Best CB set-up:
- Thread starter Scott Brady
- Start date
BMAN
Adventurer
goodtimes said:
Scott, let me first appologize for my use of language so early in my membership here but... Hey Brian ******** You, you drive a Jeep, why the hell would these fine folks let you hang around here anyway?
There, now that I'm done with that (for those who don't know or didn't read... Brian and I go WAY back and I actually quite enjoy his company on the trail) I'll get into the GOOD stuff.
AWW Crap just saw the time Gotta split for now... will be back with "THE GOOD STUFF" this evening in an EDIT to this post.
BMAN
Adventurer
You never got body damage in the Box cause you never "WHEELED" the box. You buncha poons ain't got the stones to get Body Damage in the Box. It's all about pushin the envelope.
Chuckles, it's been a long time for sure. I think the last time we talked was Zafari 04 at camp one night, and wheeled the last time in '03. Good to see that ya stepped over to the Dark.
Back to the topic at hand... radios.
I zipped through and didn't see where Brady made a choice for his new rig so I'll assume that the choice hasn't been made. My opinions on radio choice and setup are all my own, based on hours of research and tons of reading. Unfortunately most of my opinions aren't based on my own real world experiences, you see unlike some people that I know, my funds are limited when it comes to these matters. I will however share that here in the east valley there is a group of approx. 30 individuals who frequently talk on channel 14. I discuss theory and whatnot with them weekly if not daily and have used their knowledge and experiences along with those of both my father and Granfather (both military radio men) to help base my opinions.
My own personal rigs are as follows... FJ40 has a tweaked Uniden 520 and a 1/4 wave whip mounted to the tire carrier at the Drivers rear corner. This is the radio that was in the truck when I bought it. I spent $15 to have it tweaked to push 8watts deadkey and swing 15 on TX.
In the DC Tacoma I run a old Uniden 568 tweaked and peaked (8dk/15swing also) by one of the local EV guys on channel 14 with a k40 mag mount in the center of my roof. This transmits and Rec's much better than the radio in the 40 series.
In my 60 series (motorless in the driveway) there is a Maxon, uniden 510 ripoff from Walmart with Wilson 1k hardmounted through the roof at about center and 1/3 back from the windshield. This radio and antenna by far get the best distance with good clear audio on the other end.
All combinations are tuned under 1.2 SWR at 1 and 40. In the Tacoma I have talked 30+ miles across town on multiple occasions with the furthest distance talked being from my driveway in Mesa, az to a group of 4 radios in Bakerfield, Ca. Not bad for a basically barefoot rig.
My Ultimate choice when it come to the 60 series and the rig I will run in it when the time comes will be a Galaxy 959 with a pre-amp and 500+ watts running through the Wilson 1k. I'm sure I'll catch hell here too since it seems to be the consensus everywhere I post my opinions about radios. PSSKHAT (scott) and I seem to go back and forth on the merits of CB vs Ham in every thread about trail communications, but I don't think that we will on this one, being that Brady's Q was specific to CB radios.
I will concede that a very nice HAM rig can be had for the same price or cheaper than the setup I plan to run and will probably get more consistent range results than my rig, but my major point of contention on the HAM vs CB argument is this... Any indiot can walk into Walmart and start X-mitting and Rec'vg on a CB for about $40. Most of the people I encounter on my travels are those people, not idiots per-se, but the type of people that go the cheapest most inexpensive route. These people are the people who although they may not be able to get back to me on the radio they WILL here me calling for help and hopefully either come in for the rescue or head out to call for the big guns. The majority of wheelers out on the trails that I wheel run CB not HAM and that's only if they run radios at all. I prefer to be in contact with the majority of people close to me not the minority.
I could rone on and on and continue to ramble about all the crap I know enough to about to be dangerous but I think I've taken it further here than I need to.
Oh yeah Brian... **** again there HEEP boy. Let's wheel!
Chuckles, it's been a long time for sure. I think the last time we talked was Zafari 04 at camp one night, and wheeled the last time in '03. Good to see that ya stepped over to the Dark.
Back to the topic at hand... radios.
I zipped through and didn't see where Brady made a choice for his new rig so I'll assume that the choice hasn't been made. My opinions on radio choice and setup are all my own, based on hours of research and tons of reading. Unfortunately most of my opinions aren't based on my own real world experiences, you see unlike some people that I know, my funds are limited when it comes to these matters. I will however share that here in the east valley there is a group of approx. 30 individuals who frequently talk on channel 14. I discuss theory and whatnot with them weekly if not daily and have used their knowledge and experiences along with those of both my father and Granfather (both military radio men) to help base my opinions.
