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I didn't do an elaborate search on this topic, and not sure it's really necessary when it comes to electronics, technology is always changing, new models are released etc. etc.
So... That being said.
What do you guys Recommend?
What do you have?
I haven't decided if I want to do a permanent install, or something I can just jack into when I need it.
I don't know anything about CBs, other than I'm sure people won't want me borrowing theirs ;)
Please let me know, give me some advice.
Thanks!
A good antenna setup is more important than which radio.
But I like the Cobra 18 because it has a faceplate speaker making it ideal for in-dash installation. There are also models that have all the controls and the speaker on the microphone, and you can hide the transmitter under the seat or wherever.
Check out the Firestik website for more than you wanted to know about CB...:smilegray
I know I had the cheapest Cobra model (18WXTII) at Moab and it sucked for clarity and signal. I returned it and picked up a better model
(29 WX NW..)
http://cobra.com/index.cfm?fuseactio...category_ID=30
MUCH better with the ability to fine tune (not as hard as it sounds). Some would also suggest getting a better mike for it...
I also had a short 30" magnetic antennae and it is poor for range. I'm trying something bigger and see if the range gets better.
I really like Tom's (tomdietrying) one piece handheld. Not sure of model...
I found it tough to find a place to hardmount it so it's not in the way of anything or anyone. Best place I found would be just to the right of the shifter mounted pointing up in the passenger foot well - bolted to the plastic shifter trim piece...
Good Luck.
http://cobra.com/index.cfm?fuseactio...category_ID=30
I got this one at Flying J for around $65. I installed it in place of the OEM CD changer - it is one clean install because the unit is DIN sized. I used the Cobra CB mount and attached it to a hidden part within the dash - it looks factory. I'll take a pic of it for you. Otherwise, like what had been said, the antenna is the more important point of focus (play on words there).
Check this thing out though: http://www.rightchannelradios.com/je...wx-st-419.html
Im a bit of a cb/ham radio nut and i installed an rci 2950 radio with a little palomar tx 50 broadband amp that i git 250 watts out of running through a wilson 1000 magnet mount antenna,notice how i mounted the amp in the console with a little fan underneath to help keep it cool,I taped off the roof and sprayed spray on bedliner where the antenna sits so it dont mess up the paint and cause rusting.I talk all over the place and when conditions are good for talking skip i can talk all over the country and outside the country,i have talked to canada,mexico,cuba,its a pretty fun hobby,i also have one heck of a base station too.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CB_002.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CB_003.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CB_004.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CB_001.jpg
I have the Cobra 75 WX ST. Control box mounts out of sit (mine is uner the drivers seat) and all the controls are on the mike. I use a Wilson Lil' Wil magnet mount antanae. Have had no issues nd the reseption is fine for what I use i for (off road trips).
I'll second what Billy said about the Wilson Lil' Will magnetic mount.Quote:
Originally Posted by Triathlete
Since you have an aluminium rack, you could do what I did, & fab a mounting bracket out of 1/8" plate steel. Cut/grind it to the size & shape you want, drill two holes in opposite sides of the outer edge, mark & drill said holes through the center rail of your roof rack, offsetting them on either side of the center ribbing underneath. Then prime & paint, & bolt in place with stainless cap screws, washers, & nylock nuts...:_wrench:
I use a Cobra 'Road Trip' Handheld...
http://cgi.ebay.com/Cobra-HH-Roadtri...QQcmdZViewItem
I like the portability....no wiring issues....it works very well...and the price is right.
jo
I think the BigSweede has the right idea. The antenna is most important. Seems all the truckers use the Firestick.
Jay and I were taliking about this in Moab. He came up with a great idea. He thought a good place for a Firestick on the VX is the right or left tail light. Someone will have to come up with a mounting bracket where it will bracket under the tail light. If you put it there, there is no need to mess with any of your cladding or paint job.
Peace.
Tom
012009
Thanks for all the responses... looks like I've got a few things to learn :)
Tom I heard you talking with Jay about that... I like that Idea, I also Like PBkids antenna too...
Guess I'll just buy a good antenna and CB, then once it's here figure out where to put it ;) I like Dub's Idea about a roof rack mount as well... Where is everyone running wires from the roof into the cab? either for lighting or CB antennas?
Thanks again everyone!
Since the box for mine is under the seat I just run my ant. wire along the seats to the back hatch and out the top to the ant. which I mount right next to the radio ant. Then when not in use I remove it and stow it in my gear box in the back! Out of sight...less chance of break-ins!:cool:
That little kit seems perfect...Quote:
Originally Posted by ZEUS
Think that's the route I'll go, I like the fact that the controls are on the handheld portion.
Most CBs are damned ugly... :D
Thanks for the link...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Triathlete
I think I'll follow your lead... I don't think it's going to be a permanent item for me... I drive about 30 miles a week... (in the VX) so... :)
It would be a LOT cheaper to just get the CB and lil' wil ant. There is a lot of un-needed crap in that kit.
