Calgary Jeep Association
4x4 Related Groups => General Talk => Topic started by: Ddub1973 on April 25, 2012, 01:00:58 PM
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Do you have any recommendations for a CB? What to buy? Where to buy it? Is it a difficult installation? I am new to this so I really have no idea what I need. :o
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Do you have any recommendations for a CB? What to buy? Where to buy it? Is it a difficult installation? I am new to this so I really have no idea what I need. :o
There are lots of places online and locally that sell CB's. Some cheaper and some expensive. Check out northridge 4x4 as they have a wide selection and pretty good prices.
If you need help on an install pm me here and i can help you out.
Matt
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Where to buy it? Is it a difficult installation?
ComTek over at the Road King gas station (Barlow and Deerfoot.... Suite 18-4949 Barlow Trail SE ). Easy install. 2 wires. Hardest part is trying to figger out where to mount it.
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I'm definitely interested in this. :)
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ComTek over at the Road King gas station (Barlow and Deerfoot.... Suite 18-4949 Barlow Trail SE ). Easy install. 2 wires. Hardest part is trying to figger out where to mount it.
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You should listen to Immortal; he is a genius.
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Comtek is perfect, if you like paying atleast 75% more for everything he sells. Checkout amazon.ca and rightchannelradios.com. Comtek is seriously a joke. No idea why people hate the money they work hard for and waste it there.
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maybe it depends on the day ???. . .I picked up a nice long coax cable and Wilson flexy antenna for about the same as it was off amazon (after shipping from Amazon was factored in). Some nice stuff occasionally surfaces on Kijiji as well. I agree though, it's always a good idea to shop around but if you are in a pinch, it is a local place to go to that has lots of different supplies.
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Comtek is perfect, if you like paying atleast 75% more for everything he sells. Checkout amazon.ca and rightchannelradios.com. Comtek is seriously a joke. No idea why people hate the money they work hard for and waste it there.
I got a great price from Dean and he is very easy to deal with. If you want to send your money south and not support local vendors, keep your comments to yourself. Dean and his wife run a great business and have for many years. Keep your comments to yourself if you really don't have something positive to say please.
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I got a great price from Dean and he is very easy to deal with. If you want to send your money south and not support local vendors, keep your comments to yourself. Dean and his wife run a great business and have for many years. Keep your comments to yourself if you really don't have something positive to say please.
Excuse me but who the fug are you to tell me i cant inform a new guy how he can save atleast a hundred bucks on a cb?? Who cares if hes local or not? buy from Stan if your concerned but most importantly... Get off your soap box man... Cheers.
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Excuse me but who the fug are you to tell me i cant inform a new guy how he can save atleast a hundred bucks on a cb?? Who cares if hes local or not? buy from Stan if your concerned but most importantly... Get off your soap box man... Cheers.
Nobody is telling you that you can't make suggestions about where to get CB's on the cheap....but you're trashing a business that's done right by a lot of us over the years. How many internet retailers have gone out to the parking lot to give advice to a noob on how to mount a CB antenna to their Jeep?
We're fine with you expressing your opinion...but if your opinion is limited to "buy anywhere other than comtek", you should keep your mouth shut.
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Thanks for all the tips folks. I will check out what Dean has and I will do my research on pricing. Thanks again.
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Im fine with you expressing your opinion...but if I dont agree with your opinion, Ill tell you to keep your mouth shut.
10-4
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I can't be bothered to engage in a dicsussion, so I'm just going to put words in your mouth.
Fairly typical for you. Thanks for contributing!
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The old guy at the road king is a good guy and has lots of affordable stuff.
Cb's in jeeps are disposable, so dont get anything fancy. Im sure the ol boy can get you set up for around a 100 bucks.
There something to be said for being able to stand there and pick stuff off a shelf and talk to a guy that knows radio's.
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The old guy at the road king is a good guy and has lots of affordable stuff.
Cb's in jeeps are disposable, so dont get anything fancy. Im sure the ol boy can get you set up for around a 100 bucks.
There something to be said for being able to stand there and pick stuff off a shelf and talk to a guy that knows radio's.
That's my feeling as well. I just don't like when people make off the cuff comments that they would never make in person that's all. No harm no foul.
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Uniden pro XL120... about $100
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I agree a cheapo Uniden works great, they are small durable and loud.
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Uniden pro XL120... about $100
Me tinks you ment to say 520 not 120 ;D. Used that radio with the Wilson flexwhip in the first yeep....worked grrrrreat!!!!
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I personally like the Cobra 29W NW LTD Classic. Especially if you are wheeling at night. Makes it a lot easier to see with the dimmer on the display. It's a little more expensive, but it's decent. Also, if you talk to the guy at Comtek, not sure if he would, but he might be able to bump it for you or suggest someone who can.
