Portable CB setup

[TerryMason]

Here's my portable CB setup - It's a cheapo cobra CB, a magnet mount antenna, and a cigarette adapter plug. Anyone done something similar?

It works great, but I haven't found a good place to mount the CB (on a temporary basis) - I just put it in the console and leave the top open.

 

[redwrangler02]

Hey i dont have an answer for you, but I was just wondering where you picked up your antenna? Im gonna get my cb from wally world, but they dont sell antennas, and the only ones i can find are a bit out of my price range lol.

 

[TerryMason]

it's a walmart antenna, walmart cb, and I got the cigarette adapter at Pep Boys. Pepboys actually had alot of CB stuff, so you may try there.

I like it because it's got a strong magnet base.

 

[redwrangler02]

When did you get your antenna? Cause I dont thing walmart carries cb antennas anymore? And lol unfortunately where I live we dont believe in pep boys aparently cause we dont have any.

 

[TerryMason]

there are a couple on buy .com right now:

Cobra Magnetic Mount CB Antenna - HG-A1000 - Buy.com

and

Tram 700-Hc Center-Load Cb Antenna Kit - 700-HC - Buy.com

 

[KrazyJeeper]

Radio shack sells antennas. I found this out after I spent double the amount at Academy. I was admiring another dudes Jeep last month and noticed he had a cb in his cab, but there was no main unit, it was all built into the mic/handset. I thought that was cool but havn't looked for it on the net yet.

 

[KrazyJeeper]

Well, actually took the time to find it. Here is what it looks like. If I go with a CB in my TJ, this will be the one since I don't have room for a large unit.



Click for larger image COBR 75 WX ST

Cobra 75 WX ST SoundTrackerTM The first patented technology that dramatically improves the transmission and reception of CB radio signals. The result is a cleaner, clearer sounding CB with more "powerful" transmissions and less static or noise on reception. 40 CB & 10 Weather Channels 10 Weather Channels. Complete access to all 40 Citizen Band Radio channels. 10 National Weather Channels (7 NOAA and 3 International) provide full coverage to keep you informed of weather conditions anywhere you go. Remote Mount System Remote installation box installs out of sight under your dash and the quick disconnect allows removal of the handpiece for security or use in other vehicles. Dual Watch and Full Channel Scan Dual Watch allows simultaneous monitoring of any two preselected channels. Full Channel Scan allows you to scan all 40 channels. Instant Channel 19 Instant access to information Channel 19 with a single switch of a button. Full-Featured LCD Display Panel All the information you need is provided from this LCD display panel. Choose normal CB channel readout or five digit frequency display.
SKU Number:75WXST
Price: $119.95

Quantity:

Ok, forgot the pic won't show up and don't feel like doing the photobucket thing right now, just follow this link and it's the sixth item down from the top.

http://www.cbcity.com/shop/?shop=1&cat=204&cart=1041806

 

[redwrangler02]

wow that awesome!! Do you still have to buy an antenna?

 

[firemanharry]

Yes, you still need an antenna.

I had one of those years ago and was pretty disappointed with it, especially for the price. I'd find a place to stuff a little, cheapy radio, like a 510XL - had one in my Jeep and it worked like a charm. They're nothing fancy but they're small and seem to talk pretty well.

If you get the all-in-one job you will have to mount the little silver box somewhere - like under the seat or something - if you happen to dip in the water a just a little - your talking days are over. Just my .02

 

[cewtwo]

I used a handheld walky talky setup when I took Amtrak around the States a few years ago. You can buy a TX/RX chip for almost any band (including CB). It allowed me to listen in on Amtrak frquencies while on the train. My unit had room for 3 chip sets so that was the limiting factor.

 

[cewtwo]

Oh yeah. If you have a truck stop anywhere in your area, even the smallest carry CB antennas. The drivers are usually friendly and will give you their opinion, as well...

 

[jeepster357]

I also got my cobra from wally world, however the ones around me do not sell any accesories for them. I do, however, have more then enough truck stops around here. I was able to buy a firestick antenna (which is tuneable) and mounting brackets that can be used on the rear of your vehichle or on the mirrors.

 

[Wrangl3r93]

In the old jeep I had the 12volt adapter so I could pull the cb in and out but with this one I put the cd player in the center console and after slight trimming put the cb into the dash. Slight as in I could put my radio back into the dash and you can't tell. I love this cb though, it sounds clean and has a front mounted speaker so it's really easy to hear.

 

[jhd744@tnni.net]

I'm thinking about mounting cb between the rollbar and the top of the windshielld. Any advice on how to deal with the mic cord?

 

[Louisiana_WranglerX]

If your not running any extra power on the cb...there are adapters where you can use your standard AM-FM antenna as a CB antenna...

 

[rremr1964]

Just some thoughts on previously discussed radio/antenna set-ups;
Cobra radios are a good value. Wally world, radioshack, am/fm, pepboys,etc. antennas are going to dissapoint you, guarenteed! A properly working and resonant antenna must meet some basic and fundamental electrical and frequency- specific criteria. To keep it short, only choose antennas that are designed for your vehicle, and only several manufacturers can offer that. Wilson, K-40, Antenna Specialists, Hustler(my favorite) and maybe 2 or 3 others i can`t remember right now are such manufacturers. Rule #1 of communications: a 200.00 radio with a 15.00 antenna is simply a 15.00 communication system.:deadhorse:

 

[jgard]

I used hook and loop (Velcro) to mount my CB bracket to the rollbar between the seats. I have a Cobra 29 and it has held up well. You will have to get used to looking in the rear view to see what channel you are on. I also just drilled a 1/2" hole in my stock spare tire carrier and mounted my antenna there.

 

[Nhguy]

yup,waking up a month old thread..and a thread jacking,along with a SWR question..

i just installed a Cobra 75WXST CB Radio.4' Firestik Firefly Flexable Antenna (mounted on roof rack) and picked up a SWR meter from Rat Shack.hooked it up,Calibrated it and tested the SWRs and if i did everything correct and am reading the meter correctly...then i'm getting approx a 1.2 reading..

what are the chances of a almost perfect reading out of the box..i did adjust the antenna before getting the meter.(took a guess)

Thanks..(and sorry to thread jacking)