School me on CB radios

[Jay5.9L]

Looking to put a CB in my CJ. What should I know or loking for when I buy a CB radio? Any brands or models better than others? Do they come weather resistant?

Thanks,
Jason

 

[CJJ92yj]

Antenna is everything, don't skimp! As for the actual radio, I have no idea. I have used a few different middle of the road ones, and didn't seem to make much difference as long as you got a good antenna. Get the one that has the most features you think you will use.

 

[chadschoon]

if its in a jeep your tight on space at least in a tj. i have the cobra model that is all in the mic. meaning there is no box and all the controlls are on the mic. saves on space. costs a little bit more though

 

[Cody]

I have the same cobra (75wxst or something like that). It works pretty well--I don't use it very often.

I know that CB's are only supposed to be like 2 watt output, and marine CB's can be 4 watt. There are some crazy guys out there that will boost the power up into the 20's (or higher I'm sure).

I remember reading about antenna's and someone mentioning that the amount of antenna above the groud plane (highest grounded part of the vehicle) will effect it's performance. Meaning if your antenna isn't much taller than the roof, you won't get that great of performance out of it. Not sure how much it really effects it, but at least a little. Also, have the thing tuned once it's installed--that makes a difference.

The only CB shop I know of these days is GTS (general telecommunication servic) on California and like 13th west. There used to another joint but I think he closed shop a couple years ago.

Cody

 

[JIM]

Something else to remember is to ground the antana to the chassie very good
also the ground off the radio itself. In my CJ I also install a spark suppresser
from Radio Shack and ran the power in a shieled wire.

 

[Caleb]

I've used several different CBs from nice Cobras to cheap Radio Shck ones but all witht eh saem antennas, they all were just about the same...find the one you like with the features your want/need and call it good. I used a Firestick antenna and a K40...both very nice antennas that you can't go wrogn with. I agree with Cody, get it tuned when you get it installed...after I had mine tuned I could get truckers coming over the point when I was at the CB shop on 4500 S. and I-15(I believe thats where it was).

 

[Todd Adams]

Some of the best deals are found at truck stops like Flying J and Sapp Bros. They carry anything you need which is hard to find anywhere else. Stick with a brand Like Cobra or Midland. Don’t waist your money one with more bells and whistles than you need.
I bought a reconditioned Cobra off their web site and was not happy with it but there are deals out there. One like this is all you need but you can find it much cheaper. http://www.wirelessbycobra.com/index.php?page=shop/flypage&product_id=417&id=2

 

[BioNuke1]

It's all about antenna, antenna location, and tuning.

basically all CB's are 4watt TX power, antenna is everything, you Must tune the antenna after final instalation with an SWR meter. If you dont your setup can work VERY poorly, and can burn up your radio instantly or eventually.

look for a 5/8 wavelength top loaded antenna. Taller is Better.
stay away from base loaded and glass mount antennas.

Counterpoise (ground plane) Must be considered, this is extremely important.
If your antenna follows metal (windshield frame, etc...) and is not sticking up at least 2/3 of the way it wont work worth crap.

Ideally you want to place your antenna on the middle of your roof, for an excellent ground plane, but thats rarely feasable. Sometimes you'll see the rednecks in there huge trucks with cophased antennas on the front bumper, this helps use the grounded metal in between them as counterpoise.

if your vehicle is non ferrous (plastic, fiberglass, aluminum, cheese, etc.) use a no ground plane antenna
use correct antenna wire for your setup, 18 feet is ideal.
higher quality parts are better, go to a truck stop, not radioshack

being very space limited on my wangler I went with mounting it here, still need to tune it.

 

[Rusted]

Another place for the geek techie help is CPI in Sandy. Bob is the owner, and he can help get you the right antenna and get the SWR set right. He mainly sells ham radios, and now model airplanes. But he has CB stuff as well.

7946 South State
567-9944

you may want to call before you go there to verify hours.