I need a CB
#1
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I need a CB
I need, well, more like want, a CB Radio in the 4Runner. Im looking to spend $150 or so total.
However, the whip needs to be easily removed, so I can park int he garage.
What are my options for the antenna, and what are the best parts to get?
However, the whip needs to be easily removed, so I can park int he garage.
What are my options for the antenna, and what are the best parts to get?
#2
i like the cobra cbs and the best antenna imo is the firestik. http://www.firestik.com/CatalogFrame.htm..
i have this one http://www.cobra.com/index.php?page=...uct_id=12&id=1
no complaints. does what its supposed to do.
Ebay usually has decent deals
i have this one http://www.cobra.com/index.php?page=...uct_id=12&id=1
no complaints. does what its supposed to do.
Ebay usually has decent deals
#4
Originally Posted by Gangus2006
Ok, so thats about $100. What should I do about the removable antenna though?
or...could I mount it horizontally ont he roof?
or...could I mount it horizontally ont he roof?
#6
i have a radio shack brand 40 channel cb... it is already hooked up to a ground loop isolator/noise suppressor and is wired to a cigarette plug..... it's for sale if anyone wants it.... no antenna though...... if you want it make an offer
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How quick does the quick release have to be?
I'm using a Firestik quick release, QD4A, and a Radio Shack whip. It comes apart pretty quick and I stow the whip in the back of my truck.
Otherwise, antennas like the Wilson 1000 have a whip that spins on and can come off almost as quick. They give you a little cap to use to cover the base. This type of antenna is pretty common. Heck, just about any magnetic mount will let you spin the whip off in a jiff.
The best antenna is a 1/4 wavelength whip, but for CB that would be about 9 feet long. Otherwise all antennas use coils that let them be physically shorter. A good compromise is a 4' Firestik, very popular. The Wilson antennas are also really popular. Where do think you might want to mount the antenna? If you'd like to mount is semi-permanently, your options open up a little more. If you'd like a magnetic mount, then I would stick with a Wilson 1000, good bang for the buck and lots of them out there.
Radios, stick with the big names, Uniden (which I have and like), Cobra, etc. They are all legally the same output and the antenna is really the big factor in range. The really cheap ones typically have pretty lousy microphones, so there's a point where you get better parts. I don't personally have side bands and haven't missed them. I do like having a weather radio built-in to another radio (I have one in a ham radio, but having it in a CB is also convenient).
I'd spend about 50/50 radio/antenna, that should give you a good combination. Your best money spent is on a good antenna and hook up whatever name brand radio you can get with what's left of your money.
I'm using a Firestik quick release, QD4A, and a Radio Shack whip. It comes apart pretty quick and I stow the whip in the back of my truck.
Otherwise, antennas like the Wilson 1000 have a whip that spins on and can come off almost as quick. They give you a little cap to use to cover the base. This type of antenna is pretty common. Heck, just about any magnetic mount will let you spin the whip off in a jiff.
The best antenna is a 1/4 wavelength whip, but for CB that would be about 9 feet long. Otherwise all antennas use coils that let them be physically shorter. A good compromise is a 4' Firestik, very popular. The Wilson antennas are also really popular. Where do think you might want to mount the antenna? If you'd like to mount is semi-permanently, your options open up a little more. If you'd like a magnetic mount, then I would stick with a Wilson 1000, good bang for the buck and lots of them out there.
Radios, stick with the big names, Uniden (which I have and like), Cobra, etc. They are all legally the same output and the antenna is really the big factor in range. The really cheap ones typically have pretty lousy microphones, so there's a point where you get better parts. I don't personally have side bands and haven't missed them. I do like having a weather radio built-in to another radio (I have one in a ham radio, but having it in a CB is also convenient).
I'd spend about 50/50 radio/antenna, that should give you a good combination. Your best money spent is on a good antenna and hook up whatever name brand radio you can get with what's left of your money.
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#8
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Originally Posted by DaveInDenver
How quick does the quick release have to be?
I'm using a Firestik quick release, QD4A, and a Radio Shack whip. It comes apart pretty quick and I stow the whip in the back of my truck.
