Cb setup tips. All help/info welcome

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by PotholeMcBounce, May 11, 2021.

  1. PotholeMcBounce

    PotholeMcBounce Bobtail Member

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    May 11, 2021
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    So I'm getting into setting up and learning about cb. Turned out that my company's shop no longer fools with cb installations due to being blamed for burning up cb's and such issues as that(understandable from business perspective).

    I'm driving a 2019ish international LT and it has the stock dual antenna setup with them mounted on the back of my sleeper.

    Purchased a cobra 29ltd classic(was on sale and im not versed in this area yet, so didn't wanna invest a chunk and burn up my investment due to ignorance). Installed it into the given slot in my cab. Tuned it up at time of purchase and all was well.

    Issue I'm having now is that when I engage to speak my antenna light is coming on. I hear others well for a couple miles out(currently in Kentucky mountains), but idk if im broadcasting. I've looked at the antennas and there's not really anything I can do to adjust/improve their setup. Thinking it may be a ground issue. Maybe need to get new antenna arrangement

    What yall thinking?
     
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  3. Timin770

    Timin770 Road Train Member

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    It is difficult to get a proper radio check these days. Sadly, your best chance is to ask for a radio check at a truck stop. The best response you'll get is, "Its workin' driver"

    The CORRECT response would be "Driver I'm at the 37 mile marker and you sound good"

    One trick I do (likely not feasible for most drivers) is turn on my home base station and turn on a nearby voice-activated recorder. I then transmit at known distances as I drive away from home. I review the tape later to ascertain my transmit quality and range.
     
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  4. Meteorgray

    Meteorgray Heavy Load Member

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    Another alternative is to get a buddy with a CB to talk to you as you drive away from him, noting the mileage. Although communication distance is dependent on many factors, some of which are constantly changing as you drive through various areas, it should give you an idea of how your outfit is doing. It's a good test for your buddy's as well, because it takes two to tango.

    Also, I'd get a $25 SWR meter with a two- or three-foot coax connecting cable and connect it between your radio and antenna. Your radio's antenna light may or may not be significant, but you should shoot for an SWR or 1.5 or lower.
     
    Last edited: May 11, 2021
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  5. 50WT

    50WT Heavy Load Member

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    I just key down a say , wow lady you better put some clothes on, you're going to cause a accident.
    You'll know if you're getting out.Lol
     
  6. Timin770

    Timin770 Road Train Member

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    Quite funny but actually a good idea. Any mention of nude ladies around horny truck drivers is sure to get responses
     
  7. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    No one addressed his red light...
    Lets see the responces for the fellas binder..
     
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  8. Patrick615

    Patrick615 Light Load Member

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    First thing you gotta do is get a coax, nothing fancy, just Wilson coax from a truck stop, a cheap swr meter, truck stop and a good antenna like a firestick. A 5/8 wave is your best bet. Try to get your swr @1:1-1:3 on 1-20 and 40. Order up a connex 3300 or a general lee, a road devil mic you’ll be walk-in the walk and talkin the talk.
     
  9. craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    Forget the road devil..Dont need a power mic if tuned the right way..
    A sr 198 adjusted with radios freq responce or a d104 cause then you can atleast adjust the tone some..
    In either case a power mic is pointless if its been tuned....Thats that mic gain is for..
     
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  10. Night Stalker10

    Night Stalker10 Road Train Member

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    My first thought was poor location for the antennas. The OP didn't say what brand or height the antennas are. It would have been nice to see a picture of the antennas to see if it could give us a clue. Plus how far apart the antennas are. Not sure when the OP said "Tuned it up at time of purchase" meant the radio, or antennas. Be nice to know what an external SWR meter shows about the antenna system. Or better yet an antenna analyzer. Of course its been a month now, so who knows if the problem has been resolved.
     
  11. Patrick615

    Patrick615 Light Load Member

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    A road devil is a d104. Same components as a regular d104 except the rd is noise canceling
     
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