Anyone think an amp will help?

**srtga** · 03-05-2009, 06:07 PM

I would like to have a "loud-n-proud" radio like the big rigs have so I was thinking about a linear amp.

Problem is I have a 3' antenna on the trunk of a dodge neon so my ground plane isn't the best and I don't have the room (Nor do I want) a big radio.

Anyone think an amp would help or am I p!ssing in the wind?

**Stealth Stalker** · 03-05-2009, 06:50 PM

Best bang for the buck is a power mic. It makes all the difference in how you sound, and does add a bit of range too. Range is overrated though, since it most frequently results in you only talking much farther than you can hear, which is pointless. That's why the power mic is the best way to go.

**srtga** · 03-05-2009, 07:21 PM

I have a power mic. Maybe I ought to stick with what I have, it works OK.

**Stealth Stalker** · 03-05-2009, 07:44 PM

Yeah, probably so. I mean, you can do things like overdrive your modulation and stick an echo chip in there, and that will make you sound "loud and proud", if that's what you're looking for. Everyone will think you must be running power, but at not nearly the cost. Linear amps are about a dollar a watt average price. Without first optimising your antenna set-up, they're not really worth it since you'll be seriously out talking your receiver range.

**AirMoore** · 03-05-2009, 08:14 PM

x2 on Stealth Stalker, the antenna is going to make a heater (near) worthless as an advantage in a countermeasure to you:

Going into heaters on CB's is worthwhile for countermeasures only if you know some drivers in the area who will chat long distance or who will chat SSB with you to swap information.

A power-mic (That you have) is a good start.

What kind of CB do you have BTW?

**srtga** · 03-06-2009, 02:11 AM

I have a cobra DX IV.

**AirMoore** · 03-06-2009, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by srtga

I have a cobra DX IV.

If you want to sound like a big-boy, you should get a big-boy radio...

That way you can control RF Gain/Power, Mic Modulation, Roger beeps, tell how many 'pounds' people are swinging to, go to U/L Side-Band... etc etc.

**crazyVOLVOrob** · 03-06-2009, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by AirMoore

If you want to sound like a big-boy, you should get a big-boy radio...

That way you can control RF Gain/Power, Mic Modulation, Roger beeps, tell how many 'pounds' people are swinging to, go to U/L Side-Band... etc etc.

x2

A Galaxy dx-919 or 929 with tune up and you will be loud

**88 Fan** · 03-06-2009, 07:56 PM

A few years ago I got caught up in the big radio craze.It cost me big $ too. I ordered a superstar 3900 gold radio, a big Texas Star linear, freq counter, and a wilson 5000 antenna. Man could I "Get Out" and it was fun for a while. After the novelty of having a big radio wore off I found myself just using it to find out where the smokey bears were hiding.
A word of caution- this hobby can very addictive, although so is detection.

**srtga** · 03-08-2009, 05:07 PM

I've been looking at some of the Galaxy radios. Just need to measure and see if one will fit in my CB spot.

I got the cheapest small frame CB I could find because I didn't really think I was going to like it. Boy was I wrong!

I did drill a hole in the trunk lid for the antenna but I de-winged my car so I have an extra with no holes. I figured I'd just change trunk lids if I didn't like the CB.

Gonna paint the car as soon as it warms up.

I am seriously thinking about a permanent roof mount. Anyone think it would be worth it over a trunk mount?