cb radios

bchcky · #1 (**permalink**) 01-29-2004, 04:07 PM

i've recently started looking into getting a cb radio for my jeep. a couple of my friends have them in their jeeps and they make off roading and road trips more fun. however, i dont have much of an idea what i'm looking for. my friend told me cobras are nice, and to get something with PA capability (public announcement) and at least 40 channels. other than that i'm not sure what i'm looking for. can someone help point me in the right direction? maybe some links to ebay auctions or something to help me get a better idea. thanks.

GreenReaper93 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-29-2004, 04:19 PM

Actually, mosey on down to your local Wally World. There's a Uniden Model that Wal-Mart sells that has 40 channels PA capability, and a built-in SWR meter. I think it runs about $80. PA's are normally required for trails, but it's really fun to use during traffic jams ::wink::

mujaman · #3 (**permalink**) 01-29-2004, 05:46 PM

http://www.quadratec.com/cgi-bin/sgi...04012917440318

that's a complete CB kit from quadratec... it's a little pricey, but is a nice setup package. i'm thinking about gettin it for mine sometime.

bchcky · #4 (**permalink**) 01-30-2004, 12:52 AM

thanks for the input, i hadnt even thought about uniden, what do you guys think about uniden vs. cobra?

graewulf · #5 (**permalink**) 01-31-2004, 09:04 AM

I have a uniden that i bought 10+ years ago and it is still running strong. it does not really matter what kind you buy. they are all 40 channels these days (some have sideband, which is not necessary for the trail). Buy a cheap CB.. can get them for like 50 - or spend a few extra to get the one with the built in SWR meter ( you'll need one to tune the antenna anyway). Get your basic radio shack mag mount antenna, slap it on the roof and you are ready for the trail. You don't need anything fancy since on the average the farthest you will need to transmit is 1/2 mile. a little hint: radio shack CBs are actually rebranded Cobras.... (sometimes uniden)

bchcky · #6 (**permalink**) 02-15-2004, 05:11 AM

anyone have an opinion about this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=40055

all said and done (w/shipping) it'll be about $80. is it worth the price? and i was reading up on it, it sounds like it will cover my needs...

jps4jeep · #7 (**permalink**) 02-17-2004, 10:43 AM

If you need that installed, My services can be had for the price of a hardy hand shake! tipping in the form of a 6-pack is also appreciated! Just don't let Dave put it in, He makes a simple wiring job look like a train wreck! jk!

If you want, you and Dave can truck it up to my crib this weekend, we can head to wally world (up the street) and I can put in your CB and fix his air horns!

White · #8 (**permalink**) 02-17-2004, 03:06 PM

Go Cheap radio Good antenna.
Air horns ? Iam thinking of hooking mine up to the oba :)
A radio with weather would be nice.

firemanharry · #9 (**permalink**) 02-17-2004, 03:18 PM

Cobra and Uniden are the same company. Like White said, buy yourself a cheap radio and but buy a good antenna.

Jetski180 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-17-2004, 03:41 PM

I am looking into buying a CB radio also, I was wondering if anyone had put the antenna up into the Roll-Bars under the padding, If that would work and get good reception. Has anyone tryed Handheld CB's eather. Thanks

White · #11 (**permalink**) 02-17-2004, 04:17 PM

I found putting the antenna near the rollbar will make less reception.
Antennas work best as high as possable.
I see alot of wranglers with the antenna mounted so only about 1' sticks above the roof line. That is the worst way to do it. Better off getting a magnet mount and sticking it too the hood ( ugly but it works better)
If all you searching for is one mile or so the firestick on the bumper is ok.
The kits that use you car radio antenna as the cb antenna---Dont waste your time or money.
Handhelds are also a good tool, when walking a trail to "scope it out" you can radio back and let them know how it is.

If you dont have a swr meter, Its not important right away But get it done.

FYI my setup Cobra 29ltdst Peak and tuned Palomer Galaxy preamp.

Just get the handheld....Save your money for good mods :)

graewulf · #12 (**permalink**) 02-17-2004, 05:53 PM

just a word of warning on a handheld, they don't work too well while inside most vehicles... i've seen them work less than 50 feet while inside a TJ with hard top.... bumper mount antennas are ok.. spare tire mount is better... higher is better, also, if you're mounting it to the bumper, get a 96" whip.. that'll put enough antenna above the roofline to get good signal.. you don't need to invest in a real good antenna unless you want more than 2-3 miles range.

