predator 10k + cobra 29 short range...

You need to know a 10 meter radio isn't a certified CB; and out of the box doesn't transmit on the 11 meter CB band. You'll have to ensure someone converts it, be it who you are buying from or a reputable CB shop.

You also need to know a 10 meter radio gives you access to the 10 meter amateur bands...and if you aren't licensed to use them and get caught on them (happens often) you could be looking at some stiff fines.

A typical CB (Cobra 29, Uniden 68, Galaxy 919/929/949/959/979) are all legal CB radios (until modified) and don't allow you on the 10 meter band.

Those Connex radios, Galaxy 55, 66, 88, 99 or other 2 digit radios, Stryker radios, General lee, General Washington, RCI 2950/2970, Superstar....are all 10 meter radios that give access tot he 10 meter band.

Truth is as long as you don't go on the 10 meter bands you will be ok. However the problem is, there's that little band switch, and most of the time the "D" band on the higher end, is the converted CB band; you accidentally flip it off D onto E and all the sudden you're talking on 28.015 mHz, which is not to be used for voice communications at all, by anyone.

However not all export 10 meters have the CB band on the "D" switch. Some of them have it on the "A" side. You just have to know where you're at on the radio. Me personally I learned the mHz of where the CB band was, and at one time owned a 10 meter rig that had a built in freq. counter. That told me where I was on the band and I knew where not to go to. CB band is always 26.965 to 27.405 mHz. Most people don't know that except for radio enthusiasts.

Ok enough of that, I'm sure I done puzzled you with all that talk, but I wanted you to know that.

Dialing the power down....for an amp? Galaxy radios have this option. I believe the General Lee export and Connex exports also offer this option.

The DOT scalehouse thing....I've heard in the past of people being checked at the scales for 10 meter radios and linear amps and if found being confiscated. I don't know if it still happens today or not. I have heard though some trucking companies do not allow linear amps installed in their trucks.

You can receive from others further out IF they have a good radio well tuned into a good antenna that can reach back to you....and if you have a good antenna that can "hear" everything far away. As pointed out, you must also take into consideration if the radio is noisy that day due to atmospheric conditions, induced noise, etc. In other words, there's a store I drive past and their fluorescent lamps induce so much noise into my radio, I usually have to squelch it up to the 3 o clock position just to cut out the noise. When you have your radio squelched up, it limits what you can hear. You'll be able to get only the strongest signals that can break the squelch but the other guy at 5 miles you may not be able to hear him.

 

Sparky cb and copper are 2 of them ....

10 meters is a FREQUENCY or BAND it has nothing to do with range ... CB is 11 meters .

 

Extra power will help transmitting farther Yes...But it wont do jack for receiving...

Something else to consider...Just because these 10 Meter radios have more power than typical CB Radios, doesn't mean they will receive better...Some 10 Meter export type radios have terrible receive. And some do better on SSB than AM...(and visa-versa)

The radio you have has about as good a receive as your going to get, thats why I suggested if you just want to get out better, buy a small Amp to put behind it and be done with it...

You can even bolt the Amp to the top or bottom of the radio if space is limited...

Or you can drop another $200-$300 bucks on another radio and take a gamble that you'll get out like you want...

 

The best way to improve your receive is to improve your antenna system.

 

"And we have a Winner!"

Problem is...He has one of the best antennas for that already...whether or not he has it tune properly is a different story tho...

 

Predator 10k's all set well. Theres to many different versions of this antenna. Lots of the double coil ones set well but dont talk worth a hoot.I might be able to help you with info on truck make model etc.. At least get you in the ball park.