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New guy, dumb questions. Please don't #### on me...

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by PNW_transplant, Jul 16, 2016.

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  1. Jul 16, 2016 #1
    PNW_transplant

    PNW_transplant Bobtail Member

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    I am about to begin training for Interstate when I finish my time in the Army. That is about 2 months from now. I will have to go through their orientation and training program (about 4 weeks) and then I will be getting my own truck. I assume that I will need to put my own CB in truck. I am new to the trucking life and to the CB world. If any of you could give me advise on what the good radios are to look at and how to get them set up I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
     
    PNW_transplant, Jul 16, 2016
    PNW_transplant, Jul 16, 2016
    #1
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  3. Jul 16, 2016 #2
    rabbiporkchop

    rabbiporkchop Road Train Member

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    rabbiporkchop, Jul 16, 2016
    rabbiporkchop, Jul 16, 2016
    #2
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  4. Jul 16, 2016 #3
    PNW_transplant

    PNW_transplant Bobtail Member

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    Thank you! That is a lot less than I was expecting to have to spend.

    And please forgive my ignorance, as I said I am new to the business. Are the trucks already wired up for CBs? Are the power and ground connections fairly universal? Is the antenna coax already run in these company trucks or will I have to take it to a shop to get all of this installed? I am able to do the work, but I doubt Interstate wants their drivers messing around with the wiring harnesses of their trucks.
     
    Last edited: Jul 16, 2016
    PNW_transplant, Jul 16, 2016
    PNW_transplant, Jul 16, 2016
    #3
  5. Jul 16, 2016 #4
    tucker

    tucker Road Train Member

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    Make sure to find a good CB shop to peak and tune it, the FCC limits radios to 4 watts and you'll need a tech to turn a screw or two and give it some power
     
    tucker, Jul 16, 2016
    tucker, Jul 16, 2016
    #4
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  7. Jul 16, 2016 #5
    ZhenyaP1991

    ZhenyaP1991 Medium Load Member

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    Usually you can just plug it in, depends on the company. I had a cb in my last truck. The only time I've used it is when I was stuck in traffic jam and once in while I would pick up straight trucks talking to each other. Id try to make them go in the opposite direction. Was kind of funny.
     
    ZhenyaP1991, Jul 16, 2016
    ZhenyaP1991, Jul 16, 2016
    #5
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  8. Jul 17, 2016 #6
    Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Don't do this, just run the radio until you can get used to is and learn what needs to be done and by whom.
     
    Ridgeline, Jul 17, 2016
    Ridgeline, Jul 17, 2016
    #6
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  9. Jul 17, 2016 #7
    Xcis

    Xcis Medium Load Member

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    To the original poster, may I make a couple of suggestions?
    .First search online for used bookstores and get a book for beginners dealing with CB radio. Something like "The Big Dummies Guide to CB Radio" or something similar. This will give you some basic understanding of CB Radio. It may also give you some basic troubleshooting guidance. The book will have step by step instructions on tuning your antenna and that is worth the price of the book to you.
    .
    .Second advice is - do not be in a rush to buy a radio. Truck stops frequently offer new radios for sale that have a rebate offer of 10 to 20 dollars off , say, between April and September.
    .
    .Finally, when you are ready to purchase a radio, buy your own SWR meter. Since you have the book you also have step by step instructions on how to use it. Operating a CB radio with an abnormally high standing wave ratio [SWR] can damage your radio. You really want to avoid that.
     
    Xcis, Jul 17, 2016
    Xcis, Jul 17, 2016
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  10. Jul 18, 2016 #8
    SleepysRose

    SleepysRose Bobtail Member

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    SleepysRose, Jul 18, 2016
    SleepysRose, Jul 18, 2016
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    PNW_transplant Thanks this.
  11. Jul 18, 2016 #9
    rabbiporkchop

    rabbiporkchop Road Train Member

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    I can usually hear a stock radio @ 30 miles.
    After "peak and tune" rarely 10 miles if lucky.
    Keep it stock for best results....
     
    rabbiporkchop, Jul 18, 2016
    rabbiporkchop, Jul 18, 2016
    #9
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  12. Jul 20, 2016 #10
    breadtrk

    breadtrk Heavy Load Member

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    It really is in the antenna system. Any radio will do until you get the bug.

    Antenna

    Antenna
     
    breadtrk, Jul 20, 2016
    breadtrk, Jul 20, 2016
    #10
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