Tug-n-pull · #13 (**permalink**) 02-17-2004, 06:00 PM

Everyone knows a trucker. Every trucker has a radio. Every trucker wants a better radio. There fore all truckers have a radio for sale. See your local trucker. If you do not know a local trucker go to the nearest local truck shop all stops have a radio sales area. Look there. Get a good used older cobra or uniden ect.... and you can not go wrong. I have a local CB shop where thay can take a so so radio and turn it into a real talking machine, all in what you want and or need but like wulf said hand helds are not the way to go. Also go ahead and get yourself an external stand alone cb speaker. Mount it onthe roll bar so the sound is in you ear. So you can hear it over the jeep noise even with the top down at 65 mph.... and the loud exaust.. hehehe tug

bchcky · #14 (**permalink**) 02-17-2004, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tug-n-pull

Everyone knows a trucker. Every trucker has a radio. Every trucker wants a better radio. There fore all truckers have a radio for sale. See your local trucker. If you do not know a local trucker go to the nearest local truck shop all stops have a radio sales area. Look there. Get a good used older cobra or uniden ect.... and you can not go wrong. I have a local CB shop where thay can take a so so radio and turn it into a real talking machine, all in what you want and or need but like wulf said hand helds are not the way to go. Also go ahead and get yourself an external stand alone cb speaker. Mount it onthe roll bar so the sound is in you ear. So you can hear it over the jeep noise even with the top down at 65 mph.... and the loud exaust.. hehehe tug

no rollbars in my zj :? , i guess i'll go with the bumper mount, what about the magnetic types that i could slap onto my roof? i'd use it mostly for trail riding, so half a mile to mile radius would be more than sufficient i would think.

and by handheld....you mean i dont want that mounted box and then the skwak box?

Tug-n-pull · #15 (**permalink**) 02-17-2004, 07:22 PM

speaker is not for the pa but to hear the raido conversation. If you have no roll bar just mount it any hwere close to you head so you can hear. A hand held unit will wowrk but it is hard to drive hear and talk on one. Bout as bad as a cell phone. A good under dash mount witha simple mike and external speaker is the ticket.

bchcky · #16 (**permalink**) 02-17-2004, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tug-n-pull

speaker is not for the pa but to hear the raido conversation. If you have no roll bar just mount it any hwere close to you head so you can hear. A hand held unit will wowrk but it is hard to drive hear and talk on one. Bout as bad as a cell phone. A good under dash mount witha simple mike and external speaker is the ticket.

roger, thanks tug.

jps4jeep · #17 (**permalink**) 02-18-2004, 08:00 AM

I found the best way to mount a antenna on a ZJ or XJ is to go to the marine store and pick up a swivel antenna mont that is designed for the open seas, mount it on your factory roof racks! when not needed, just fold the antenna down and it is out of sight, when needed you can simply loosen the set screw, swing the antenna up, and tighten the screw and now your in business! also if you go this route, a 3 ft fire stik is more than enough, just make sure you get a "no-ground-plane" model.

The PA speaker, there is a shop up the street from me that sells them for $14 and comes with all the connectors (which is nothing more than head phone jack)

graewulf · #18 (**permalink**) 02-19-2004, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bchcky

no rollbars in my zj :? , i guess i'll go with the bumper mount, what about the magnetic types that i could slap onto my roof? i'd use it mostly for trail riding, so half a mile to mile radius would be more than sufficient i would think.

and by handheld....you mean i dont want that mounted box and then the skwak box?

mag mounts are great.. they get you almost the same range as a mounted radio.

graewulf · #19 (**permalink**) 02-19-2004, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jps4jeep

also if you go this route, a 3 ft fire stik is more than enough, just make sure you get a "no-ground-plane" model.

Not neccessary... i have a mirror mount bracket, and a 6' whip on my roof rack.. just needed to run a 10awg wire from the mount bracket to one of the screws on the roof rack to establish the ground plane, very easy and alot cheaper.... got everything i needed at radio shack for under $50. most people think the ground plane has to be flat steel, in reality you only need a ground wire.