HELP!!...Need to buy CB/FRS Radio for DirtyToySchool

[TLCAddict]

wassup peeps-

ok...here's the scenario:
I plan on registering at the borrego springs wheeling event (via dirty toy school) in early dec. & it's recommended to have a CB or FRS radio.
I have lil experience off-roading, much less any w/ CB or FRS radios.
I've read up on various types of CB radios & antenna set-ups, but have no friggin clue which radio & antenna to get

rig:
I have an 88 FJ62 w/ a cd kenwood radio -nothin fancy- w/ a kaymar rear bumper & a stock front bumper

so, I basically need help w/ everything - from choosing a CB model & antenna (w/ minimal static & interference), various set-ups, where to install/mount the antenna, etc. if I need to purchase a good radio that will compliment the CB radio, or vice versa, I'll do that too. my budget is around $250...suggestions & pics are greatly appreciated.


jonathan

 

[rusty_tlc]

Radio shack makes a unit for around $50 that works well enough for trail use. Get a mag mount antenna and your good to go for less than $100.
Velcro or zip tie mount the cb and use a lighter adaptor for the install.

IMHO CB isn't worth investing to much money or time in.

FSR units are a good investment, they come in handy for a number of uses. We have even used them for spotting.

 

[Brentbba]

I agree completely with Dan.

Alternative to the Radio Trash unit is the Uniden 510 or 520. Both around the same price as the RS unit. Difference between the two is the 520 has a jack for a PA system speaker. You really don't need that. Uniden's outlet store has great prices. Another place is Clay's Radio Shack out of Texas.

Pick up the radio and a simple mag mount. Wilson 1000 or 5000 are both great mag mount antenna's.

Run your power directly to your battery and you'll be just fine.

Hell, If you drive down from Monrovia to south OC, I'll help you with the install! Unfortunately the SWR meter I used to tune my antenna belongs to my FIL and it's back in NorCal. You can get away w/o tuning the antenna, but you'll get much better receiption with it tuned.

I'm tempted myself to sign up for that weekend. Sounds like fun.

 

[TLCAddict]

good feedback =)

Get a mag mount antenna and your good to go for less than $100.
FSR units are a good investment, they come in handy for a number of uses. We have even used them for spotting.

Alternative to the Radio Trash unit is the Uniden 510 or 520. Both around the same price as the RS unit. Difference between the two is the 520 has a jack for a PA system speaker. You really don't need that. Uniden's outlet store has great prices. Another place is Clay's Radio Shack out of Texas.

Pick up the radio and a simple mag mount. Wilson 1000 or 5000 are both great mag mount antenna's.

Run your power directly to your battery and you'll be just fine.

Hell, If you drive down from Monrovia to south OC, I'll help you with the install! Unfortunately the SWR meter I used to tune my antenna belongs to my FIL and it's back in NorCal. You can get away w/o tuning the antenna, but you'll get much better receiption with it tuned.

I'm tempted myself to sign up for that weekend. Sounds like fun.

dan & brent-

thx for your feedback.

if I do make it out to borrego springs - not a bad 1st experience if bill burke & co. are there I'm also trying to gather a round of local guys who might be interested in it...

driving down to the OC is no prob, perhaps when I finally receive the unit, I just might take you up on the install offer. I'll PM you w/ details.

on me
jonathan

 

[Mendocino]

x2 on the 510. I have one in my '40 and it works fine (it does have an external speaker jack BTW).

If you really want to communicate add a 2m/70cm HAM rig as well. I have a TH-F6a HT with and external antenna and its a great combination.

 

[Miescha]

I really like the Ham HTs for their portability and 'handiness' but I wouldn't want one as the only Ham radio in my rig for offroading - 5-7 watts of power is just not enough to reach anyone in most cases (works great for hitting repeaters from my house though - but I can do that with a decent antenna and 1watt as I live right under most of the repeaters).

And given that many of the current HTs cost $300 or more, you can get a pretty nice 50w mobile for the same price.

Just something to think about.

 

[TLCAddict]

=( stalling

x2 on the 510. I have one in my '40 and it works fine (it does have an external speaker jack BTW).

... And given that many of the current HTs cost $300 or more, you can get a pretty nice 50w mobile for the same price.

Just something to think about.

mendocino & miescha-

this darn global financial uber-crisis has got me re-prioritizing some things...so, cb, speaker & antenna will have to wait another few wks . pics to follow after install.

thx
jz

 

[Miescha]

Wait, the whole thing went global?!

Dang, I guess my plan to avoid the crisis by leaving the country won't work after all.

All the same, I better stock up on Ham equipment just in case the whole dang society collapses (and every Ham I ever met just knew this would eventually happen anyway ).

I'll look forward to seeing your equipment choices and setup when the crisis subsides.

cheers.

 

[mrlocksmith]

When you buy a CB, most of them (that are leagal) are limited to just 4 watts of RF transmitting power, so when you spend money on a CB you are putting more money into the reciver side. I am a Ham Radio Operator and have a CB in my rig too. I find it lacking, but use to to talk to folks traveling with me that do not have ham radios.

If it were me and FRS radios are ok, keep your eyes out for a local or .com sale on the FRS walkie talkies. You can get them cheap or spend some money and get a 5 watt GMRS/FRS radio. You won't go wrong with a motorola radio either... The FRS radios are turn-on and go rather than trying to install a radio in your rig.

If you ever decide to become a HAM, some of the older ham radio handhelds can be modified to tranmit on FRS bands. This means you carry one unit that can talk both Hams and people with FRS radios. So you can give your buddy you old FRS radio that you will have boought for dirty toy school and use your ham radio to talk to him when you are out wheeling. (Note: The mod makes the radio non-fcc type compliant and technically not cool per the FCC, but do people do it... yes)

See you at Dirty Toy School

Mark