Getting ready to purchase a CB radio. Does anyone have any pro or con issues with CBs or particular brands?
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14 replies to this topic
#2
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Posted 13 August 2009 - 10:36 AM
I purchased the Cobra 75 as it had all the features, and the main unit is out of the way and just the hand set is needed to hear, change channels, talk, etc. I just figured it was the lessor of two evils. Now I just have to install it. In the meantime, I use a hand-held.
Wayne
Semper Fi!
MSgt, USMC(Ret)(60-84)
Texas City, TX 77590
ARS: KE5QG
Doing nothing is very hard to do...I never know when I'm finished.
Semper Fi!
MSgt, USMC(Ret)(60-84)
Texas City, TX 77590
ARS: KE5QG
Doing nothing is very hard to do...I never know when I'm finished.
#3 Guest_2driftrs_*
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Posted 13 August 2009 - 11:05 AM
We've had about every brand on the market, but favor Midland and Cobra. It's not as much the brand but features. One of the features you have to have is noise limiting and/or noise blanking. This is nothing more than special filters built into the radio to suppress ignition noise in gas rigs but also alternator noise in all rigs. If you're going to use the radio often, consider mike gain and rf gain. Mike gain lets you boost your transmitted signal modulation (NOT power) while RF gain lets you attenuate your received signal.
We never really liked the Cobra all-in-one we had because the speaker quality left much to be desired. We currently have a Uniden PRO510 in the toad and a Cobra 29LTD in the coach. The Cobra unit is pushing 20 years old, so I guess you could say we got our monies worth. I like the Uniden because of its small size. The Uniden web site has refurb units available for many models if you don't want to invest a bundle.
We never really liked the Cobra all-in-one we had because the speaker quality left much to be desired. We currently have a Uniden PRO510 in the toad and a Cobra 29LTD in the coach. The Cobra unit is pushing 20 years old, so I guess you could say we got our monies worth. I like the Uniden because of its small size. The Uniden web site has refurb units available for many models if you don't want to invest a bundle.
#4
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Posted 13 August 2009 - 12:15 PM
Let's not forget about the antenna. 
Its' type and location are important in reception, clarity and range.
Its' type and location are important in reception, clarity and range.
Joe , SFC US Army Retired
Co-Pilot: Ultra, Mini Bull Terrier & Biker Dog
08 Damon Outlaw, GM 8.1, WH-24 w/6sp Allison, CA plate: DOG EDAD
Toy: 2003 Harley Ultra Classic, CA plate BIKERK9
Total Vision Camera System
VFW, BPOE, Amer Legion, ALR, Monterey HOG.
Co-Pilot: Ultra, Mini Bull Terrier & Biker Dog
08 Damon Outlaw, GM 8.1, WH-24 w/6sp Allison, CA plate: DOG EDAD
Toy: 2003 Harley Ultra Classic, CA plate BIKERK9
Total Vision Camera System
VFW, BPOE, Amer Legion, ALR, Monterey HOG.
#5
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Posted 13 August 2009 - 05:28 PM
I also have the Cobra 75. My antenna was already installed by the factory. The Cobra is simple and has worked well for me.
Road Dog
Road Dog
Paul & Linda Hardin
U.S Army, Airborne, Vietnam
Retired Postmaster
2008 Phaeton - Freightliner Chassis - ISC 360Cummins
2009 Jeep Liberty
U.S Army, Airborne, Vietnam
Retired Postmaster
2008 Phaeton - Freightliner Chassis - ISC 360Cummins
2009 Jeep Liberty
#6
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Posted 24 August 2009 - 10:13 AM
I'd say it depends on what you are going to use it for. If it's mainly listening, then go cheap and small. There are much better radio communication systems available. FERS, GMRS, and Ham to name three.
Alfa See Ya
Retired Military
ARS: W4OET
The older I get the more I
listen to people who don't
talk much.
Retired Military
ARS: W4OET
The older I get the more I
listen to people who don't
talk much.
#7
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Posted 25 August 2009 - 12:43 AM
JMHO, but you will probably do more listening than talking. The trucker's like to talk to each other or someone than is really LOUD on the CB.
Most any Radio today will do you a good job, the main ingrediant is the ANTENNA. Get you a 3 or 4 foot FIRESTIK ( depending where you mount it)
and make sure it ia a NGP (no ground plane) one. They also sell a nice side mount that leaves no wires showing when installed, MODEL M-2. This
will give you a durable and neat installation, and most of all you can increase the performance of your radio. Good Luck,
David G.
Most any Radio today will do you a good job, the main ingrediant is the ANTENNA. Get you a 3 or 4 foot FIRESTIK ( depending where you mount it)
and make sure it ia a NGP (no ground plane) one. They also sell a nice side mount that leaves no wires showing when installed, MODEL M-2. This
will give you a durable and neat installation, and most of all you can increase the performance of your radio. Good Luck,
David G.
