Confused???

[kd123465]

I am overwhelmed about the information regarding CB radios. Where would set it up in my small car? What do I "tune?" Other then the radio and antenna, what else do I need(cables, mounts, etc.) Do CB's like the Midland 75-822 work when used with an antenna? How do I install the antenna, and can it easily be uninstalled? Do I need a license? I am sorry for my ignorance, but I should know this information before I buy it.

[trailtow]

Im in the same boat as you with my inexperience. I would recommend the uniden 510xl or 520xl they are both great radios, then you need a good antenna this will make or break you i would recommend the lil wil magnet mount antenna for a small car and can be removed. next you need to go to a cb shop or some truck stops and have them peak and tune the radio for maximum range they can do it for 30-50 bucks and then you will be getting smokey reports all daY LONG.

[Stealth Stalker]

If you can find a CB shop, that is indeed a great way to go. You may pay a tad more than on eBay or WalMart, but you'll get professional installation and a set up that you don't have to worry about frying through bad installation.

If you do it yourself, it's not that hard to do a basic installation. It's just a power wire from your radio to your battery, a ground wire, and the cable to your antenna. The antenna should come with tuning instructions. But, in order to tune it, you will need an SWR meter, which you would have to buy extra for $40 to $150 bucks, depending on model. Again, this is why a CB shop is recommended. You can certainly just plug it all in, start transmitting, and hope for the best. More than half the time, it'll be okay. But if you burn everything up, it's your own fault for not tuning, so I don't recommend skipping that step.

Magnetic antennae come with a cable attached. All you have to do is find a way to get that cable run from the antenna to the radio. Be aware that a major drawback of magnetic mount antennae is that rain water will follow that cable into your trunk or window. There's almost no way around it. And, of course, they simply do not work as well as an antenna that is mounted in a hole drilled into the metal of the car. The upside is, you can leave the antenna in the trunk, and then only stick it on your car when you are going on a road trip and need it, and do it quickly and easily.

As to where you put it, the best place is the highest place where you have at least 18 inches of metal surrounding it. That would usually be the centre of your roof, unless you have a convertible (or plastic POS car like a Corvette). The centre of the trunk is not as good, but the second choice. Anywhere else is likely to be trouble for you and requires specific advice.

That Midland radio is crap. It will drive you crazy, not only because it doesn't perform, but because the antenna or cable mounts to the top of the microphone. So you have either a big long rubber antenna sticking in your face, or a big cable rubbing your nose as it goes to the trunk of your car to the antenna. Useless for anything more than talking to your wife in the car right behind you. Get a full size mobile CB from Cobra, Uniden, or Midland. Doesn't have to be expensive. Great ones are everywhere for less than $100.

No licence is required for CB.

[kd123465]

Thanks for the great info. Only other question is where do you recommend placing the cb radio unit in the vehicle. My glove compartment is pretty small, because I have a dvd player installed in it.

[AirMoore]

Thanks for the great info. Only other question is where do you recommend placing the cb radio unit in the vehicle. My glove compartment is pretty small, because I have a dvd player installed in it.

Many units low-end (Such as a Uniden 510XL) are small enough to squeeze in between your seat and your center console if you are looking for an extremely simple fix for placement.



I prefer putting it (via mounting tape) on the left side of the center console, normally there is a large plastic panel that is by your right leg... simply stick it on there. It is a 'semi permanent install I would say).


Other people mount them (via screws and a bracket, that normally come with a CB) right under their dash. I have also seen installs in the 'cubby' compartment in the center console area, or also in the Glove-box.


Basically: Whatever works for you.

Look on Google images under 'CB radio install' or something of that like, just variations to give you different ideas.


-'Headliner applications' are what is normally present in any given Big-Rig, though most car applications do not use this set-up.

[fire65]

That's the way mine is mounted, drivers side, center console with 3M tape. Pic of my mount in my link, I have since added my Lil Wil as the glass mounts SUCKED.

[Stealth Stalker]

That's the way mine is mounted, drivers side, center console with 3M tape. Pic of my mount in my link, I have since added my Lil Wil as the glass mounts SUCKED.

Is that the Cobra 19 ultra III? How's it working for you with the Lil Wil? What kind of distance are you seeing on the open highway? That really seems to be about the best thing going for the non-CB enthusiast who just wants a simple highway countermeasure radio.

[fire65]

Yes it is the 19 Ultra, Walmart for 40 bucks or less. Works great for the money invested. Used to get 1 mile or less with the glass mount, which I got mainly for looks. Now, with the Wil I get 5 miles plus, of course it is nice and flat in Oklahoma and the Wil is atop a pickup which helps. I did paint my antenna flat black to match the others.
I am now contemplating the Cobra 75 Wx just to clean up the cab a little.

[Stealth Stalker]

I am now contemplating the Cobra 75 Wx just to clean up the cab a little.

If you do, definitely let us know how it performs! I am always wary of those remote mount radios, but I have only seen one in action, and it worked quite well. I just couldn't hang with those tiny little buttons and controls.

[fire65]

You hit it exactly, I keep looking at the pics and am not sure. I also like where mine is, as my right hand it right on the controls, makes it very easy to keep the squelch where I like it. If I hang one further away I think I will always be reaching up and trying to adjust those little knobs.