I'll be heading down next weekend to pick up another antenna. Haven't found one I like yet but I'm trying a new set up this summer. Think I'm going to try out the Wilson.
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Also, if you talk to the guy at Comtek, not sure if he would, but he might be able to bump it for you or suggest someone who can.
There's honestly not much point in doing that. Here are two reasons why:
#1. Okay...you boost your power, and can get your signal out further. What about the person you're talking to? How are you gonna hear their 4 watt transmission?
#2. Let's say that the person modifying your CB really, really knows their stuff. They take your 4 watt CB and tune it up and you're able to transmit 32 watts of power. That's EIGHT TIMES as much juice! You should be able to talk to the moon, right? Wrong. You actually pick up 9db. When you get down to brass tacks, you'll probably get extra range somewhere between half a mile and one mile. Don't believe me? Crunch the numbers yourself.
http://web.arundale.co.uk/docs/ais/AppNote_UHF_VHF_Calc.pdf (http://web.arundale.co.uk/docs/ais/AppNote_UHF_VHF_Calc.pdf)
If you want to talk to someone that's further away from you, the answer is not trying to modify a CB. That's like switching to using really, really high quality string between two tin cans.
Please don't read this as a criticism of CB's. They're cheap, require no license, and most of the time they will ge the job done for talking to other people within the same group of wheelers on the trail. They're normally fine for what we use them for...just understand that anything more than a good quality basic CB setup is probably a waste of money. If you really want to communicate effectively while you're wheeling, I'd suggest either buying a sat phone or getting a HAM license.
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huh, didn't think CB's power followed in the lines of subs and car audio. but i guess it makes sense now. thats good to know W2.
Also as for sticks i know the trouble you are going through. i really wanted a light tip stick for my Cb but couldn't find one, led me to believe it was an interference thing. BUT, i did end up going with a firestick and i am VERY happy with it. easily tuned my swr to 1.5 in the matter of 5 mins.
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I've had my Cobra 29 boosted(all 3), as have a number of other people I wheel with. Not alot, just under 8 watts. Dean does alot more than just "boost" the radio. He peak and tunes it so that that it receives better(clearer) and transmits better than stock(stronger and cleaner).
I took a lot of time installing mine to get a good ground plane on the antenna and good clean power to the radio to keep the static down. I can pick up guys that others can't hear at all.
The 520 is a fine radio for just chatting to guys close to you on the trail. However if you go out in a small group a lot or multiple groups, or a big group and you are the trail leader and want to talk to the tail gunner when you are all stretched out, having that bit extra is nice. Its still no where near the range as Ham though.
FYI the Cobra 29 and Uniden 68 are the same internals. The Cobra 25 and Uniden 66 are smaller versions of the 29/66 but with a few less features. All are good candidates for Dean's "peak and tune".
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I've had my Cobra 29 boosted(all 3), as have a number of other people I wheel with. Not alot, just under 8 watts. Dean does alot more than just "boost" the radio. He peak and tunes it so that that it receives better(clearer) and transmits better than stock(stronger and cleaner).
I took a lot of time installing mine to get a good ground plane on the antenna and good clean power to the radio to keep the static down. I can pick up guys that others can't hear at all.
Both yourself and Gun get the most out of your CB's....but I'm willing to wager that a big part of why that happens is the way that you've mounted the antenna. You've got a better ground plane on your ZJ than all of us Wrangler guys could hope to have unless we permanently attached the hardtop and lined the interior with a copper sheet.
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Both yourself and Gun get the most out of your CB's....but I'm willing to wager that a big part of why that happens is the way that you've mounted the antenna. You've got a better ground plane on your ZJ than all of us Wrangler guys could hope to have unless we permanently attached the hardtop and lined the interior with a copper sheet.
this is the truth. mine works quite well.
i took Todd and trevs advice and roof mounted mine with their help. (ok they did it) and it works 100x better than my old YJ setup.
good way to make the best of a small, pewpy radio!
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I appreciate the low down on CB. I have to get one before I go out next time....thx!
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I agree, ground is the number one issue with any CB, but I have always maintained the 102" whip antenae to be the only way to go.
I had two years worth of issues with my CB and changed most everything on the system over that time. Mics, mounts, coax and so on. I finally took a real close look at the grounding plate at the fender and found there was enough rust on there to totally stop any ground. I wasn't even getting continuity from one side of the plate to the other. Ground everything off and it's all perfect again.
Anyway I've used both the stainless steel whip and fiberglass. I've probably had the fiberglass most often and have always had great luck with them.
Dealt an aweful lot with Dean. Fair prices. Will continue to deal there. For some reason I just don't think you're going to be finding much technical support from EBAY. :o I could be wrong. I've never bought anything off it to support my comment.
