Blake Clark

Ok Im thinking of putting a CB in my new truck.

Problem though, Im an idiot when it comes to them. I know there is a lot more to having a correctly functioning system that just slapping a CB in there. I have been doing some looking but its still all a bit much.

I think I want to go with a Cobra 29 model. Something like the Night Watch limited. I don't need a blue-tooth unit. I am realistic about the budget, I know I wont get a decent setup for 200 bucks, but Im not looking to spend more than 500 or so.

Regarding the FCC I understand that you cannot have more than 4 watts of power legally for a CB, and to my understanding, you must be licensed to use a 10m radio. Well, Im not sure about getting a 10m radio so I figured a CB would be just fine.

Now regarding the legality of the 4watts of power, no worries. The wife and I have talked it over, and guess what! I'm going to be purchasing a small uninhabited island in the South Caribbean. That is where I will be using my setup. According to the Ununited State of Blake - FCC (Federal Clark Commission) codes, maximum CB power can be whatever I afford So, good news on the legal issues there.

Now, I have found a sight that will sell a Cobra 29 of your choice that can be modified internally for 75 watts. Im not sure how great of a thing this is, but it does eliminate an additional amplifier.

If I would go the amp route, Im guessing something around 200 or so watts.

I know all of this stuff must be tuned and calibrated and such. SWR and more and more of the alphabet soup that I aint got a firm grasp on.

Pointers anyone?

Totallyrad

Personally, I have an older 29 and never heard you could bump the power output internally. That doesn't mean it can't be done though. Mind sharing the site with me? There also was a guy selling some cool mounts for the 3rd gens a while back, I just can't remember his name.

Blake Clark

Here you go Rick...

http://www.bellscb.com/products/cbra..._29_NW_LTD.htm

old dog

+BLAKE >
How far from your house to the island ?

cb is on 11 meters and 10meters is ham band - they both display very similar
characteristics as far as radio communications .

The only thing is when the sun spot cycle is up cb is much more crowded .
if you intend on using it between your home & the island- both you and your wife would knead to be licensed on amiture bands .
with the amiture lic it gives you a lot more options !

let me know the distance & ill let you know what your best choice is !

GETTING YOUR HAM LIC ISN`T DIFFICULT > THEY HAVE HAM IN A DAY CLASSES & IT GIVES YOU MORE CHOICES AND YOU DON`T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT BEING LEGAL !
CLAUDE

Blake Clark

Hey Claude

I would use it on the island itself, and wouldnt need it to go more than 40 or 50 miles, cause sooner or later Im gonna have some interstates built and would like to use it when traveling etc....

Totallyrad

Thanks Blake. Here's a couple threads with info on the 3rd gens. I still can't find the mount I'm looking for.


https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...ighlight=mount


https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...ighlight=mount

Blake Clark

Rick

I think Im just gonna mount it to the side of the shifter console. I thought about going behind the shifter where the cup holders would be, but there isnt quite enough room.

cbrahs

Blake,

I like my Ranger 6900. Used it on my Peterbilt and now have it in the dodge. local cb shop "tuned" it for my lil island and can reach out to 50-60 miles with a good antena. have it all out right now as making new antenna mount and getting ready for the frame stretch.

there is a pretty sweet cb shop in arizona that will tweek your setup for fine tuning and are amazing results.

Scotty

Where do you plan to mount the antenna? I currently have a Wilson mag mount 1000 but would like to switch to something permanent with a quick release for low clearance...the garage.

I purchased the radio that Blake is talking about...off of Ebay for 79.00 after the mail in rebate. I have mine mounted on one of Big Bob's mounts in the center. His mounts are on the tdr.

cbrahs

my big antenna was on my 06 dmax and had it mounted on the headache rack. am fabbing up some stainless mounts that go between the cab/bed on the dodge and since the longbed is sittin on the side of the garage, it is easier to fab and premount. my left antenna is for the cb and the right antenna is for am/fm radio but have the look of dual antennas whippin in the wind lol (removing fender mounted antenna to clean up the fender)

AkTallPaul

29 LTD is a decent radidio...I have a Galaxy 88 it must be over 20 yrs. old, it was totally rebuilt by The guy that now owns Wilson Cellular, he started many yrs. ago in the CB business with some radio docs. in a couple shops....You can have them tweaked but be careful who does it...some "docs" out there like to bypass resistors to amp it up, that will burn out your finales...You will want a modulation kit, some call them reverb kits, what that does is gives you the ability to drag out the audio so the modulation stays up on peak..That will help with clarity...I would get a nice Amp and Antenna...Doesn't skip on coaxial get 98-100% shielded only and the Antenna is by far the most important piece of your system...

wyododge

Get two of these...



And one of these...



IF you need a 50 mile range, you have a new full size bed to carry it in...

Problem solved!!!

crackcorn

Blake,

Something to consider with your new CB is routing the coax cable. When you decide what CB to get have your local CB shop tune it to the length of coax and your antenna. When you install your coax take your time and run it under you carpet in a "S" pattern with out overlapping it. Spread it out as much as you can then run the rest up thru your firewall and to your antenna. Once tuned do not cut any excess coax as this will mess up the 'tune'. CB coax works better when not all coiled up. Coiling coax somehow messes up the signal "tuning" it receives. I did this fix on my Freightliner years ago by running it all over the top of the cab in an "S" formation. Never had to have the CB amplified after that. Sounded great and got out plenty far. However I've never owned my own island so I wouldn't need it amplified any how. Oh, and a side note: if your considering twin sticks it won't help on a pick up truck, the antennas need to be at least 7 to 8 feet apart to see any difference in reception. Thats why you only see them doubled up on big rig mirrors. Any how as info only if the thought had crossed your mind.

AkTallPaul

X2 on snaking the wire....I'm waiting for a call, don't let anybody work on it till I get a # for you...

Scotty

The CB guru I had work on my other set up yrs ago told me that coiling is a problem because the signal actually passes on the outside of the coax as well as on the inside. I was not sure if I should believe that or not but when he saw how I had my coax coiled up, he pointed that out.

I have a bout a 4 mile range on the flats, maybe further with a few adjustments. 1-2 miles in the mtns. This works for me as I get the info in the vicinity I am in.