]

Another word of advice, don't believe everything you read on the web. :) Firestick is an example, they have some dribble about 18' being the optium length for coax. That is easily disporven, for the most part the optium length is just enough to get from the radio to the antenna.

Bottom line:
Get a CB (cheap is fine and almost perfered)
If you are unsure on how to install it, host a wrenching party.
Enjoy!!! :)

[YJunk]

I just copied this off their website:

If you really want to spend way too much time researching CB's and all the stuff that goes with them, you can. TONS of info. on this subject right here on our forum.
My bottom line is get a cheap CB, (less to loose when they steal it out of your open Jeep) buy a good Coax and a good antenna. Put it in or have a wrenching party to have it done by one of us "internet experts" and enjoy. It's no big deal.:)

not gonna argue with ya wayco... lets just get a field strength meter and check one that is just above the top and one that is 2/3 above the top... simple test, simple results. The coil runs from the bottom to the top on a FS to create the 1/4 wave. Yes its loaded hevier on top, but the entire shaft is loaded...

[YJunk]

Another word of advice, don't believe everything you read on the web. :) Firestick is an example, they have some dribble about 18' being the optium length for coax. That is easily disporven, for the most part the optium length is just enough to get from the radio to the antenna.

Bottom line:
Get a CB (cheap is fine and almost perfered)
If you are unsure on how to install it, host a wrenching party.
Enjoy!!! :)

X2 on what he said... Just run what you need, there is no appreciable difference between running 4 ft or 18 ft. Not on 11 meter in a vehicle. The only time coax length in a vehicle becomes an issue is if you're running out of phase dual antennas... you would never do that on a jeep. And would probably never do it period unless you were building the system for very directional activity.