Need guidance with CB use....

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by Forsythia Rose, Jan 4, 2012.

  1. Jan 4, 2012 #1
    Forsythia Rose

    Forsythia Rose Bobtail Member

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    Jan 4, 2012
    Allentown, PA
    0
    I have a Radio Shack TRC 111 and an antenna that we purchaced with it many years ago. Had it hooked up and worked wonderfully (got a compliment regarding how good it sounded). Didn't use it for several years. I commute 100 miles round trip to work and want to begin using it to hear the road conditions. My husband hooked it up but all I usually hear is the squelch. This morning was the first time I actualy heard people talking and I could follow the conversations. Would it matter that the vehicle it is in is different than years ago? Any help will be appreciated.
     
    Forsythia Rose, Jan 4, 2012
    Forsythia Rose, Jan 4, 2012
    #1
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  3. Jan 4, 2012 #2
    EZ Money

    EZ Money Road Train Member

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    Oct 27, 2010
    The East Side Gang,Charlotte,NC.
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    Yes,changing vehicles can change the way the antenna performs.
    I have never had any luck with Radio Shack antennas.
    The best magnetic mount antenna i have used is the Wilson little Wil,or the Wilson 1000.
    You can get a great deal on them on Amazon.com.

    Also the antenna needs to be tuned with an SWR meter for best results.
     
    EZ Money, Jan 4, 2012
    EZ Money, Jan 4, 2012
    #2
  4. Jan 4, 2012 #3
    Turbo-T

    Turbo-T Road Train Member

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    The vehicle change could be a factor, especially if the new car it's on gives off ignition or fuel pump interference in the antenna. When was the last time it was in a car? It's possible maybe the last time you had it on skip was running hard and today skip was low. When skip (distant communications that travel hundreds of miles) is going you might hear a lot of traffic and when it dies off you might not hear any, or you might hear stronger signals because there's only locals talking nearby.
     
    Turbo-T, Jan 4, 2012
    Turbo-T, Jan 4, 2012
    #3
  5. Jan 5, 2012 #4
    Forsythia Rose

    Forsythia Rose Bobtail Member

    5
    2
    Jan 4, 2012
    Allentown, PA
    0
    Thank you EZ Money and Turbo-T for your help. Hubby is checking on an SWR meter. Also placing the antenna in the center of the roof may make a big difference.
    To EZ Money, I like your statement. I was behind a younger female one AM and her head was going up and down and up and down. I knew she was texting. When she looked in her mirror at me I shook my finger at her like any mother would when scolding her child. She wasn't my child but she could have put in many lives in jeopardy! Her head didn't move after that, she was focused on the road! Thanks again
     
    Forsythia Rose, Jan 5, 2012
    Forsythia Rose, Jan 5, 2012
    #4
    EZ Money Thanks this.
  7. Jan 6, 2012 #5
    EZ Money

    EZ Money Road Train Member

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    The East Side Gang,Charlotte,NC.
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    Amazon also sells the SWR meter for about 15 bucks.


    [ame]http://www.amazon.com/Little-Wilson-Magnet-Mount-Antenna/dp/B0006VKG7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325862564&sr=8-1[/ame]


    [ame]http://www.amazon.com/Astatic-PDC7-Compact-SWR-Meter/dp/B000VXKINA/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1325862638&sr=1-5[/ame]
     
    EZ Money, Jan 6, 2012
    EZ Money, Jan 6, 2012
    #5
  8. Jan 6, 2012 #6
    Tricky Rick

    Tricky Rick Light Load Member

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    Oct 25, 2010
    Northwest Mississippi
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    I just got a K-30 magnet mount from Bob's CB Shop for $20, off ebay. Nice little antenna.
     
    Tricky Rick, Jan 6, 2012
    Tricky Rick, Jan 6, 2012
    #6
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