Cheap CB? and Truck question.

[clantonman1983]

It works great as far as I can tell. I'm getting out to neighboring counties and stuff like i was before. People say it sounds really clean. The receive is very good as well. haven't used SSB yet. I'll try to take a picture soon and post it.

[Dustball]

Appreciate the responses. After reading the many "What radio" posts I thought those two might be serious contenders for around $200. Turbo-T talks about the Stealth which seems to have a few more goodies, but also weighs in at ~$270 too. Nice radio, but about 35% over what I really wanted to spend for his "entry" radio.

Now I understand that there are many variables that factor into a range question. Setting everything equal, what could you reasonably expect to get in miles across flat desert with optimum environmental conditions for one of those Cobra 25/29's w/rfx-mod and tuned from a Sparky's or Custom CB?

[outerspacehillbilly]

Originally Posted by Dustball

Appreciate the responses. After reading the many "What radio" posts I thought those two might be serious contenders for around $200. Turbo-T talks about the Stealth which seems to have a few more goodies, but also weighs in at ~$270 too. Nice radio, but about 35% over what I really wanted to spend for his "entry" radio.

Now I understand that there are many variables that factor into a range question. Setting everything equal, what could you reasonably expect to get in miles across flat desert with optimum environmental conditions for one of those Cobra 25/29's w/rfx-mod and tuned from a Sparky's or Custom CB?

That's a loaded question. It could range anywhere from 5 to 25 miles depending on what kind of vehicle, antenna, and how good you set them up.

[Turbo-T]

Originally Posted by Dustball

Turbo-T talks about the Stealth which seems to have a few more goodies, but also weighs in at ~$270 too. Nice radio, but about 35% over what I really wanted to spend for his "entry" radio.

Now I understand that there are many variables that factor into a range question. Setting everything equal, what could you reasonably expect to get in miles across flat desert with optimum environmental conditions for one of those Cobra 25/29's w/rfx-mod and tuned from a Sparky's or Custom CB?

The Cobra 25 stealth sells for $189 at Sparkys. If you want echo, add another $30. How far it will get out will depend on antenna used, SWR, what kinds of terrain you're in, etc. A few testimonials on the 25 Stealth have said they talked an easy 15 miles.

Cobra Stealth:

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[Dustball]

Thanks for the responses. Called Sparky's, as it turned out after hours, and spoke to the man himself for about 20 minutes. Given the requirements and restrictions we have to work with, Sparky said I'd be wasting money going with the other radios discussed above. Since we are dealing with stock antennas and crappy chassis grounds on an '07 Volvo tractor he recommended the Galaxy 919. Folks were right about him not trying to oversell you something...

[outerspacehillbilly]

Originally Posted by Dustball

Thanks for the responses. Called Sparky's, as it turned out after hours, and spoke to the man himself for about 20 minutes. Given the requirements and restrictions we have to work with, Sparky said I'd be wasting money going with the other radios discussed above. Since we are dealing with stock antennas and crappy chassis grounds on an '07 Volvo tractor he recommended the Galaxy 919. Folks were right about him not trying to oversell you something...

Yes Al is top notch. However if you set up the Volvo right you can run anything you want. I run my Galaxy 48T and wilson 2000 on my 07 Volvo and have 1.3 swr across the board and putting out 220 bird watts. I can tell you this you will have to get a perch mount to mount your antenna to get a good gound. You will also have to run some ground straps and ground "everything" ie body,frame,doors etc...... You'll need some good coax also some rg8x will do fine. I guess it all just depends on what you want. A 919 is a decent radio but if you want more just letting you know it can be done on that Volvo. FYI the stock coax and antennas on those Volvo's are junk as are all stock stuff from the factories. If you want any kind of range more than 1-2 miles you'll have to do what I suggested even with that 919. Either way getting it from Sparkys the radio you choose will be a good one.

[coledurango]

Carolina Thunder....

I

[david07003]

Originally Posted by outerspacehillbilly

Yes Al is top notch. However if you set up the Volvo right you can run anything you want. I run my Galaxy 48T and wilson 2000 on my 07 Volvo and have 1.3 swr across the board and putting out 220 bird watts. I can tell you this you will have to get a perch mount to mount your antenna to get a good gound. You will also have to run some ground straps and ground "everything" ie body,frame,doors etc...... You'll need some good coax also some rg8x will do fine. I guess it all just depends on what you want. A 919 is a decent radio but if you want more just letting you know it can be done on that Volvo. FYI the stock coax and antennas on those Volvo's are junk as are all stock stuff from the factories. If you want any kind of range more than 1-2 miles you'll have to do what I suggested even with that 919. Either way getting it from Sparkys the radio you choose will be a good one.

You can get a Cobra 19 or similar small radio on Ebay for around $10 plus shipping. Get a decent power mike and your in business. Just my opinion, dont get hung up on peaking and swing. There are great sounding radios on the CB bands that have not been modified in any way.