new to CB radios

[Fish]

im looking into getting a CB, but have no knowledge what-so-ever about the topic other than what ive picked up from movies (which isnt much lol)

i did a bit of online research, but most of it is techical mumbo-jumbo to me. I found a Cobra 29WXNWST (http://www.rightchannelradios.com/co...radio-186.html) that seems to be what I'm looking for, but to be honest, this could be way more than I'd ever need, and I wouldnt know. I'm just looking for a good quailty CB that will let me talk on trail runs, and get in contact with the outside world if theres trouble. I liked that particular Cobra cause it has a weather feature built in with 7 weather channels and an emergency weather future that works even if the radio is off, as well as 'nightwatch' which is some kind of back lighting.

am i getting in way over my head?? i dont want to have to replace this in a few months, but i dont want it to be so advanced that i wont know what to do with it

[F3X]

Fish,
the Cobra is a good radio. If you wanted to save a few bucks you can get the Uniden 68 or 78 w/weather and backlighting. I just bought a 68 elite for 74.00 and there is a 30.00 rebate if you buy now. Search ebay.

The biggest difference is the antenna. Get a very good antenna. The steel whips are better than the fiberglass types. Go as long as you can.

Minimum is a Wilson Lil Will magnet mount.
Better is a Wilson 1000 (longer too)

I just installed mine in the tail light housing using a Firestick MK184R mount. Its not the best location but lots of GC guys do it (roof is the best) and I am getting OK range, I am going to get a Wilson 1000 for better range. After all if no one can hear you they can't help..

I got my Galaxy 919 from Sparky's CB Shack online. The Uniden 68 elite from Ebay. get the antenna from Sparky's or if you live close to a truck stop check with what they have on the shelf.

[dp96zj]

I've got the el-cheapo model. Does everything that I want it to and more. 40 channels, backlit display, cb/pa output.
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Cobra-19-DX-...item1c0cecb2c1

More important to get a quality antenna than wiring, IMO. Check out this thread:
http://www.mallcrawlin.com/forum/sho...citizens+radio

[96JGCL]

I've got the el-cheapo model. Does everything that I want it to and more. 40 channels, backlit display, cb/pa output.
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Cobra-19-DX-...item1c0cecb2c1

This was my First CB and it worked flawlessly. And it was only $30.00 at walmart.

if your new too CB's why not start out cheap. That way your not out 140.00 when it breaks / you fuck it up.

Just my .02

[rstrucks]

More important to get a quality antenna than wiring, IMO. Check out this thread:
http://www.mallcrawlin.com/forum/sho...citizens+radio

Great thread. I had not seen that before.

[fpkites]

I've been running my Cobra 25 LTD Classic for 15+ years, and I love it. Best radio I've had ever. You definitely can't go wrong with the 29.

Whatever you pick up, make sure you find a radio shop near you - if you can't find one, ask anybody at your local truck stop. Get the box peaked and tuned.

If you're nuts like me, you can also get a roger beep and echo box just to piss off your trailmates...not that I have either of those

[dp96zj]

Great thread. I had not seen that before.

yup, I stumbled upon that one a while back and bookmarked it, it's full of good info.

[Ken L]

I have 2 CBs that I picked up at garage sales. One is a Uniden and the other is a Radio Shack. They're both compact, and I mounted the Uniden between the console and the seat with some industrial strength Velcro. It has not moved, and it's harder than hell to get the velcro apart. The big deal with a CB is the antenna. I have a Wilson Trucker antenna, 3' on a Firestick mount that fits between the tail light and the body. Agree with getting the antenna tuned. I get very good reception, all I could ever need.

Oh, hugely long antennas are great for reception but suck on the trails. I had a 102" steel whip on my CJ back in the day, but for most trail runs I had to tie it down or it hit people watching or spotting. I replaced it with a shorter antenna.

[paulkeith]

I ran a cherokee CM-10 in my old ZJ. I always thought it was one of the best looking CB radios around. I was never a fan of the Cobra look, but that's just me.



They haven't been made in years....which probably says something about how good they were(n't).

I was happy with it though. Ran it with a 4' firestik. Decent range, nothing spectacular, but enough to shoot the shit with rigs on the interstate and talk with people on the trail.

Paul

edit: damn, that linked thread was impressive.

[KevLaredo]

I've got the el-cheapo model. Does everything that I want it to and more. 40 channels, backlit display, cb/pa output.
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Cobra-19-DX-...item1c0cecb2c1

More important to get a quality antenna than wiring, IMO. Check out this thread:
http://www.mallcrawlin.com/forum/sho...citizens+radio

x2 on the cobra 19. I have had one of these in every vehicle ive ever owned. Great little radio. Mic is a bit bulky though. I accidentally gave away my replacement mic with my monte carlo ss. I had a nice uniden mic instead. If you get a pa the cobra 19 works awesome for it. One press of the button and you are in pa mode. CB's are pretty easy. If you have any questions let me know. Im happy to help.