Ham, another topic is by far the way to go but far to time consuming for most peoples limited use and a bit more expensive to get into even for a basic rig.
Far better communication though, and a good tool for emergencies some times.
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I just don't like when people make off the cuff comments that they would never make in person that's all.
What was off the cuff? And I'd have no problem telling you to your face how you could save a few bucks in person.
Anyways, for those people that don't get offended by saving a few bucks, heres just one example.
Cobra 75 WX ST
rightchannelradios.com $104.95 http://www.rightchannelradios.com/cobra-75-wx-st-compact-cb-radio.html
Northridge 4x4 $132.99 http://northridge4x4.ca/proddetail.php?prod=COBRA-75WXST
Durham $139.95 http://www.durhamradio.com/cobra-75wxst-cb-radio-dealer-canada.html
Amazon.ca $126.47 http://www.amazon.ca/Cobra-75WXST-40-Channel-CB-Radio/dp/B00005N5WW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335499675&sr=8-1
Locally $199.00
Right Channel Radios offers a complete package, the cobra 75 WX ST, coax cable, ant, swr meter, external speaker and mount for 240 including shipping to Alberta. Thats far far cheaper then you'll buy locally by well over a 150 bucks.
If you need a hug or technical therapy from your radio salesman, shop local, if your comfortable with what your doing, save some money for the Jeep fund and shop around ;)
good base model kit, includes everything for 20 bucks more then just buying the radio locally
http://www.rightchannelradios.com/uniden-jeep-off-road-cb-kit.html
high end kit including everything for 40 bucks more then just the radio locally
http://www.rightchannelradios.com/cobra-75-jeep-off-road-kit.html
I've bought from all of em, never had any issues... including Dean himself... hes definately good crap, just needs to adjust his prices is all.
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Right Channel = brokerage fees...ask me how I know....
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Gun runs a CJ and his cb works better than mine. Never understood why. Same radio tuned by the same guy. Similar antennas. I imagine those newer wranglers have more plastic in them than metal. Can see why you can't get a good ground plane. :D
I defiantly feel that the tune Dean did on my radios was well worth the money. I actually played around myself with tuning CBs. Bought a bunch of books off the net and played around with some older units I had. Some I screwed right up, others I made some noticeable improvements but nothing as good as Dean. Of course I didn't have the metering equipment he has eother. From the factory the radios aren't on frequency as good as they can be. Simply fine tuning that alone can make a big difference. Or having an old one tuned back in as well.
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Right Channel = brokerage fees...ask me how I know....
My last order I paid around 10 bucks on 209.00.... GST.
In any case, since your paying 75% to 100% less then you are here, your still saving a shitload since max duties are 30%.
Right Channel is also not the only option, those prices are the going prices, unless you live in Calgary and shop "locally".
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What about the portable units? I have no doubt they aren't as good as a properly mounted antenna but I'm thinking it would be handy for moving from rig to rig when I take the RV on vacations. I would imagine they are a workable solution for most situations with a group on the trail. Comments?
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Unless you are using it with an external mag-mount antenna, a handheld unit is a waste of time. The little "rubber ducky" antennas on them are just too short to work properly on CB frequencies. You pretty much have to be looking at someone to be able to talk to them with a handheld that doesn't have a real (vehicle mounted) antenna attached to it.
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Unless you are using it with an external mag-mount antenna, a handheld unit is a waste of time. The little "rubber ducky" antennas on them are just too short to work properly on CB frequencies. You pretty much have to be looking at someone to be able to talk to them with a handheld that doesn't have a real (vehicle mounted) antenna attached to it.
My experience matches what W Squared is saying. For the first while, I used a handheld with a mag mount antenna - it did the job. Using the short little rubber-coated antenna is a very very disappointing experience.
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Unless you are using it with an external mag-mount antenna, a handheld unit is a waste of time. The little "rubber ducky" antennas on them are just too short to work properly on CB frequencies. You pretty much have to be looking at someone to be able to talk to them with a handheld that doesn't have a real (vehicle mounted) antenna attached to it.
Todd is right. The hand held unit is not great unless it is setup right. I can say that I had a mag mount antenna in the roof of my rig last run and my handheld was picking up guys who couldnt heard well. Dean assured me that it has the same range and clarity as the mounted units and the majority of issues comes down to the antenna and the ground. I am very happy with my choice on the Midland portable.
Ps. I looked online and the cost difference was 30 bucks by the time
I paid shipping and brokerage so I am more than willing to pay a local dealer who will help me out if I am in a pinch.
