Choosing the Best CB Radio

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by Basic13, Jun 21, 2009.

  1. bluechevyv

    bluechevyv Light Load Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    irving tx
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    truth be told cb radios are 4 watts and the size of the unit dont matter. if you want creature comforts then go bigger. just get the antenna tuned and you will pick up as far as it will allow due to weather and area.
    my cobra 29 gets 10 miles on a avg day so im happy.
     
    squirrellsgnwild Thanks this.
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  3. Xcis

    Xcis Medium Load Member

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    Jul 9, 2008
    Bridgeport, Pa
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    Blue Chevy hit the nail on the head. All stock-out-of-the box CB radios have a legal limit of 4 watts. Most expensive or least expensive on sale, it makes no significant difference to your range. If you already have a working CB radio, use it and instead of replacing the radio first upgrade the antenna and then upgrade the coaxial cable.
    .
    The most important item to your range is the antenna. The antenna gets your signal out. The most cost effective upgrade is a better antenna. The antenna that comes with the truck are known to be not the best quality.
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    The second most important item to your range is good coaxial(coax) cable. The coaxial cable passes the signal from the radio to the antenna. RG 58 is the minimum coax for a single antenna setup. RG 8x would be an upgrage over RG 58. More expensive options are available such as LMR 240 and LMR 400 among others. More expensive coax pass a higher percentage of your signal to the antenna.
     
  4. cadillacdude1975

    cadillacdude1975 Road Train Member

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    Mar 20, 2010
    Chattanooga, TN
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    all out of the box type accepted CBs is the correct term. my Galaxy was new out of the box many years back and it was not set at 4 watts nor was it or will it ever be type accepted.
     
  5. WA4GCH

    WA4GCH Road Train Member

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    Aug 12, 2009
    Seminole Florida
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    Losses of RG-58 in a mobile would be too small to measure ....

    IF your going to run 25 foor RG-8X would gain you some over RG-58 but going to LMR 400 at CB unless your runninh 100 foot or more is a waist.

    Nothing wrong with a better antenna IF it is really better .

    I use RG-58 and RG-8X jumpers even on 440 mhz .... and LMR 400 on 144 mhz and up and RG-58 on my G5RV-JR for 40-20 meters and RG-8X on 15 to 6 with no problems ....

    As long as it's a good grade coax you should be fine ....
     
  6. bluechevyv

    bluechevyv Light Load Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    irving tx
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    ya know WA4GCH i think you need a women...:smt064 you must have one of them super antennas on your house and use them radios alot. or we'll see you at a truck stop hoisting a contraptions of antennas up off the trailer .... :smt064
    but sence i am writing in this post again ... how do you feel about the rangers 2950 and 2970 and getting them converted? i know laws and rules but i dont want to play on the other channels just 19. im in major debate with my self about getting my c-29 boosted to 25 w or 40w or just buying a 10 meter. in-put will be pre thanked. as i am on a mini vaca till monday evening.
     
  7. WA4GCH

    WA4GCH Road Train Member

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    Aug 12, 2009
    Seminole Florida
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    As a mater of fact I have a woman we have been married 28 years and she holds a general class ham license .

    I have owned a 2950,2950DX and 5054DX If you want more power they will give it to you ......

    As for super antenna no just a standard set up on HF/VHF using verticals for now ....
     

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    bluechevyv Thanks this.
  8. Chemcat

    Chemcat Bobtail Member

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    Aug 15, 2009
    Kennesaw, GA
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    I know you addressed this to WA4GCH but I felt an uncontrollable urge to comment. The Ranger 2950, 2970, and 2970n2 radios are outstanding radios by all accounts but if you're not going to use frequencies outside the normal 11 meters then your purchase would be a waste of money. If it's more power you're after just get a little amp like the RM Italy 200p or a similar amp. Just make sure you have your radio set for a low deadkey and good SWR on your antenna set up. That's what I'd do anyway unless maybe having the 29 modified for a RX-75 module which would give it dual mosfet finals putting out 80-100 watts.. this if you just don't like the idea of having an exterior amp. The cost would be about the same and you'd just have a little module with a heatsink on the back of your radio. You could more than likely use the existing wiring you have now. I'd have a really good shop do the conversion if you go this route though, like Sparky's or CB Radios Plus.
    Just a thought for your consideration, but if you don't need SSB you really don't need a 2950 or 2970 which is where they really excel. Do your research and consider cost/benefits.
     
    bluechevyv Thanks this.
  9. bluechevyv

    bluechevyv Light Load Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    irving tx
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    i was jokeing... and i am happy you have someone that shares in your intrests. i have a great woman now and am looking forward to may great years with her.
    nice antennas a neighbor of my parents has this huge thing as big as an oak tree in his back yard. not sure what it is but the other neighbors think it is an eye sore.
    i am really looking in to the 2950's and a ranger that caught my eye. im looking for performance not toys. i cant stand them #### toys on the air.
     
  10. bluechevyv

    bluechevyv Light Load Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    irving tx
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    yes someday when i get more time ill go get my operator license but right now is just not gona happen. i will look in to the amp tho thanks for the info. i should be changing companys soon so i want to make sure the new one will be a keeper before i spend any more money on a radio . my 29 is good for now. i may go with duel antennas if i upgrade anything. your speaking up is welcome to me. thanks for the info.

     
  11. WA4GCH

    WA4GCH Road Train Member

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    Seminole Florida
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    i KNEW YOU WERE AND GOT A CHUCKLE OUT OF RESPONDING TO IT ....

    true story .....

    We met 30 years ago and the first time she got into the car I had to REMOVE my 2 meter radio from the front seat ......
    As for antennas mine were burried in the trees untill someone called the county which made me remove most of them ... NOW he has a un obstructed view ..... the trees are gone ....
     
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