Calgary Jeep Association
4x4 Related Groups => General Talk => Topic started by: gcam on June 21, 2006, 03:25:02 PM
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I would like to get a CB for trail rides, but would prefer to get a handhled unit. Is there any problems with the hand held units? Can anyone suggest a brand or a source? thanks.
Geoff
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Is there any problems with the hand held units?
Yes, they pretty much all suck for range compared to a "real" unit. I believe the difference is mainly the antenna.
As a compromise, get yourself one of these:
COBRA 75 WX ST
(http://radioproshop.com/cobra/images/75wxst.jpg)
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A good combination unit is the Midland 75-822. It has a vehicle adapter for power and antenna and quickly converts to a free handheld.
http://www.midlandradio.com/comersus/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=3108
(http://www.midlandradio.com/comersus/store/catalog/75-822_large.jpg)
(http://www.midlandradio.com/comersus/store/catalog/18-821md.jpg)
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i got a cheap hand held from Princess Auto.
i than got a cable and antenna with quick release for the cb from Dean at Roadking.
It works awesome!
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Is there any problems with the hand held units?
Yes, they pretty much all suck for range compared to a "real" unit. I believe the difference is mainly the antenna.
As a compromise, get yourself one of these:
COBRA 75 WX ST
That's what I use. The handset is only in the Jeep on runs. The part you install in the Jeep is tiny (see the grey box on the folded down panel):
(http://www.moondark.net/jeep/images/cb1.jpg)
Add an antenna with a quick disconnect and no one will ever know there's a CB inside. I did the install on my Liberty with no drilling at all.
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Do I need a License for a handheld CB radio? or is that just ham radios?
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FREEBIE
no licence is required for a cb :D
Steve
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FYI everyone, Wal-Mart just dropped the price on their base Cobra CB. $79
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Where's the cheapest place to get a 75 wx st?
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Sandys cb Shoppe in Nisku, Last time I was there it was around $170 CAD.
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That's a good deal. I paid over $200 for mine at the Road King.
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2nd vote for the Princess auto ones. Uber cheap, expandable with BNC terminal antenna. Audio output if you want to patch it into you stereo. Plus portable if you need.
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I am looking at picking up a cobra 75 WX ST, and i am just wondering what am i looking at paying for an antenna? What kind of set ups do you guys have to remove the antenna when you are not on the trail.
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I am looking at picking up a cobra 75 WX ST, and i am just wondering what am i looking at paying for an antenna? What kind of set ups do you guys have to remove the antenna when you are not on the trail.
I have seen lots of different mounts for the CB and antenna. My antenna mounting bracket is now bolted to the tire carrier. My first attempt to mount it was on the back bumper but it was exposed to getting ripped off on the bumps so I moved it.
The cord is run through the hole for wiring of the third brake light. Lots of guys have just run the wire under the top. I just open the tail gate and remove my CB antenna if it is not going to be used for awhile, leaving the bracket in place.
The CB is held on to the back of the center console with Velcro tape. The Velcro tape seemed like an easy way to mount the unit. It did not take up leg room and is easy to remove but it is awkward to adjust the unit behind you and is mounted low if you get water in the jeep.
Others have found different solutions. If they would post their ideas you can take the best of each system.
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I am looking at picking up a cobra 75 WX ST, and i am just wondering what am i looking at paying for an antenna? What kind of set ups do you guys have to remove the antenna when you are not on the trail.
I have a Tera-Flex antenna bracket which mounts behind a tail light. The wire feeds into the wheel well and you decide where to drill a hole to bring it into the tub. I just screw the antenna in as needed. Usually I just leave it on the Jeep, no theft yet.
An antenna will be around $30. The bracket I got from NSOR, also about $30 and the antenna wire was about...yep $30. You'll also need an antenna mount to attach to the bracket. Mine was $29.95 or something. :D
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I'm in pretty much the same position lacking a CB and that excludes me, a first year TJ owner (Dec. 05), from many organized activities. I've been checking a local pawn shop which carries a lot of electronics but no luck yet.
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If i got something like this, would 3 foot antenna be enough...
http://www.arizonarockyroad.com/antennamounts.html
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There's no reason why a 3' wouldn't work just fine.
