Looking to rejoin the cb world...

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by cobra18, Dec 14, 2011.

  1. cobra18

    cobra18 Bobtail Member

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    Hey fellas, I've been a long time lurker but this is my first post. I'm thinking about putting a cb back in my pickup and I'm lookin for some advice. I've got 2 radios I could use, a cobra 25 wxst and a philly made Uniden pc66xl. The cobra works but needs work (finicky switches and a meter that doesn't move). The Uniden turns on but does not receive or transmit. Which one would you use? I personally like the Uniden better, it looks better and the controls feel better. The cobra used to be in a friends log truck lol. I've also heard good things about the Philly made radios. Then there's the antenna. I have a mag mount wilson 1k and a 102" whip to choose from. I want my antenna on my toolbox and I'm leanin towards the whip. Opinions? I plan to use a diamond plate bracket and a ball mount. I've seen the brackets before but I don know where to find them. I would appreciate any input. Oh and this will be goin into an 06 reg cab Chevy z71. Thanks guys. :biggrin_25514:
     
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  3. mike5511

    mike5511 Road Train Member

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    The Uniden is a good radio, either one would be good. It amounts to personal preference. As far as mounting an antenna on a tool box. Never had much luck with that. Maybe if the tool box was welded to the bed. You will probably lack a good rf ground, which will result in a high SWR. The 102" steel whip will give you the best SWR, and if you have an rf ground problem it might work good enough where the others wouldn't. This is my experience with tool box mounted antennas. "H&Y electronics" for your parts.
     
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  4. WA4GCH

    WA4GCH Road Train Member

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    Tool box grounds don't even cut it at 2 meters.
     
    Last edited: Dec 14, 2011
  5. euclid 6-71

    euclid 6-71 Bobtail Member

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    Since you are a 4-wheeler like me then I can say it like this: Get a better radio either Cobra or Uniden that works correctly and will be able to provide the best receiving/trasmitting signal.

    I have a wilson cab mounted antenna and if you are out on logging roads then a good whip with a robust mount and ground would be the best.

    For me I am about functionality and if that is in place then get to keying that mike driver.

    have a great day.
     
    Last edited: Dec 14, 2011
  6. WA4GCH

    WA4GCH Road Train Member

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    There are 3 things that determin receive/transmit .....

    ANTENNA, ANTENNA and ANTENNA without it the best radio is trash... work on the antenna first ....

    Because of the way CB is set up there is little to gain " UPGRADING " radios.
     
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  7. euclid 6-71

    euclid 6-71 Bobtail Member

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    Yes agreed signal is an important aspect to getting heard. I use functional because i can't have a whip on my truck but my lil wilson work right good. maybe in another life I can afford tohave the set up that will be functional for my needs.
     
  8. josh.c

    josh.c Road Train Member

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    ..except maybe to one that actually works right, which neither of the ones he has do.
     
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  9. cobra18

    cobra18 Bobtail Member

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    Ok sooo is the Uniden worth fixin? Or should I jus go buy a new one? I know on top of the cab is the best place for an antenna but the Wilson is pretty tall up there. But I know height is might lol. In college I made a plate that bolted on my toolbox and stuck the Wilson back there. Had good swr and the first contact I had with that old cobra after I had it worked over was from a town about a 20 mile drive away. And there where lots of trees and hills between us. I've been thinking about jus gettin a general lee and talkin but I don know about that, that's a whole lotta radio and I mainly jus listen anyway.
     
  10. euclid 6-71

    euclid 6-71 Bobtail Member

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    My money is on a new radio, then you know the thing works and if you get some added things you know they will work.
     
  11. cobra18

    cobra18 Bobtail Member

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    I've been eyeballing that new Uniden line, namely the pro 505xl. I know it's a barebones radio but my intent is to mainly listen anyway so it should work good with the Wilson, right? I have a brand new midland, the $40 one Walmart used to sell but I've never been impressed with its quality so I haven't used it much. Since They are all limited to 4 watts, why would I spend any more on a radio that's harder to put in the cab?
     
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