David & Cheryl Bailey
Monroe, GA USA
USAF PROUDLY SERVED 1959-1963
1997 Fleetwood Southwind 37Y
Ford 460, Power Platform with Tag Axle
Twin Japanese Chins, Toy Poodle, Yorkie, and Flea (chihauha)
Monroe, GA USA
USAF PROUDLY SERVED 1959-1963
1997 Fleetwood Southwind 37Y
Ford 460, Power Platform with Tag Axle
Twin Japanese Chins, Toy Poodle, Yorkie, and Flea (chihauha)
#8
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Posted 25 August 2009 - 01:21 AM
I have been told that you do not mount the CB antenna near the am/fm radio antenna
so to reduce interference.
so to reduce interference.
Joe , SFC US Army Retired
Co-Pilot: Ultra, Mini Bull Terrier & Biker Dog
08 Damon Outlaw, GM 8.1, WH-24 w/6sp Allison, CA plate: DOG EDAD
Toy: 2003 Harley Ultra Classic, CA plate BIKERK9
Total Vision Camera System
VFW, BPOE, Amer Legion, ALR, Monterey HOG.
Co-Pilot: Ultra, Mini Bull Terrier & Biker Dog
08 Damon Outlaw, GM 8.1, WH-24 w/6sp Allison, CA plate: DOG EDAD
Toy: 2003 Harley Ultra Classic, CA plate BIKERK9
Total Vision Camera System
VFW, BPOE, Amer Legion, ALR, Monterey HOG.
#9 Guest_2driftrs_*
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Posted 26 August 2009 - 08:38 AM
We mounted our CB antenna on the ladder to keep it as far away from the FM and Cell antennas as possible. In order to keep signal loss and outside interference to a minimum, we ran RG-8 cable to the radio instead of the usual RG-59. Be absolutely sure spring loaded mounts are used unless you never venture off the freeways or drive on tree lined roads.
We use the CB to talk to truckers and other RV'ers quite often, so it's usually left turned on. But I know folks who just want to communicate with the significant other during parking maneuvers. In that case, those inexpensive walkie-talkie's (FERS) will work just fine.
We use the CB to talk to truckers and other RV'ers quite often, so it's usually left turned on. But I know folks who just want to communicate with the significant other during parking maneuvers. In that case, those inexpensive walkie-talkie's (FERS) will work just fine.
#10
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Posted 26 August 2009 - 08:20 PM
No preference on a particular brand but recommend a CB as a definite asset in an RV. When traveling in city traffic or when in traffic jams, they can save you huge amounts of time. We've had incidents where just listening to truckers saves us many minutes if not hours waiting in a traffic jam. We seldom talk but often listen. One of our early incidents alerted us to a sudden stop coming around a curve. We slowed and were able to stop in time whereas without the radio we'd likely have shifted our entire contents to try to prevent a rear-ender. Also useful when traveling in caravan. If you are a serious RV'er, you should have a CB as well as the above mentioned FERS and/or GMRS.
Tom and Louise Butler
2004 Monaco Windsor, Cummins 400 ISL
Roadmaster Sterling Tow Bar, Brakemaster, Chevy Trailblazer, BikeE Recumbent Bicycles
After 9 1/2 years full time in our motor home we are now living at Sandpipers Resort in Edinburg, Texas
"The tipi is much better to live in; always clean and warm in winter, cool in summer, easy to move... If the Great Spirit wanted men to live in one place he would have made the world stand still." -- Flying Hawk, South Dakota Oglala Sioux
2004 Monaco Windsor, Cummins 400 ISL
Roadmaster Sterling Tow Bar, Brakemaster, Chevy Trailblazer, BikeE Recumbent Bicycles
After 9 1/2 years full time in our motor home we are now living at Sandpipers Resort in Edinburg, Texas
"The tipi is much better to live in; always clean and warm in winter, cool in summer, easy to move... If the Great Spirit wanted men to live in one place he would have made the world stand still." -- Flying Hawk, South Dakota Oglala Sioux
#11
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Posted 26 August 2009 - 10:15 PM
CB's with built in weather band stations make it convenient to check ahead when driving
and check on what's coming when parked so you can secure the awning or other equipment.
and check on what's coming when parked so you can secure the awning or other equipment.
Joe , SFC US Army Retired
Co-Pilot: Ultra, Mini Bull Terrier & Biker Dog
08 Damon Outlaw, GM 8.1, WH-24 w/6sp Allison, CA plate: DOG EDAD
Toy: 2003 Harley Ultra Classic, CA plate BIKERK9
Total Vision Camera System
VFW, BPOE, Amer Legion, ALR, Monterey HOG.
Co-Pilot: Ultra, Mini Bull Terrier & Biker Dog
08 Damon Outlaw, GM 8.1, WH-24 w/6sp Allison, CA plate: DOG EDAD
Toy: 2003 Harley Ultra Classic, CA plate BIKERK9
Total Vision Camera System
VFW, BPOE, Amer Legion, ALR, Monterey HOG.
#12
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Posted 30 August 2009 - 08:48 AM
I've toyed w/the idea of a CB, but didn't think it would be much help w/a Class C. Perhaphs I'm wrong and look to this forum for info. If I do get one, what channel(s) would I monitor?
Thanks in advance for the info.
Doc Mike
Thanks in advance for the info.