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I'm in pretty much the same position lacking a CB and that excludes me, a first year TJ owner (Dec. 05), from many organized activities. I've been checking a local pawn shop which carries a lot of electronics but no luck yet.
walmart has the best prices I've seen on a couple cobra's... if you're looking, stop by there.
as for brackets and wiring, hit up the cb shop at road king... the guy there know's his stuff (and recently bought a jeep!).
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Sweet another one to add to our CULT. First the guy at the CB shop then THE WOORRLD!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:
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You pay for what you get.
For the jeep I bought a cobra 18WXS II , cable, antenna, bracket all for under $200
For my truck i bought the exact same
This CB has front speaker on it. CB Works very good.
I recomend this Cobra model to anyone...
Got all this stuff from the CB guy in the road king truckstop.
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that's the same radio I got from walmart.... road king was 149 (if memory serves) and walmart was 129 or 119.
tis an awesome radio.
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Ok...so i got a cb, antenna, mount and coax coming my way, and i got some new questions. First, should i look at getting a quick disconnect, I can just unscrew the antenna, just harder with out disconnect right. The other is should i get a spring, these just to avoid damage i take it? Lastly can anyone give me a hand tuning the antenna once i get it all together?
Thanks,
Brad
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I have bought 5 raidos off of E-bay with good results. Two higher end Cobra 29s, one Uniden 65, and a couple of cheapie Radio Shacks(One base Station for the house, doubles as a com system to the garage). So far so good. Bidding on the higher end Cobras is pretty fierce but you can get the lower end ones cheap. Just be sure to check the seller's history.
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The other is should i get a spring, these just to avoid damage i take it?
There are springs and rubber mounts. Depending on the antenna you might not need one. How flexible is the antenna you bought?
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its a firestik II, thats all i know.
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You'll need a spring on one of those.
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Stupid question, but how do you hook the "positive lead to one of the accessory fuses"? Jam it in, solder it, use empty slot, etc?
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Use of of these:
(http://www.42draftdesigns.com/images/electrical/add-a-circuit.jpg)
Add-a-fuse or add-a-circuit or something like that.
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If you are looking at buying a 75wxst, i have very good news for you. Mine arrived today from ebay, total spending for the unit, delivery and GST upon arrival was just over 120 bucks CDN. Which aint bad since it sounds like some guys were saying 170+.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/COBRA-C75-WXST-75-WXST-75WXST-MOBILE-HANDSET-CB-RADIO_W0QQitemZ120023137923QQihZ002QQcategoryZ40055QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Here is the guy i got it off of, delivery was just over a week.
PS...That add-a-fuse, i am guessing i can get that at a crap tire or something similar? And were is that antenna and mount...lost in delivery limbo!!
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good to hear... "breaker pigpen, this here's the duck... you wanna back offa them hogs 10 or so? ya, 10 roger, them hogs is gettin' mighty intense up in here"
i have a firestik and have not had any need for an antenna spring. :smile: it's the 6' model i think and i haven't had any problems yet. You have another tough choice ahead of you as well...
which antenna topper?! :twisted:
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i got a cheap hand held from Princess Auto.
i than got a cable and antenna with quick release for the cb from Dean at Roadking.
It works awesome!
Do you have an email that works for Roadking? I still can't find a unit here and I'll be going through Calgary next week. I'd like to get my (lack of) CB situation dealt with and be set for club runs. If I moved beyond a handheld, do they do installations right there? Thanks.
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I don't have an e-mail address for Dean but they're located on Barlow & Peagan, just east of Deerfoot. Dean has numerous radios, hand helds, CBs, 12 meter and pretty much anything else you want. He does installs but it depends how busy he is or if his wife is in working. He can give excellent advise as to how to install as well. Dean gives some pretty good deals as well. Thanks, Doug
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Thanks Doug. I'm headed down to the Crowsnest and into Montana on Friday. My plan is to be in Calgary for the commence of the business day and not leave town until the TJ has a CB radio one way or another. If I'm not into Montana until Saturday as a result, so be it.
