Entry level radio

Since you mentioned you want to receive weather broadcasts, in addiiton to communications on channel 19, then look into either a Uniden PC 68 LTW or a Cobra 25 WX.

PC68LTW:



25 WX:



I'll guess the antenna on your truck is probably a cheapie. The antenna is what will let your radio hear and talk. You want to run the best, tallest antenna you can. I recommend a Wilson 2000 trucker.

Then feed it with good RG8X coax, and make sure your standing wave ratio (SWR) is at or below (preferbly) 1.5:1, but 2.0:1 is acceptable.

 

i havfe the cobra 19 xld or whatever. cheapest cb on the market. with only a2 foot antanae. i can talk to trucks 10 miles behind me.

uniden is kinda iffy. sometimes they rock sometimes they suck.

just buy something. if it don't work to your liking. exchange for something else.

cobras are the best brand though.

 

more buttons on the front of the radio that don't do squat....

 

that's what i like about the 19. i don't need all them buttons. just a squelch and volume

 

HUH?

No way you're talking 10 miles on a 2 ft antenna. 2 ft isn't even a good CB antenna. Although if you told me you were getting out 10 miles with a 102 inch whip and a Cobra 19, that I could believe.

As for Unidens sometimes sucking, and Cobras being the best.....did you know at one time Cobras utilized Uniden boards? Same Cobras that people seek.

If anything, Uniden (IMO anyways) is good; Cobras it depends on what you get, but the older ones were the ones known to be worth their weight.

My 2 cents....

 

Spend a moderate amount on the radio and big bucks on the coax and antenna.

 

There is not a nickles worth of difference between a Uniden and a Cobra. I've always had Cobras, but wouldn't hesitate to buy a Uniden if I could get it cheaper than the Cobra.

The Cobra 29 has a built in SWR meter that can be useful as a quick reference. You need to check it against a real SWR meter before you take it's readings for granted however. I used a Cobra 25 for years and still have one somewhere. Neither one ever gave any problems and always performed well. But, those radios are probably 20+ years old today....not the same radio as the new ones.