Getting Into CB Radio

[DreadPirate]

I remember as a kid my grandfather being on his CB whenever we took a long trip. A couple of days ago, a buddy calls me up and we get to talking about how a CB might make a good form of short-range communication with family and friends.

Anyone out there still use a CB regularly?

 

[BillsCamino]

I've got a couple and thought about installing one in my pickup. Just never seem to get around to it. Was a big CB fan in the late '70s.
10-4

 

[cullyhog]

Interested as well. I was big into CB in the 70's but the skip waves got so bad I could talk across the US but not across town.

 

[davans]

Truckers still use them.
Truck Stops and Truck dealers still sell them. Cobra 29LTD is the standard.

 

[Corelokt]

There's been one in my trucks since I can remember, I met my girlfriend (now wife) on the CB radio over 20 years ago.
Not many people still use them today, you'll find some still do but not as much these days, truckers still do however.
I find it a very valuable tool when on roadtrips, you'll know about a speed trap well before you see one, way better than a radar detector.
My Galaxy has been peaked and tuned, 102" whip, and a linear amp.
Without the amp I can talk about 15 miles sometimes more on a good day, with the amp I can pick up several states away.
However a linear will fry a radio in a heartbeat... Also it's kinda cool to key it up and hear yourself coming through the TV at home.
It's kinda like guns or any other hobby, once you get into it expect to keep upgrading and spending money

 

[DreadPirate]

It's kinda like guns or any other hobby, once you get into it expect to keep upgrading and spending money

That is precisely what my wife is afraid of.

 

[FrogHunter]

They're good radar detectors too!

 

[Corelokt]

That is precisely what my wife is afraid of.

The key is to start with quality components from the start, if you just go to the local truck stop and grab one off the shelf you will be disappointed and looking to replace it.
Check these guy's out: Clay's radio shop
They do a really good job of peaking and tuning which I'd highly recommend for any radio.
Don't skimp on the antenna either, on a CB everything has to work together.
I'd recommend a Firestik, K40, but to me the 102" whip is the best.

 

[cullyhog]

Hey, back in the day I pretty much stayed on sideband. Do folks still use the sideband or do most stay on regular channels?

 

[cullyhog]

A good "set it and forget it" 1/4-wave ground-plane (base) antenna, like a Star Duster,

Starduster is what I ran too up in the Tennessee woods. Siltronix 1011C base unit. This is giving me the itch again. Guess I need to research this some and see about setting up another unit. Neighbors going to love me.