predator 10k + cobra 29 short range...

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by jdub2k5, Mar 29, 2011.

  1. jdub2k5

    jdub2k5 Bobtail Member

    35
    10
    Mar 29, 2011
    nixa, mo
    0
    I just installed a predator 10k single coil antenna with a 1.2 swr rating

    I got my radio tweaked and tuned its a 50th anniversary cobra and new cables

    all checked out fine but I feel like my range should be greater any suggestions?

    exit 4 in indy next to the pilot tuned my radio (randy is the guy who did all the work)

    I cant clearly get out over 3-4 miles

    or I am getting out and not receiving well
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. usmc041127

    usmc041127 Light Load Member

    170
    20
    Mar 2, 2011
    Jefferson City Missouri
    0
    I would say thats about all you will get on the average. There is alot to factor in for range like the hills, trees, clouds.
     
  4. jdub2k5

    jdub2k5 Bobtail Member

    35
    10
    Mar 29, 2011
    nixa, mo
    0
    what can I legally do to get more?

    better radio? or something else?
     
  5. jessejamesdallas

    jessejamesdallas Road Train Member

    1,416
    855
    Oct 3, 2008
    Republic of Texas
    0
    Legally...You have about as good a set-up as you can get! Now if you want more, your going to have to go "Out-side the box" and get a Amp to get out farther...

    I run the same set-up as what you have in my Suburban, and I can talk 30+ miles on a bad day(locally)...Difference is, I also run a 3000w+ Amp!:biggrin_255:

    You can easily double your distance, and be twice as loud as you are now just by adding a small 2-pill Amp.

    Illegal...Maybe. But so is Speeding, cheating on your Tax's, and parking in a handicap parking spot while you run into the local corner store to buy a Coke!

    As for as a better radio go's, all the CB Radios that are what you would call "Legal" all do only 4w's max output, so trying a different radio is not going to change anything as long as your power output is the same...

    As for the antenna...Predator 10K's is about as good as they come when it comes to coiled antenna's.

    A 102" Whip would be the only antenna that has less loss, because it has no coil. But it won't make enough of a difference to notice when it comes to how far your getting out with a stock 4w radio...

    Power is everything...
     
  6. jdub2k5

    jdub2k5 Bobtail Member

    35
    10
    Mar 29, 2011
    nixa, mo
    0
    how much is a small amp and where can i get one?
     
  7. usmc041127

    usmc041127 Light Load Member

    170
    20
    Mar 2, 2011
    Jefferson City Missouri
    0
    I just bought a kl203 from H&Y electronics for 49.00. Haven't tried it yet, I don't have a smaller radio to use it yet with but for the money its suppose to be the best. All the reviews I have read are nothing but good.
     
  8. xPosTech

    xPosTech Light Load Member

    91
    17
    Mar 5, 2011
    SETexas
    0
    Maybe you can get away with that in Dallas. Maybe you can get away with it down here. But lots of towns down here let the Handicapped police their parking. Most cell phones have cameras now. Even city officials get popped. And wind up on the 6 o'clock news.

    Some of us just park behind the offenders.

    Edit: Here's one.

    Ted
     
    Last edited: Mar 29, 2011
  9. jessejamesdallas

    jessejamesdallas Road Train Member

    1,416
    855
    Oct 3, 2008
    Republic of Texas
    0
    GI Joes CB Shop, XForce Amps, Davemade, Texas Star, eBay (sometimes)...Just Google around, you can find them all over the Internet...

    If it were me, and just getting started in using Amps, I would go with something like a Texas Star 250 or 350...These don't use much power to run, and are built like Tanks. They can take more abuse than some of the Custom Amps if you don't have your set-up just perfect to start with.

    You won't find Amps in most Truck Stops either...(unless it's someone in the parking lot selling one, and then it's "Buyer Beware" because lot's of these guys selling in the parking lots will be trying to un-load fry'ed-amps to to suckers)

    Sparkys CB Shack sells Texas Stars and have decent pricing...Check their Web Site.
     
  10. jessejamesdallas

    jessejamesdallas Road Train Member

    1,416
    855
    Oct 3, 2008
    Republic of Texas
    0
    Here anyone can turn you in for parking in the spots...All you have to do is get their license plate number and turn them in...I was just trying to come up with another example of "Illegal":biggrin_255:

    One thing tho about the Handicap Parking places tho while were on the subject...Around here anyway, 90% of the people using the parking spots are no more handicap than I am...They just have a placard to hang on the rear view mirror because someone in their family does have a medical condition which allowed them to get the placard...So they take advantage of the system...I see it everyday, someone will park right up at the front door of a store, literally run in and buy a 6 pack of beer or cigarettes, and leave without so much as a second thought...
     
  11. xPosTech

    xPosTech Light Load Member

    91
    17
    Mar 5, 2011
    SETexas
    0
    Yeah those people get to me too. I've got a bad back. It's not the distance from the front door that makes a good handicapped parking spot (well that's good for some). It's the width. Most places comply with the law making them wider than the usual teensy spots they force everyone to use. I need the width to get in and out of the vehicle.

    They make normal spots so narrow so they can get one more car in for every what? every 10? I guess they think everybody drives a compact. Well compacts don't have big enough alternators.

    I have handicapped plates on my Eldorado and a placard for the truck. I would have plates on the truck, too, but Texas allows only one set per owner.

    BTW, I might lawfully park where I want to but I unlawfully run an amp. :biggrin_25523:

    And I think we're finally gettin' some rain!

    Ted
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.