My own personal rigs are as follows... FJ40 has a tweaked Uniden 520 and a 1/4 wave whip mounted to the tire carrier at the Drivers rear corner. This is the radio that was in the truck when I bought it. I spent $15 to have it tweaked to push 8watts deadkey and swing 15 on TX.
In the DC Tacoma I run a old Uniden 568 tweaked and peaked (8dk/15swing also) by one of the local EV guys on channel 14 with a k40 mag mount in the center of my roof. This transmits and Rec's much better than the radio in the 40 series.
In my 60 series (motorless in the driveway) there is a Maxon, uniden 510 ripoff from Walmart with Wilson 1k hardmounted through the roof at about center and 1/3 back from the windshield. This radio and antenna by far get the best distance with good clear audio on the other end.
All combinations are tuned under 1.2 SWR at 1 and 40. In the Tacoma I have talked 30+ miles across town on multiple occasions with the furthest distance talked being from my driveway in Mesa, az to a group of 4 radios in Bakerfield, Ca. Not bad for a basically barefoot rig.
My Ultimate choice when it come to the 60 series and the rig I will run in it when the time comes will be a Galaxy 959 with a pre-amp and 500+ watts running through the Wilson 1k. I'm sure I'll catch hell here too since it seems to be the consensus everywhere I post my opinions about radios. PSSKHAT (scott) and I seem to go back and forth on the merits of CB vs Ham in every thread about trail communications, but I don't think that we will on this one, being that Brady's Q was specific to CB radios.
I will concede that a very nice HAM rig can be had for the same price or cheaper than the setup I plan to run and will probably get more consistent range results than my rig, but my major point of contention on the HAM vs CB argument is this... Any indiot can walk into Walmart and start X-mitting and Rec'vg on a CB for about $40. Most of the people I encounter on my travels are those people, not idiots per-se, but the type of people that go the cheapest most inexpensive route. These people are the people who although they may not be able to get back to me on the radio they WILL here me calling for help and hopefully either come in for the rescue or head out to call for the big guns. The majority of wheelers out on the trails that I wheel run CB not HAM and that's only if they run radios at all. I prefer to be in contact with the majority of people close to me not the minority.
I could rone on and on and continue to ramble about all the crap I know enough to about to be dangerous but I think I've taken it further here than I need to.
Oh yeah Brian... **** again there HEEP boy. Let's wheel!
calamaridog
Expedition Leader
I'm no expert but...
I like the mag mount Wilson 1000. I can run it in the center of my roof for optimal performance but I can move it forward or backwards if I'm using my roof rack for a trip or if I change my rooftop setup around. I've never actually seen a mag mount knocked off a roof.
The Cobra 75WX ST, say what you want but it makes for the cleanest installs possible. You can mount the remote installation box behind the dash or under the seat or any number of places. The all-in-one handset can be plugged in and unplugged at your leasure and stored anywhere you want.
You also don't have another accessory taking up valuable space where something much cooler than a cb radio can reside.
Scott, you can also install remote installation boxes in your other rigs and use the same all-in-one handset in whichever vehicle you are using that day.
Just my .02 for whatever it is worth. As long as you have a decent SWR reading, your set-up is fine I'm sure.
I like the mag mount Wilson 1000. I can run it in the center of my roof for optimal performance but I can move it forward or backwards if I'm using my roof rack for a trip or if I change my rooftop setup around. I've never actually seen a mag mount knocked off a roof.
The Cobra 75WX ST, say what you want but it makes for the cleanest installs possible. You can mount the remote installation box behind the dash or under the seat or any number of places. The all-in-one handset can be plugged in and unplugged at your leasure and stored anywhere you want.
You also don't have another accessory taking up valuable space where something much cooler than a cb radio can reside.
Scott, you can also install remote installation boxes in your other rigs and use the same all-in-one handset in whichever vehicle you are using that day.
Just my .02 for whatever it is worth. As long as you have a decent SWR reading, your set-up is fine I'm sure.
RAM5500 CAMPERTHING
OG Portal Member #183
calamaridog said:
I disagree! I think the pic below is the cleaneast install possible!
It frees up unused space, it doesnt take up any additional space in the ashtray, below the dash, next to the seat, etc.....
I would have never thought ADDing a CB would GAIN me space, but now with this alpine/ipod (the head unit controls the entire iPod, way cool) setup my rig is free or all my CD's that littered the interior and they are all on a tiny ipod stuffed in my glovebox!
