Simple radio

Nope.

Every install is “different” as well. Identical consecutive serial number trucks.

The basic learning curve isn’t steep. Given a new tractor (with factory-equipped, ready-for-CB setup) being able to set SWR with a separate external SWR meter is about all that’s needed to get out of the parking lot.

For the most part a CB can be “set & forget”. I mainly adjust RF GAIN and/or SQUELCH from city to country. And back again. The relation between the two is intuitive after awhile.

From this initial install and antenna tune it’s upgrades to each component, if desired. Some more worthwhile than others.

I would consider the UNIDEN 980 to be the “basic” new radio worth recommending. Spending more really doesn’t get more, and as it’s AM/SSB it covers what CB is capable of doing. A lesser radio leaves too much on the table for any realistic savings.

A single or pair of top-loaded SKIPSHOOTER Antenna(s) into factory mounts to at least a 13’5” height would be my other pick to get started.

The radio at Amazon or one of the online CB retailers (I use Clays, Bobs, and Bells).

The Skipshooter at their American manufacturers website.

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Most the President radios, like the Mckinley, have a automatic squelch control ( ASC) and it seems to work pretty good.

 

Yep there are a number of them out there, any cobra 21xlr which still can be found, super simple. if you want RF gain, any older 29 cobra will work.

Simplicity seems to be forgotten with top heavy feature laden super radios of today.

 

Yeah, but they AIN’T like a cell phone in audio clarity. (That’s what I was reading).

 

Of those three options, Clay seems to do the best work if you can get him to do the work instead of one of his flunkies.

Quite often the audio clarity can be better than what you would get through a cell phone. Cellular audio bandwidth is pretty notoriously narrow.
How Telephones Work
Forry, Wrong Number

 

You recommend the 980, but will the 880 do?

 

I own a UNIDEN 880. Got it “free” with points at Loves. Been reliable. I also have the UNIDEN 885 Hybrid CB/Scanner.

(My first Radio in trucking is a still golden UNIDEN PC76 now in my pickup. COBRA? I give them away).

I’ve recommended the UNIDEN 980 as it’s an AM/SSB unit (880 is AM only).

Run what ya brung . . .

. . but if starting from scratch, spend the extra for the 980.

Having SSB means it’s a full-featured Radio. One can spend 2x and 3x more an not gain appreciably in performance.

“But I don’t use SSB”. There’s a day you may very well wish you could reach out all those extra miles that SSB will cover. 80-channels worth. And there are plenty of days or nights where guys on 38-LSB are chatting away. Help cover those long miles.

SSB may be the thing that sharpens up your thinking — motivates you — on how to REALLY improve the antenna and electrical needs of your transceiver.

For approximately $150 new the Uniden 980 “can’t” be beaten.

Paired with the little amp and DSP Speaker you then have MORE than a big radio.

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Own both, 880 has higher watt final and modulation can be increased, mine has 5 watt carrier and 20 watt pep, 980 has 3 to 4 watt carrier and 12 watt pep, noticable difference? The receive is better on the 980 and static level/ white noise is less than 880, and 880 has knob for RF gain control and 980 has button control and RF gain level can only be adjusted on local mode, on regular mode gain is 100%. Loves has 880 on sale for $99.99, regular price is $149.99.