wanting recommendations..

[texasspeed]

i just got a bel rx65 rd, and now im looking for a cb. i was wondering if ya'll recommend any brands and is cobra cb's as bad as their rd's? we use them on the farm, but there just little 40 dollar ones. i dont really want to go over $125 on the cb+ant..let me know what ya'll think..btw i live in Texas and will be driving highway, interstate, and tollroads..thanks

[Motor On]

Ok well you could just read a sampling from any number of threads below this but since you asked....

Cobra's CBs are much better than the RDs but not as good as Cobras where 20 years ago.

Cobra 19DXIV ($35-40), 25 ($75-100), 29($100+) and 75 ($85-100) are good starters for counter measure purposes.

Uniden is also a common name with some cheap but good CBs 510/520 ($40-50), 68 ($65-80) and 78 ($90-100)

Several other brand names also make quality CBs, including RadioShack, Midland, Galaxy to name a few.

Antennas are the most critical part for good reception and hence a good counter measure. Wilson, firestik, the K shall not be named company are some of the dominat brands,

A Wilson "lil wil" goes for about $30 and can be able for communications of several miles, 500 and 1000 are larger, slightly costlier, but better recption antennas. A good "ground plane" is key to good reception as well.

and expect to spend $5-25 for a SWR tune, if you are near a CB shop and can get a radio "peaked and tuned" you'll have your best bet. SWR meters to do the tuning yourself run $10-50. Lower # the better, but too high and you'll kill that radio which is no good.

So a basic setup is certainly affordable, and details about things I've explained can be found in most owner manuals.

[fire65]

My suggestion for a first purchase that you won't have to replace for a long time is the Uniden 520xl. Has all the features you need and most places where you buy it will tune it for you.

GI JOE'S: CB RADIO - CB RADIO ANTENNA - SCANNER - CELLULAR has some good prices.

[texasspeed]

ya i had no idea you had to tune a cb..

[Motor On]

ya i had no idea you had to tune a cb..

Depending on car antenna and radio it can be very minor adjustment. I just re-setup the mag mount today, and spot checked myself to make sure I was under an SWR of 2 (3 and above is harmful) Some people feel the need to be more dialed in and those who are using CB amps are required to be. The lower the SWR the better your voice will get out, and your reception will slightly benefit.

[AccordRanger]

I have a cobra 19 ultra III that i got at walmart for 40.
Works great and is small so can be mounted where the ashtray goes if you dont use yours.

[Pirateye]

ya i had no idea you had to tune a cb..

You don't

[Pirateye]

Uniden 510xl just like the Iowa State Patrol!

[AirMoore]

To the OP:

To 'tune' a new CB radio from a dealer normally means a 'peak and tune'... in other words it takes the 4watts legal output and jumps that to between 15-25.


It will also help a tiny bit on the recieve end.





Now YOU DO have to 'tune' the antenna (if you will). Basically you have to check the SWR numbers (use the search function, or look on google for definition), because if you plan to TX at all... without checking your SWR you can blow out the final(s) in your radio.

[fire65]

Thanks AirMoore for covering that better. I didn't mean to imply that it HAS to be tuned just that it COULD be if you so desire. For most people it is probably not needed. But as he said, you MUST "tune" (set the SWR) the antenna to the CB after installation. You will need it professionally done or purchase an SWR meter to do this. As cheap as meters are I suggest this route in case you need to reset it later.
I do think you should go with a little better radio than the Cobra 19. I have one and am upgrading it 6 months later. All depends on the user, I use mine alot.