CB help for a newcomer to radios

[Randy88FJ62]

Background: I eventually want to get my HAM license and install a decent HAM in my truck. But until I get around to that which will be in 6 months to a year I want to be able to communicate with my 4WD group when we are caravanning and in line of sight range on trails. Even when I get my HAM I would still like to be able to communicate with the stubborn guys on CB’s. End goal is a radio system that can communicate with both CB’s and HAM’s.

Question: What type of CB setups would you guys suggest? I need to install one within 2 weeks and have it up and running for a Death Valley run which will have 17 rigs and be spaced out considerably due to dust, etc. Where is the easiest place to order a package that would be easy to install on the cruiser? I am sufficient in wiring and have no trouble splicing, soldering, and using heat shrink. I have an ARB front bumper and a con-ferr rood rack if that plays into antenna position or installation choices. I know there are tons of brands and opinions. I am asking you guys because I don’t have a lot of time to read up on CB setups and my knowledge of radio transmission is dismal.

 

[1911]

Good call on having both a mobile ham rig and a CB. I have a 2m ham radio permanently installed overhead and have a Cobra 75 WX ST for a CB.

Cobra

The great thing about the 75 is that most of the radio is in the mic and the rest is a small box that can be hidden anywhere. When not on a group trail run, you just unplug the mic and have nothing taking up space until you need it again.

Here is one installed in my FJC:

When unplugged, there is only a socket plug left on the center console:

An ARB bumper is a fine place for an antenna, so is the roof rack. You will get better range with a roof rack mount if trees or clearance is not an issue. It is sometimes more difficult to get a good ground on a roof rack though and that is critical. I have my CB antenna on my front (steel) bumper and my 2m ham antenna on my roof.

 

[Randy88FJ62]

Thanks for the pictures and the description. Nice setup.

What antenna would be good to run on the front bumper? Or, is there a flexible antenna that can be mounted on the roof rack?

 

[1911]

What antenna would be good to run on the front bumper? Or, is there a flexible antenna that can be mounted on the roof rack?

My CB antenna is a 4-foot fiberglass on a heavy spring on the front bumper. My roof-mounted 2m antenna is an NMO mount that I can trade out between a 5/8 wave steel whip and a 1/4 wave Flexi-whip, depending on the terrain or other height restrictions.

 

[Randy88FJ62]

Thanks. I'm gonna go with a cobra handheld unit because I need it tonight. It comes with a magnetic base portable antenna.

 

[Randy88FJ62]

I ended up buying the Cobra 75 WX ST. Installed it in 15 minutes before ehading out to Death Valley for the weekend. It worked great. I still have to run a better ground to the unit and to the antenna. Local 4x4 club member has a meter to tune the antenna. Anything else I need to do to maximize range and RF quality?

 

[turd]

the bigger the antenna the better the performance of your radio...
wire good!!!
102" whip with the springy mount is about as good as it can get for 11 meters,,,,