CB radio
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Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
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CB radio
I'm thinking about putting a CB in my truck for my long drive from Alaska to Florida since I won't have any cell service for a good chunk of the drive. Any suggestions on radio and antennas?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 346
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From: Edmond, OK
i got a cobra 29ltd i love it but you could get a cheap midland or something and i got a 4' firestick which are very good just take it to a shop and get it tuned and peaked also have them set the SWR and youll be good for like 10+ miles open road
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Joined: Jun 2011
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Thanks for the info. I was told to go with a Galaxy...ever used one of those. Also where's the best place to mount an antenna. I know they have the magnetic ones but I've heard of them falling off.
Devil's advocate
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,797
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From: Tulsa, OK
Driving from Alaska to Flordia huh? That's awesome. I've really been wanting to drive from OK to Alaska. It's a goal of mine anyway.
Cobras are ok, but Galaxy radios are excellent. Check out the DX919 and DX929. They put out much more power than a Cobra, about 35 watts.
Cobras are ok, but Galaxy radios are excellent. Check out the DX919 and DX929. They put out much more power than a Cobra, about 35 watts.
I've had CB radios since the 70's and have used many different CB radios and antennas. It really all depends on how much money you have to spend on an average system or one that will talk and receive for 20 to 30 miles.
The average off the shelf CB like a Cobra will have at most about 5 watts of output power. A mid-range Galaxy will put out anywhere from 12 to 25 watts but are a bit expensive at $240 to $350. What make for the biggest difference in how well any CB radio system works is the antenna. If you buy a $12 antenna then don't expect much performance. A quality antenna will cost $35 to $75. The installation is almost as important as the equipment.
The average off the shelf CB like a Cobra will have at most about 5 watts of output power. A mid-range Galaxy will put out anywhere from 12 to 25 watts but are a bit expensive at $240 to $350. What make for the biggest difference in how well any CB radio system works is the antenna. If you buy a $12 antenna then don't expect much performance. A quality antenna will cost $35 to $75. The installation is almost as important as the equipment.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
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I've had CB radios since the 70's and have used many different CB radios and antennas. It really all depends on how much money you have to spend on an average system or one that will talk and receive for 20 to 30 miles.
The average off the shelf CB like a Cobra will have at most about 5 watts of output power. A mid-range Galaxy will put out anywhere from 12 to 25 watts but are a bit expensive at $240 to $350. What make for the biggest difference in how well any CB radio system works is the antenna. If you buy a $12 antenna then don't expect much performance. A quality antenna will cost $35 to $75. The installation is almost as important as the equipment.
The average off the shelf CB like a Cobra will have at most about 5 watts of output power. A mid-range Galaxy will put out anywhere from 12 to 25 watts but are a bit expensive at $240 to $350. What make for the biggest difference in how well any CB radio system works is the antenna. If you buy a $12 antenna then don't expect much performance. A quality antenna will cost $35 to $75. The installation is almost as important as the equipment.
next would be 1/4 or 1/8 wavelength... Use the BEST cable & connectors possible from cb to ant.. SWR should be between 1.2- 1.3.
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Robs Studmobile
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 38
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From: North Las Vegas, NV
Antenna Mounting
This may sound like a stupid question, but here goes.......
If I didnt want the Antennas to be seen....would I be able to mount the antennas under the bed rails and get the same reception as straight up and down?
If I didnt want the Antennas to be seen....would I be able to mount the antennas under the bed rails and get the same reception as straight up and down?