New to CBs. Need some help

You stated you’re new to CB. When I was new, I had the same issue. I heard faint voices in the static. I thought my equipment was to blame. Fast forward a little, and learned that it was just how few people use CB these days. I was catching the faint transmissions of people many miles away. Have you tried it at a truck stop where you’re certain someone nearby has their radio on?

 

I’m in a 2019 579.

What antenna setup and trailer type do you have?

Our high roof sleepers pulling 53’ vans are equipped with back-of-sleeper mounts. Single antenna.

This isn’t much good, overall. The factory antenna doesn’t reach the height of the roof fairing.

I bypassed the stock coax and ran RG8X in thru an existing sidebox floor hole (for inverter power). It’s draped along the drivers side roof to the stock radio location.

I replaced the antenna with a 5’ Skipshooter which is on a 4” SS spring and a TOP GUN TEC SS Mount Stud.

Antenna is above trailer roof at least 4”. While not ideal, it has been a set of low-cost upgrades that SIGNIFICANTLY enhances performance.

Noise elimination is pretty well Job #2. First one needs ADEQUATE gear and installation (noise abatement is part of install; a continuing job) which will include antenna tuning (About $30 for an ASTATIC SWR Meter; get one).

A pickup, car or SUV is quite easy to get good performance compared to today’s big trucks. Expect a learning curve.

I recommend you start by seeing what others with 579 Peterbilts have done. Make notes. Reasearch this sub-forum.

A pair of ears is the most important. Being heard by others less so, and easier to achieve. 3-5/miles is the “idea” of CB (many conditions apply), but more is possible.

I consider it a vital tool. There hasn’t been a week since I started 21-years ago that the CB hasn’t saved me time or made my day easier.

Example: A few days ago I was returning from farthest NW Arkansas to Hot Springs and heard a report that IH49 was seriously backed up south of Fayetteville. I pulled off into the ONLY truck stop, and checked against other sources. Had lunch and took a nap. When I awoke, all was clear.

Or I could have spent that hour-plus in traffic. On-Duty/Driving: Creeping. Instead of Off-Duty: Fart/Belch/Snore. And being later thru Little Rock made that easier and faster as well.

Easily saved 1.5/hrs duty time. AND fed, rested & relaxed.

Point is, keep at it. Some of the funniest things I’ve ever heard in this lifetime fame across that radio. For all the hours of aggravation, sometimes it’s offset TOTALLY by 15-seconds of info.


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That sounds like your problem. The closer you can get your antenna system to Resonance, the better you'll be able to hear. Before you can tune your antenna system you need to check your grounds.

1476540202611_zps9kkgfdxe by rabbiporkchop posted Mar 10, 2018 at 5:15 AM

 

The FCC regulates CB Radio power levels to 4 watts max. Your new radio is set to that output. Once you get your SWR set, be sure to visit. A CB shop to have it tuned. Ask them to double check the frequency out put also. That helps on both transmitting and receiving.

 

What are the odds that he will accidentally stumble across a CB shop with a technician that has more knowledge than the engineers that designed the radio and more accurate test equipment than the equipment that was used at the factory to align the radio? I think the deck is stacked against him. There's lots of con artists out there.
There's lots of well-trained repairman out there also but I have yet to meet more than one capable of improving the efficiency of a radio Beyond how it came from the factory.

 

Leave radio alone.

 

I have to agree that there are some con men out there as in any industry. I do also know that the driver transistor on that radio is 35 watts. Yet it's tuned at 4. I do also know if he gets it tuned for 35 and doesn't have it SWR properly first, the reflective energy will be between 35 and 70 watts. I do know that if his frequency is not on point, it's all in vain. I hope he doesn't get conned, but I just try to help.

 

Want power? Add an RM ITALY KL203 amp for $75.

75W all day. 12A fused so will run WITH radio off factory power circuit.

Leave radio alone.