Otherwise, antennas like the Wilson 1000 have a whip that spins on and can come off almost as quick. They give you a little cap to use to cover the base. This type of antenna is pretty common. Heck, just about any magnetic mount will let you spin the whip off in a jiff.
The best antenna is a 1/4 wavelength whip, but for CB that would be about 9 feet long. Otherwise all antennas use coils that let them be physically shorter. A good compromise is a 4' Firestik, very popular. The Wilson antennas are also really popular. Where do think you might want to mount the antenna? If you'd like to mount is semi-permanently, your options open up a little more. If you'd like a magnetic mount, then I would stick with a Wilson 1000, good bang for the buck and lots of them out there.
Radios, stick with the big names, Uniden (which I have and like), Cobra, etc. They are all legally the same output and the antenna is really the big factor in range. The really cheap ones typically have pretty lousy microphones, so there's a point where you get better parts. I don't personally have side bands and haven't missed them. I do like having a weather radio built-in to another radio (I have one in a ham radio, but having it in a CB is also convenient).
I'd spend about 50/50 radio/antenna, that should give you a good combination. Your best money spent is on a good antenna and hook up whatever name brand radio you can get with what's left of your money.
I'm using a Firestik quick release, QD4A, and a Radio Shack whip. It comes apart pretty quick and I stow the whip in the back of my truck.
Otherwise, antennas like the Wilson 1000 have a whip that spins on and can come off almost as quick. They give you a little cap to use to cover the base. This type of antenna is pretty common. Heck, just about any magnetic mount will let you spin the whip off in a jiff.
The best antenna is a 1/4 wavelength whip, but for CB that would be about 9 feet long. Otherwise all antennas use coils that let them be physically shorter. A good compromise is a 4' Firestik, very popular. The Wilson antennas are also really popular. Where do think you might want to mount the antenna? If you'd like to mount is semi-permanently, your options open up a little more. If you'd like a magnetic mount, then I would stick with a Wilson 1000, good bang for the buck and lots of them out there.
Radios, stick with the big names, Uniden (which I have and like), Cobra, etc. They are all legally the same output and the antenna is really the big factor in range. The really cheap ones typically have pretty lousy microphones, so there's a point where you get better parts. I don't personally have side bands and haven't missed them. I do like having a weather radio built-in to another radio (I have one in a ham radio, but having it in a CB is also convenient).
I'd spend about 50/50 radio/antenna, that should give you a good combination. Your best money spent is on a good antenna and hook up whatever name brand radio you can get with what's left of your money.
Besides the radio and antenna, what else should I get?
Wheres another good place to mount the antenna for good reception?
#9
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OPTION 1
It depends on your CB usage also... do you want to communicate with people far away or just local highway use and 4x4 use?
If its for chatting with friends while 4wheelin' or checking where the speed traps are on the highway I say check on E-bay or get a 40 channel at walmart, etc.
OPTION 2
If high performance is important, then spend the extra cash and get a CB that has multiple options, weather, meter, etc...
Antenna options in my opinion can be a magnetic mount (easily removable and it makes sense if you are using it for option #1, that way you are only using it when needed.
Option 2 I would look into a pernament mount (hood mount, etc) and get a performance antenna.
I use the cheap=o version and magnetic mount and couldnt be happier. Plus I saved extra money for other toys.
Good luck !!!
It depends on your CB usage also... do you want to communicate with people far away or just local highway use and 4x4 use?
If its for chatting with friends while 4wheelin' or checking where the speed traps are on the highway I say check on E-bay or get a 40 channel at walmart, etc.
OPTION 2
If high performance is important, then spend the extra cash and get a CB that has multiple options, weather, meter, etc...
Antenna options in my opinion can be a magnetic mount (easily removable and it makes sense if you are using it for option #1, that way you are only using it when needed.
Option 2 I would look into a pernament mount (hood mount, etc) and get a performance antenna.
I use the cheap=o version and magnetic mount and couldnt be happier. Plus I saved extra money for other toys.
Good luck !!!
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#15
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Channel 19
Also, if you offroad, I would say skip the magnet mount, once it gets swept off the roof and slides along your paint on the side of the truck you will ditch it anyway.
Also, if you offroad, I would say skip the magnet mount, once it gets swept off the roof and slides along your paint on the side of the truck you will ditch it anyway.