Hey guys I'm looking into putting a cb into my bug out vehicle and for mainly that purpose. The question i have is i really don't know much about CB's and have been doing a little research. I really want this thing to have some juice and was reading some forums about CB amplifiers that make CBs reach amazing distances. Does anyone have any knowledge with this. Whats the best CB system to put in my mobile vehicle?
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CB Radio question
- Thread starter moreammo
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CB Amplifiers are not legal,FCC limits CB transmitters to 5 watts, you would be better off getting your Amateur Radio License. You can find more information on the http://www.arrl.org/new-to-ham-radio/
While it's not exactly legal to amp a CB, it's one of those laws that's almost never enforced.. Look on CB forums and you'll see guys with Suburbans with dual Monkeymade antennas, the back of the vehicle full of amps and batteries and multiple alternators under the hood to keep power to their multi-thousand watt amps. If no one messes with them, I wouldn't think anyone would mess with you for having a little 100 watt amp.
Whether you amp it or not, make sure you get a SWR meter and know how to get your SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) down as low as possible so you don't burn out the radio.
Another option would be to take it to a CB shop (if you can find one as CB's are quickly becoming obsolete) and have it "Peaked and Tuned". To give you the option of still being able to amp it, should you ever want to, I would also ask them to do a "Cap/Resistor" mod with a "High/Low" switch installed. The High setting would be for going "barefoot" without an amp, while the low setting would be used if it were hooked to an amp.
Whether you amp it or not, make sure you get a SWR meter and know how to get your SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) down as low as possible so you don't burn out the radio.
Another option would be to take it to a CB shop (if you can find one as CB's are quickly becoming obsolete) and have it "Peaked and Tuned". To give you the option of still being able to amp it, should you ever want to, I would also ask them to do a "Cap/Resistor" mod with a "High/Low" switch installed. The High setting would be for going "barefoot" without an amp, while the low setting would be used if it were hooked to an amp.
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My bug-out radio is a Midland 75-882 mobile CB Transceiver
It has options that make it perfect for mobile communications.
Not for everyone, but it can run off of AA rechargeable batteries, or a 12vDC power outlet and can connect to a vehicle mounted antenna.
My suggestion is to go to a truck stop like a PILOT or Flying J and wander around and see the choices.
I have also have a Cobra LTD soft wired(12vDC power plug) In case I need to remove the unit in a hurry.
Communications are critical in a bug-out situation.
It has options that make it perfect for mobile communications.
Not for everyone, but it can run off of AA rechargeable batteries, or a 12vDC power outlet and can connect to a vehicle mounted antenna.
My suggestion is to go to a truck stop like a PILOT or Flying J and wander around and see the choices.
I have also have a Cobra LTD soft wired(12vDC power plug) In case I need to remove the unit in a hurry.
Communications are critical in a bug-out situation.
I am sure you have read the other post on here about what is legal and not.
Ok You ask what is the best set up well that depends on who you ask.
Radios are like cars there is all kinds of things you can do to beef it up.
I know of two types of radios one is the 11 meter band. They can be converted to
10 meter the CB bands. Ususally they cost twice as mucy as a regular CB.
Some of them have dual finals and a linear / amp built into them.
IF you have one of these radios you can have it tweek and peeked. And they will do
40 - 50 watts by themselves. But in all reality 40 -50 watts and no one will hear you.
In todays time most everyone runs a box " amp / linear. And push 250 or more watts.
Some of these radios have many many channels like 5 channels of 40 channels PLUS
upper and lower channels. A lot of radios have at least 260 channels or more. But stay
on the regular 40 and the uppers and lowers. You can listen but not talk.
A CB will have 40 and sometimes have the upper / lower so thats 120 channels.
Some of the most popular radio is the Gen Lee. thats a Uniden radio. Another is the
Ranger RCI radios.
The Antenna is as important, perhaps more so than the radio. One of the most
popular is the Wilson line. For a regular car or truck a Wilson magnet mount is the
fastest easyest thing to use. But then again theres a ton of them out there like the
K40 line.
Next thing is setting the SWR and this is a must. Other wise you could damage your
radio.
At present I have a radio and box for sale if your interested.
Ok You ask what is the best set up well that depends on who you ask.
Radios are like cars there is all kinds of things you can do to beef it up.
I know of two types of radios one is the 11 meter band. They can be converted to
10 meter the CB bands. Ususally they cost twice as mucy as a regular CB.
Some of them have dual finals and a linear / amp built into them.
IF you have one of these radios you can have it tweek and peeked. And they will do
40 - 50 watts by themselves. But in all reality 40 -50 watts and no one will hear you.
In todays time most everyone runs a box " amp / linear. And push 250 or more watts.
Some of these radios have many many channels like 5 channels of 40 channels PLUS
upper and lower channels. A lot of radios have at least 260 channels or more. But stay
on the regular 40 and the uppers and lowers. You can listen but not talk.
A CB will have 40 and sometimes have the upper / lower so thats 120 channels.
Some of the most popular radio is the Gen Lee. thats a Uniden radio. Another is the
Ranger RCI radios.
The Antenna is as important, perhaps more so than the radio. One of the most
popular is the Wilson line. For a regular car or truck a Wilson magnet mount is the
fastest easyest thing to use. But then again theres a ton of them out there like the
K40 line.
Next thing is setting the SWR and this is a must. Other wise you could damage your
radio.
At present I have a radio and box for sale if your interested.
legal or not wont matter if you're having to bug out......
