What is a good Starter cb for a new trucker?

It pays to have talkback on a radio

 

What’s the difference in a factory Alignment and a basic peak and Tune and should the radio be tuned on a scope

 

A factory tune is aligning the radio for legal four watts output that the radio is designed for, so you’re not stressing the transmit final and other components in the radio. The peak and tune is basically pushing the power to maximum output of the components, which creates heat and stress, which is not good. People love seeing the swing on the power meter, so unfortunately techs like to spread coils, and all it does is cause your radios power not to be going out on the frequency your talking on. So you can see this isn’t a good way of tuning the radio by doing a peek in tune. Of course peak and tune could mean two different things. But when I hear the word peak and tune, I think of the loud and proud splatter box type of radios.

Edit: Also, I forgot to mention that the scope is extremely important piece of test equipment for a tech to have. You need the scope to do the proper alignment on the transmit and receive of the radio. Especially when you’re trying to set the modulation to 100%. The scope makes it so much easier to see what your signal is doing.

 

If you are a company driver then limit your choices to a Cobra size radio since you are likely to be assigned a newer truck with a slot or drawer for a CB that won't fit a larger chassis.

The best radio I've had in that size is the Mirage 36HP. It swings about 45 to 50 watts. Ranger has a newer version out that does 90 watts, but I haven't tried one. Should be just as good though. The new version is being marketed as a Ranger RCI-39VHP (Mirage was/is just a Ranger sub-brand). Both radios retail for around $300.

 

I have a 3 year old stryker 955 I’m considering bringing it to a radio shop to have it checked out . dumb question it’s already been peaked and tuned as I bought it from Walcott radio so I wouldn’t need it to be tuned a 2nd time just a basic to see if it’s on frequency and power is ok

 

The only thing that you really need on a newer radio is to have the modulation checked because most rides are set below 100% at the factory. But even that is almost not necessary. The problem is finding an honest, capable tech. Last summer I bought a new Stryker 447 that I needed to have converted for a run the next day. My regular guy wasn't available, so I drove to a truck stop to have it done. I specifically told the tech I only wanted the conversion done, no peak and tune.

After I got back from the run, I took the radio into my regular guy just to have it checked. Sure enough, the limiter had been disabled and the power had been maxed. In my option, you're better off with a radio out of the box than one that's been peaked and tuned. I've never had Walcott's work on a radio, but I personally distrust anyone who uses the phrase "peak and tune."

 

Well, if you feel there is a problem with it, then sure you can have a tech check it out for you. Normally if a radio has been aligned by a good tech, you shouldn't have to take it to a shop for many years. Of course the real problem today seems to be able to find a good tech, like Naptown pointed out.

 

Are you hiring? i want a BIG radio!

 

$10 to $100 and anywhere in between.
The cost to benefit ratio doesn't justify the expense.

 

Why are CB radios unlike other appliances?

For instance, there doesn't seem to be shops out there to peak and tune your chain saw, your microwave, your egg beater.

What's wrong with CB factories that they put out such faulty products compared with others?

And if it's to get more power. Ha! Show me the practical difference between 4 watts and 8 watts. The only discernable difference is 50 bucks in the pocket of the magician with the gold-colored screwdriver, along with crappy modulation.