Handheld cb radio

After evaluating my Midland for quite a few weeks, here are my thoughts: An external antenna is a must if you expect to hear anything at all.

I dont want to post my entire resume but Im semi-retired but will frequently slip-seat for a company driver on vacation, etc. I mostly listen anyway so the Midland is a nice way to have a CB without the hassle of carrying around a conventional mobile unit and mounting it in a variety of trucks. Im smart enough to not expect the same performance as I would get from my Stryker or Northpoint, but for my purposes it does the job. The phrase "it is what it is" comes to mind. Oh yeah I often fly in to various cities and hop into a truck, so the portability is a big plus.

Keep in mind Im basing my comments on MY needs. Your mileage may vary. For mostly listening, I have found the Midland quite adequate. If you want to transmit 45 miles, this may not be the best choice

 

Timin770, what type of antenna did you use?

 

The unit Im in now has a 4' fiberglass Stinger, but if I get in a unit without an antenna I have used a couple different magnet mounts. Dont get me wrong, Id much rather be running my Stryker or Northpoint, but for portability you cant beat the handhelds. In one week Ill fly back home to ATL and I can just shove the little handheld in my luggage

 

Yeah, a 4-watt handheld can get the job done about as well as any legal unit. I've got an old 'Shack handheld that is still pumping and sucking after 20+ years. It's now used mostly as my loaner for trips where a companion vehicle doesn't have ears. When paired with one of my 3 - 5 foot magnetic antennas, that little handheld can be set up and tuned in and ready to roll in a couple of minutes. I just confirm with a quick SWR check to make sure it's in the ballpark to play; I.E., @1.5 SWR or lower and it's talking about as well as any legal unit out there, which is as far as I care to communicate on the road anyway.

 

forgot to mention I run an a cable from headphone jack to aux input on vehicle stereo for much better sound

 

I know what you mean. Tiny speakers can be difficult to hear, especially in a noisy environment. I always use an external CB speaker, and sometimes I use an ear piece when the wifey is with me.