Just a question, it you buy everything online where do you ever go to get warranty work or exchange a bad unit. I personally walk back into the Canadian business where I bought it and get help generally immediately. Good luck if you bought from www.idontsupportthecanadianeconomy.com. Also check out www.everyonesajokebutme.com
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Ummmmm, John.... those links don't work.
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Ummmmm, John.... those links don't work.
Must be a spelling error. I will check and get back to you ????
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Ummmmm, John.... those links don't work.
That's okay trev. They have warranty service. idontwannasupportlocalbusiness.com (http://idontwannasupportlocalbusiness.com)
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That's weird those links work for me. Their prices are way better, excellent service, any warranty issues they just send me an RA# and it's free shipping, or I get a free replacement. It's a real shame the local businesses can't offer the same service, or price especially since most of them are getting their product from the SAME source.
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"If you need a hug or technical therapy from your radio salesman" now that made me laugh!!
They have warranty service. idontwannasupportlocalbusiness.com (http://idontwannasupportlocalbusiness.com)
people are more interested in Flocaliminittofeedmyfamily.com (http://Flocaliminittofeedmyfamily.com) , the age of the internet has showed us that local can match deals or screw us depending on the relationship with vendors, so shop around. If china is cheaper and it suits your needs and you are not worried about warranty or service then buy from china, if you like to drive up and say hi, then buy local. other then that save money where you can,
They are.
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All of my radios were purchased used. Mostly off ebay and then sent to Dean for a tune up. Some I have had for over 10years and are still working great.
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Can anyone suggest the best location to mount an antenna on a JK? I hear some locations are better than others but I do not know much about this sort of thing.
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Tailgate mount does a good job of protecting it from damage, and avoids drilling holes in your rig.
http://www.cooltechllc.com/jeep/jk_gatemount.shtml (http://www.cooltechllc.com/jeep/jk_gatemount.shtml)
I use one of these for my CB antenna, and one for my 2 meter antenna. They're spendy compared to a sheet metal mount, but sometimes you get what you pay for. No JK will ever get the kind of performance that a station wagon driver will get out of their rig, but the thick bar stock on the mount seems to do a good job of providing a reasonable RF ground.
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No JK will ever get the kind of performance that a station wagon driver will get out of their rig, but the thick bar stock on the mount seems to do a good job of providing a reasonable RF ground.
Just another reason to dump those bathtubs on wheels and move to the dark side! ;D
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I just used a 90 degree shelving bracket from home depot that I ground down to fit into one of the recesses that houses the bolts holding the spare tire carrier to the tailgate. I have had it for 2 years and it still works great. Cost me about $0.75 and was a fun little project.
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Just another reason to dump those bathtubs on wheels and move to the dark side! ;D
Your CB may work better, but I can close my tailgate while my rig is off-camber without using a sledgehammer. ;D
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Can anyone suggest the best location to mount an antenna on a JK? I hear some locations are better than others but I do not know much about this sort of thing.
I purchased the antenna mount from teraflex that bolts right to the spare tire carrier. Its powder coated so a little sanding is required to achieve a good ground but it works really well, thick solid plate thats very steardy. Using it with a 4 foot firestick II and it has not come into contact with my hardtop at all while driving along the highways.
I purchased the Uniden 520XL JK package from rightchannelradio and it comes with everything you need other then where to mount it. great kit. I noticed though that with the hardtop off you get a slightly better SWR reading then with the hardtop on ???
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I purchased the antenna mount from teraflex that bolts right to the spare tire carrier. Its powder coated so a little sanding is required to achieve a good ground but it works really well, thick solid plate thats very steardy. Using it with a 4 foot firestick II and it has not come into contact with my hardtop at all while driving along the highways.
I purchased the Uniden 520XL JK package from rightchannelradio and it comes with everything you need other then where to mount it. great kit. I noticed though that with the hardtop off you get a slightly better SWR reading then with the hardtop on ???
Thanks Euroboxer. Did you buy the antenna mount local or did you get it online?
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Thanks Euroboxer. Did you buy the antenna mount local or did you get it online?
I bought it online throught rightchannelradio since it came with the package but i know you can also buy it from northridge4x4.ca and since there based in Panoka, AB, shipping should be pretty quick and cheap if you live close
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This is Vanessa, just went in to see dean at Comtek to pick up a coax cable for mike and didn't find him helpful at all, in my past dealing with dean I found him much more helpful, today he didn't even answere my questions to my full satisfaction! After my purchase I'm still not sure I even got what would best suit mikes jeep! FYI you don't get your members discount unless you buy a complete system, which has never been the case in prior purchase! But who knows maybe he was having a bad day, we are human and entitled that! Lol
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Definitely depends on the day. Lol. I went to dean and he was awesome when I went the first bought the system but when I went a couple days later to get a quick disconnect he barely said two words.