My CB is perminantly mounted. I just take the ant. off when not in use. The mike can be taken off easily too though leaving only the little box under the seat.
I know that every other semi driver that I work with at UPS(about 150 of them) uses either a 29 LTD series Cobra or a Uniden PC 68 or 78 series. I own a PC78 elite which I ran at Moab. I personally think they are some of the ugliest cb radios out there and look very dated whereas some cheaper radios that look high tech with their sleek designs and digital displays don't deliver in performance. Remember, the idea is to communicate, not wow people with your CB bling:rolleyes:. Trust me they all look the same mounted under a seat, but you and everyone you talk to will know whether you bought a "pretty" or a "performer".
speaking as one of the truckers.. firesticks suck.. the lil wilson is good.. but if you are gonna mount one like a firestick..get a francis.. much better then a firestick.. since you are taking the time to do all this awesome work.. make sure you take it by a cb shop or figure out how to set the SWR's... that is what makes or breaks a cb setup. the lower the better.. the goal is 1.0 and anything over 2.5? you may as well get 2 tin cups and a wire..
Just my 2 cents.. and as I have said.. opinions are like readily available at anytime..
Peace
Jeff
P.S: a good noise cancelling mic is also a good add-on.. and can be had for about 40 bux for an astatic or a roadking 56.. I like the astatics 636 personally.. but its all about personal preference and how it feels in your hand.. peace
I think a question needs to be answered...
...before selection is made.
Are you looking for longer distance "driving" CB coverage...
...or Trail coverage.
My hand held $75 Cobra Road Trip never once failed to connect on the trail...
...and gave acceptable coverage driving.
It can run ciggy lighter OR batts...it can be taken from car to car...or back pack...or m/bike...OR!!
....Yup...I like it! :p
jo
I guess I'm not sold yet then :D
I'm enjoying the evolution of this thread. I started thinking having one full time would be fun, I get more thumbs up :thumbup: from Truck Drivers than anyone else.
Then I could say hey...
I'm definitely more interested in performance than looks, but having controls on the handset makes sense. Especially with how ugly they all are...
I'll continue to watch this thread build.
Jo, I'm thinking of ordering the one you bought regardless... (backup/loaner) But I still think I want something (semi)Permanent in the VX. :D
i have the cobra 75wxst and it worked well for me.. but with all the electrical in my car my SWR was through the roof so eventually it did permanent damage to the unit.. one of these days ill get around to sending it in for warranty service
it is pretty sweet driving and being able to talk to the truckers though.. if nothing else its nice to get the weather stations and to find out why you are sitting in traffic
Ditto on the radio. I paid $65 for the radio and $24 for the antenna at the local truckstop (PILOT). I also run the FireStik antenna and have great luck with both. Played around with talking to my Dad (he had a handheld cb) and we talked up to 15 miles away before I lost him...he still heard me though!(he called me on my cell to tell me I was still reaching him.)Quote:
Originally Posted by ZEUS
When the Chicago gang met up with the Denver gang heading to Moab, PBKid asked me to be the tailgunner as he lead the convoy because we had no issues communicating to & fro.
My SW reading was so low that I thought the meter was broken and exchanged it for another one only to get the same reading....almost zero!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/sh...hp?photo=11277
Bought the Cobra 29LTD CLASSIC, mostly because it's so cool looking (j/k) it was on sale at Pilot for $69, I bought the Firestik Antenna to go with.
Should be able to install Friday :D
Under seat and hidden from everyone ;)
Ha... what was I thinking... can't go under the seat... even if it could I could get to the controls this thing is ginormous...
I think I'll end up getting a 75 with handheld controls...
I'll just temp mount this one until I figure something out...
On another note... anyone know where I can get one of these mounts?? This is a great antenna install.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da..._antenna_2.jpg
It looks like an antennae mount for a Kenworth T2000... be warned. it looks good but the ground sucks.. those trucks cant usually get out over 200 yards.
ps.. cant believe ya did a firestick.. francis may look cheap.. but have twice the distance (sending and recieving) then a FS
peace
Jeff
I have the same mount and I bought it at the truckstop (Pilot) along with the radio and antenna. I believe it is labeled as a "body side mount". I had no problems grounding it when mounting. In the second image you can see a little of the cb mount from the opposite side.Quote:
Originally Posted by taylorRichie
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...h_pics_167.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...h_pics_173.jpg
I have a whip antenna on my other vehicle (Dodge Ram) that was installed by someone else and the setup I did in my VX blows it away!
http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs.htm
You guys ever look at the Firestik Hood Channel mount?
http://www.westcoastmall.net/mk174-h...it-p-1644.html
I had one on my old 99 Trooper, worked great, it sticks out the slot between the hood and fender, no visible holes in yer pretty VX...:)