Scott Brady
Founder
BMAN said:
BMAN...
Thanks for the laughs and illegal CB set-up advice :shakin:
Scott Brady
Founder
calamaridog said:
I actually own that unit. It worked great for the first two years, and then the PTT started failing. Now it does not work. Too bad, as it is a slick idea.
Ursidae69
Traveller
expeditionswest said:
********, you know when you're on the trail and some trucker is 50 miles away is bleeding into every channel and you cannot hear the front of the group because you've got the squelch set so damn high, that's from tweaked cb radios like BMAN's! :shakin: :shakin:
Scott Brady
Founder
Ok, this is my plan. What do you think?
Unit: Cobra 25 WX NW ST
Antenna: Firestick "rome" 5/8 Wave Base, roof mount
Unit: Cobra 25 WX NW ST
Antenna: Firestick "rome" 5/8 Wave Base, roof mount
Pskhaat
2005 Expedition Trophy Champion
Yeah, BMAN & I debate this ad nausum. I have a CB and I have a decent Ham rig, and I'll admit I also have a 10 meter 100w linear amplifier that I could easily make work with 11 meter in the worst case scenario.
Amateur radios are by defintion (and in general) a much better quality commercial setup (Ham radios are often commercial setups with different programming). The only benefit on the trail is the capability of contacting repeaters for additional distance (w/ the proper repeater anywhere in the world) and the ability to make a phone call through the radio. Yes it then becomes legal to run sick power at Ham freq's too, but honestly if I were in need of medical help in the bush I'd pump 11 meter to anything and deal with any FCC fine.
Quality wise, I can talk from North Scottsdale to Tucson on 5w of power regularly (without waiting for electromagnetic conditions to exist as per CB). Ain't nothin' wrong w/ CB at all really as you're right BMAN anyone can walk into Wallys and be on the air. And those people often are on the air saying things and interrupting many of my conversations on the trail. BUT are we anyone? We are a group that goes for the least expensive options on our rigs? People like us should eventually become Hams; if even for off-road event communication alone.
Calamaridog, we've I believe talked about this elsewhere, but SWR only show the impedance match. The feed line (coax) and antenna can both be `detuned' and cancel each other out, reduce effective radiated power to nill, and you can still have near 1.0 SWR. SWs need to be checked throughout the system. As for CB, it should be checked at the antenna and then at the radio to ensure its consistency.
Amateur radios are by defintion (and in general) a much better quality commercial setup (Ham radios are often commercial setups with different programming). The only benefit on the trail is the capability of contacting repeaters for additional distance (w/ the proper repeater anywhere in the world) and the ability to make a phone call through the radio. Yes it then becomes legal to run sick power at Ham freq's too, but honestly if I were in need of medical help in the bush I'd pump 11 meter to anything and deal with any FCC fine.
Quality wise, I can talk from North Scottsdale to Tucson on 5w of power regularly (without waiting for electromagnetic conditions to exist as per CB). Ain't nothin' wrong w/ CB at all really as you're right BMAN anyone can walk into Wallys and be on the air. And those people often are on the air saying things and interrupting many of my conversations on the trail. BUT are we anyone? We are a group that goes for the least expensive options on our rigs? People like us should eventually become Hams; if even for off-road event communication alone.
Calamaridog, we've I believe talked about this elsewhere, but SWR only show the impedance match. The feed line (coax) and antenna can both be `detuned' and cancel each other out, reduce effective radiated power to nill, and you can still have near 1.0 SWR. SWs need to be checked throughout the system. As for CB, it should be checked at the antenna and then at the radio to ensure its consistency.
goodtimes
Expedition Poseur
Wow, how did I miss Bman's posts? I would have reponded properly earlier than this if I had.
When the chips are down, I would not rely on a tweaked CB to get me out of trouble. Even 8 watts is nothing compared to the *legal* 1500 watts I can push from a HAM. FCC fine or not, I'll take more power. Of course, this is rarely a real world concern, as most of us travel in groups anyway. As Brandon mentioned, everybody and their brother uses CB. This is the problem. Too many people restricted to 39 channels (assuming they leave the emergency channel open). It is SO much nicer to have crisp, clear communications within your group and not have to fight for airspace with every other group out there. It is not uncommon for groups I travel with to go 4 or 5 days without having to hear anyone else outside of our group. It is also very nice to spread the group out 15 or 20 miles (no one eating dust, can travel at your own pace, someone can stop and let the wife to water a bush in relative privacy w/o holding the group up, etc) and still maintain clear communication from the front to the back w/o relaying messages down the line of vehicles. If I had to choose one or the other, I would take the HAM. But, this being America and all...I don't have to choose. So I have both.