Much appreciated.
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I don't have an e-mail address for Dean but they're located on Barlow & Peagan, just east of Deerfoot. Dean has numerous radios, hand helds, CBs, 12 meter and pretty much anything else you want. He does installs but it depends how busy he is or if his wife is in working. He can give excellent advise as to how to install as well. Dean gives some pretty good deals as well. Thanks, Doug
True...
BTW....His shop is closed from the 23rd to the 27th... that's what it says on the shop's door.
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Thanks to all. I finally actually found and spoke with Dean and he's going to take care of me and the Jeep on Friday morning. I'm still debating hand held vs. install but a hand held would have to be powered/charged from the Jeep's power socket. No way am I buying cases of batteries. I also naturally assume a mounted unit with some form of exterior antenna would provide superior range. Would I regret a hand held in short order and wind up switching later anyway? Any last minute advice? Thanks.
Duane
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At last i am ready for install...and its raining...
I asked on page two, but it was the last post on the page so i'll try again. When using the add-a-fuse, what fuse should i tap into? And where i can i get them? radioshack, crappy tire?
And...is there anyone that could lend me an SWS...or possibly someone that could just help me tune this beast?
And reddog...i would advise, go big or go home :wink: ...might as well get the mounted unit with the works. But i am just a beginner myself, so what do i know, HAHA
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I asked on page two, but it was the last post on the page so i'll try again. When using the add-a-fuse, what fuse should i tap into? And where i can i get them? radioshack, crappy tire?
I haven't seen em at Radio Shack, or Circuit City. Canadian Tire has em.
Preferable to do direct to battery, but that may not always be the most easy way. Find a fuse that has a constant voltage to it, even with the ignition off.
Cause on the trail its handy to have the cb work when the motor isn't running. Your call. Otherwise just about any fuse will work. Keep it to 10A though.
And...is there anyone that could lend me an SWS...or possibly someone that could just help me tune this beast?
Tuning is easy, I have a meter and its home is in my rig, if you come to the meeting in sept I can help you tune it. If you need tunage before the long weekend, then you might be out of luck.
Good luck!
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I found one at CT, 15 bucks, woozers.
I like the idea of constant voltage, i am assuming if the remote isnt plugged in, the unit will be off.
When i use it, i am guessing i throw in 2 10A fuses in a 10A spot..
Thanks Again.
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I got my add-a-fuse from Napa. Shared it with the radio. I was going to wire it direct to the battery, but knowing me I'd forget to turn the damn thing off. :)
Edit: Yup, I have two 10A in mine. Rarely run the radio and the CB together anyway.
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Yeah, i guess you really wouldnt run em together...good idea. I'll have to take a look at the old fuse pannel and see what else there is, the door detector (fuse4) would be a decent one as well i think.
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Thanks to all for the advise on Dean Allen of Contek Services at RoadKing. He was everything you guys said and more. He set me up sweeeeeeeeet this morning with a kick-azz CB and antenna set-up so I'm trail ready!
I spent a lot more than I had planned but threw caution to the wind and did it right when I saw all the goodies on hand. I also don't mind supporting a true professional any day.
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Hi ppl,
I'm new to the board and just spotted this one but thought that I could offer some info.
I'm a long haul trucker AND a lic. ham operator so I do know what I'm talking about.
First off its better to have a suppiror antenna and coax with a poor radio, then a good radio and poor antenna and coax. The reason is that a crap antenna will reflect your signalback into the radio and possibly dammage the radio.
While poor coax will have high signal loss, and be suseptible to transmiting and recieving interferance.
Firestick and wilson silverload antennas are good stuff, though be aware that due to the fact that they are top load antennas (the wire is mostly coiled around the top) they tend to be affected more by the wind, and the longer they are the more so.
Unfortunately with antennas longer is better. Just make sure that the top of your antenna is above the roof for best peformance.
Avoid springs as they rust and rust does not carry signal well.
I have used a quick release on my pickup for several years with no trouble at all.
I pesonaly like to use FRANCIS antennas.
I will answer any other Qs I can if asked, & I hope to start making some of the meetings where I'll be very willing to help.
Brad