powerful CB?

i agree on the 10k being a great antenna , thats what i run . i definately also agree about the antenna and its feedline/setup being more important than the radio . but....back to the radio .

if you just want a regular 40 channel AM cb radio a uniden cant be beat . a decient tune up from a real tech with a good antenna and feedline will get you a respectable sounding rig . add a amp if you got the mo-powa bug .

 

First and foremost make sure your antenna is a good one. The radio is only as good as the antenna.

Next make sure the SWR's are as close to 1.1:1 as you can get. Nothing more than 1.5:1. When the SWR's start moving up transmitting efficiency takes a nose dive.

Both Cobra and Uniden make good radios. Galaxy is a little fancier. Then you start getting into the illegal 10 meter exports that usually have a little more power.

And don't rely on truck stop CB shops to set you up. Most are snip and clip type operations that are interested in getting you in and out the door after they get your money. A good CB shop is going to take the time to make sure it's right.

 

the truck that was in was a peterbuilt with no interrier i have the inside of mine gutted right now and they say it sounds like your talking in a tin can . ha ha just kidding it a conex . board .radio or other [ peterbuilt]

 

good radio shop economy electronics loneoak ar south side of hwy

 

I have a quick question on grounding. Currently I have my Cobra 29 NW, stock, mounted in my truck, an '07, 387 Pete, with a Diesel brand mirror mount antenna. I think I probably screwed up buying that antenna.

I've tried setting the SWRs on the above but could not get anything satisfactory. Mainly due to grounding. I'm going to pick up a couple of braided ground straps. For the above radio, I'm not that concerned, but I'm going to put in my new Galaxy 949 P & T with the RFX 75.

Would I need to run a ground strap from the door to the body, then another from the body to frame? Would that be sufficient? I'm also thinking on replacing the antenna with either a Wilson trucker, or K40. Of those 2 which would be better?

Fiberglass is out of question, since some of the places I load and unload (40' end-dump), there's low clearances, that would snap a fiberglass.

 

I would replace the antenna first,then start chasing ground issues from there
There isn't much if any difference tween the two sticks you mentioned,fiberglass is good enough for some folks,but far from adequate by todays standards and available
options.
Again the antenna you have is likely causing something that wouldn't be there
if it was of better quality.

 

It depends on how everything is bonded together to begin with. Sometimes just bonding the door to the body is enough, sometimes not. You just have to experiment and see what is best for your situation. On these newer trucks you will probably have to bond door to body, then body to frame.

 

Well I did replace the antenna with a Wilson 2000. After cutting off about 2.25 inches from the whip, I managed to get the SWRs down to 1.5ish on Ch 1, and about 2.3ish on Ch 20 and 40. Not what I want, but will work until I have time to mess with it more.

I wasn't able to put a ground strap on. The bolts for the door use a larger Torque Head, which I don't have a socket for. But I do have my Galaxy installed.

 

I know of two good CB shops that are located at Truck Stops. Not that far from you either. To make a blanket statement like that is not really fair or accurate. Most CB shops can't make any money anymore unless they are located where the CBs are.

 

I think what notatruckdriver was trying to get at is most CB shops in truck stops know drivers are on the move and are looking to quickly get you in and out...and it takes time to set up a radio properly.

A good CB shop will take the time to do the job right and won't rush or candy coat things. What two good CB shops are you referring to?