Scott, I used to have 25 wx nw st in my old s-10. It was a good radio. Easy to adjust w/o looking at the radio (thus taking your eyes off the road), easy on the eyes at night, small enough to fit where the OE tape deck was mounted (in the center console, to the right of my knees). The speaker was lacking though (again...mounted in the console), so I ran a external speaker into my ashtray. Other than that, great rig.
When the chips are down, I would not rely on a tweaked CB to get me out of trouble. Even 8 watts is nothing compared to the *legal* 1500 watts I can push from a HAM. FCC fine or not, I'll take more power. Of course, this is rarely a real world concern, as most of us travel in groups anyway. As Brandon mentioned, everybody and their brother uses CB. This is the problem. Too many people restricted to 39 channels (assuming they leave the emergency channel open). It is SO much nicer to have crisp, clear communications within your group and not have to fight for airspace with every other group out there. It is not uncommon for groups I travel with to go 4 or 5 days without having to hear anyone else outside of our group. It is also very nice to spread the group out 15 or 20 miles (no one eating dust, can travel at your own pace, someone can stop and let the wife to water a bush in relative privacy w/o holding the group up, etc) and still maintain clear communication from the front to the back w/o relaying messages down the line of vehicles. If I had to choose one or the other, I would take the HAM. But, this being America and all...I don't have to choose. So I have both.
Scott, I used to have 25 wx nw st in my old s-10. It was a good radio. Easy to adjust w/o looking at the radio (thus taking your eyes off the road), easy on the eyes at night, small enough to fit where the OE tape deck was mounted (in the center console, to the right of my knees). The speaker was lacking though (again...mounted in the console), so I ran a external speaker into my ashtray. Other than that, great rig.
BMAN
Adventurer
SCOTT,
And others... please go here
http://www.signalengineering.com/ultimate/index.html
and read both anttena and coax basics prior to doing your installs. The info here will hopefully help explain and clarify a few things for ya on your next install. The only thing I tend to disagree on with this guy is the fact that he preffers the FG antennas over Wilson type bottom loaders. My own experience is that FG antennas do not get nearly as good a RX and TX as Bottom Loaders.
And for once I agree w/ Brian... get both!
And others... please go here
http://www.signalengineering.com/ultimate/index.html
and read both anttena and coax basics prior to doing your installs. The info here will hopefully help explain and clarify a few things for ya on your next install. The only thing I tend to disagree on with this guy is the fact that he preffers the FG antennas over Wilson type bottom loaders. My own experience is that FG antennas do not get nearly as good a RX and TX as Bottom Loaders.
And for once I agree w/ Brian... get both!
calamaridog
Expedition Leader
expeditionswest said:
I used the one in my Tacoma on about 12 trips before selling the truck. Thankfully, it did not fail. Hopefully, the new one will work for me in the new truck.
S
Scenic WonderRunner
Guest
I found a new CB by Cobra.....it's the 200 GTL......it's called a 10 meter....but also does the CB channels. I guess it's kind of one of those questionable outlaw radios. I know it's technically not legal....but who cares if you are 100 miles from no where with no cell phone service! (you can run it on low power, 30 watts, until you need the power!)
Close to the Galaxy 95T but half the price.
Anyway......I'm finding prices as low as $200. Great deal for what it can do!
It puts out 100 to 150 watts+ on SSB.
Guys are saying they are talking ALL over the USA on this thing....including Europe and New Zealand!
I'm seriously thinking of getting this.....and finally upgrading my "old truckin' days" Johnson CB Radio from 1976!!!!! (still works flawlessly!)
Anybody have this Cobra 200 GTL radio?....Thoughts?
LINK to Write UP: http://www.jollyrogercb.com/
Close to the Galaxy 95T but half the price.
Anyway......I'm finding prices as low as $200. Great deal for what it can do!
It puts out 100 to 150 watts+ on SSB.
Guys are saying they are talking ALL over the USA on this thing....including Europe and New Zealand!
I'm seriously thinking of getting this.....and finally upgrading my "old truckin' days" Johnson CB Radio from 1976!!!!! (still works flawlessly!)
Anybody have this Cobra 200 GTL radio?....Thoughts?
LINK to Write UP: http://www.jollyrogercb.com/
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