Doc Mike
Doc Mike
'07 Itasca Spirit
'09 Honda CR-V
Roadmaster All Terrain and M & G Brake
'07 Itasca Spirit
'09 Honda CR-V
Roadmaster All Terrain and M & G Brake
#13
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Posted 30 August 2009 - 03:13 PM
Hi Doc Mike,
Channel 19 is where the truck drivers are. If you get a CB with the weather info, you'll need to scan the weather channels to see which one is broadcasting in the area you are in. Channel 13 has been the RV channel for 30+ years. I do not hear RV'ers on this channel except at Rallies.
The radio you choose is you're personal preference. The technology is a commodity and all are about the same. Focus on where you'll mount the radio. Then look for one with the features and size that fits your needs. I have the Cobra all in one radio. I purchased an external speaker and plugged a headset into the speaker. I use the headset when using the CB. The headset covers one ear only. One must still be prepared to hear the wife, whenever she speaks.
Like previously posted, it is the antenna and antenna wire that make or break a CB installation. I have been using Firestik antenna systems with great success. Go to http://www.firestik....atalogFrame.htm to see their products. Consider a no-ground plane antenna system. The antenna, mount and wire must be matched. Firestik sells kits. In an RV environment, it expands your choices as to where you can install the antenna. When it comes to CB radio, size matters. Consider a top loaded, no ground plane antenna and as long of an antenna as you are comfortable with. I have a class A coach and use a 4' antenna mounted on the driver's side above the driver's window. A minimum of 2/3 the antenna height should be above the coach roof line. With the setup mentioned here, I am very happy with the range of reception and transmission (several miles for each).
Channel 19 is where the truck drivers are. If you get a CB with the weather info, you'll need to scan the weather channels to see which one is broadcasting in the area you are in. Channel 13 has been the RV channel for 30+ years. I do not hear RV'ers on this channel except at Rallies.
The radio you choose is you're personal preference. The technology is a commodity and all are about the same. Focus on where you'll mount the radio. Then look for one with the features and size that fits your needs. I have the Cobra all in one radio. I purchased an external speaker and plugged a headset into the speaker. I use the headset when using the CB. The headset covers one ear only. One must still be prepared to hear the wife, whenever she speaks.
Like previously posted, it is the antenna and antenna wire that make or break a CB installation. I have been using Firestik antenna systems with great success. Go to http://www.firestik....atalogFrame.htm to see their products. Consider a no-ground plane antenna system. The antenna, mount and wire must be matched. Firestik sells kits. In an RV environment, it expands your choices as to where you can install the antenna. When it comes to CB radio, size matters. Consider a top loaded, no ground plane antenna and as long of an antenna as you are comfortable with. I have a class A coach and use a 4' antenna mounted on the driver's side above the driver's window. A minimum of 2/3 the antenna height should be above the coach roof line. With the setup mentioned here, I am very happy with the range of reception and transmission (several miles for each).
Gary
2005 Newmar KSDP 3910
Cummins ISC 330 HP, 950 FT LBS Torque
Tow With Tow Bar & Dolly (not at the same time)
Coach & Towed Combined Weight Is 37K lbs.
NKK Life Member
FMCA
GS Life Member
Passport America Life Member
The States Visited Map Is Our Second Time Around
2005 Newmar KSDP 3910
Cummins ISC 330 HP, 950 FT LBS Torque
Tow With Tow Bar & Dolly (not at the same time)
Coach & Towed Combined Weight Is 37K lbs.
NKK Life Member
FMCA
GS Life Member
Passport America Life Member
The States Visited Map Is Our Second Time Around
#14
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Posted 31 August 2009 - 07:13 AM
Thanks for the good info. I'll start my search soon, or continue to do what I've done thus far....YELL a lot. Just kidding. The Ford cab on my Class C has ample room for the CB and I think I can mount the antenna on the ladder or the side of the overcab area on the drivers side while mounting the unit in the cabinet above my litte head adjacent to the CD/DVD player. Thats where the marshmallow is, Wayne.
We've been very luck this year to date, not being stuck in traffic as a result of accident or even too many vehicles for the road. Having lived and worked in areas where traffic creates its own personality I know how helpful a CB can be. The GPS is also an assist as it notifes me if there is a slow down ahead, and approximately how long. It can't however, if an accident or incident has just occured.
Be safe folks, and enjoy the wind at your back.
Doc Mike
We've been very luck this year to date, not being stuck in traffic as a result of accident or even too many vehicles for the road. Having lived and worked in areas where traffic creates its own personality I know how helpful a CB can be. The GPS is also an assist as it notifes me if there is a slow down ahead, and approximately how long. It can't however, if an accident or incident has just occured.
Be safe folks, and enjoy the wind at your back.
Doc Mike
Doc Mike
'07 Itasca Spirit
'09 Honda CR-V
Roadmaster All Terrain and M & G Brake
'07 Itasca Spirit
'09 Honda CR-V
Roadmaster All Terrain and M & G Brake
#15
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Posted 11 July 2010 - 05:47 PM
Doc Mike
A CB sounds like either a good thing or a noise thing ? Huumm What to do ?
A CB sounds like either a good thing or a noise thing ? Huumm What to do ?
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