Hoping to get into CB for cheap trying to keep it under $60 but I can go a little over. For units I have been looking at the Uniden PRO505XL and the Cobra 19 ULTRA III. Are the good units or are there better budget units out there? The antenna and how to mount it is the main issue. I was hoping for a way to mount it without having to drill into my wrangler. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.
Have you looked at the all-in-one hand helds like the Midland 75-822 or similar Cobra? They cost $50 or $60, are very small and very simple to install.. And, they have the same power/perform just as well as one that costs 5x more.
While these are tempting, I have heard they don't get great range unless you have them hooked up to an external antenna. So then it would be $60 plus whatever it costs for an external antenna. I might go for the midland if I can find a cheap external antenna and mount.
I bought a refurbished Cobra 19 from Rugged Radios for $35, and a 2 ft Firestik II antenna. The cable from the radio to the antenna is only 3 ft, since my mount is next to the front door. Works reasonably well, for trail rides. I don't use it for anything else.
This may be a bit more than you planned on spending (cheaper at Camping World) but might be a good option.
I have one in my RV (42' Diesel Pusher) and it works great. Would add one of these to the TJ, but I have 2 older ones from the 80's I can use. (one is going in my son's Samurai)
I've owned several CB's, then family channel, and now VHF/UHF. Take a look at a BAOFENG UV-5R. The little radio works amazingly well and its inexpensive.
Use the Terraflex mount and mount it to the driver rear taillight. THere is already a hole there for the taillight wiring. All you would need to do is find a way thru the firewall with a grommet. The mount can be had for $20, the cable about the same, $8 for the antenna stud, you can find firestiks pretty cheap online, say another $20, and then the radio of your choosing.
The Uniden PRO520XL is a great radio that many many off roaders have used with great success. It has good volume from the built in speaker, gets out good, and is compact...less than $50 on Amazon
Been looking at this and the 510. I don't really care about PA or instant channel 9, but the RF gain looks like it could be useful. Is the 520 worth the extra money for the RF gain?
QUOTE: "...Is the 520 worth the extra money for the RF gain?"
I'm not a radio enthusiast except for the utilitarian aspect, so my answer is strictly from that viewpoint. To answer the question: I would not pay extra for the RF gain. I've got one radio with it and another without it, and for me all the extra knob does is get in the way. I use the squelch knob to cut down on background noise, and I don't find the RF gain to help me.
Well I guess it's too late now. I got the teraflex passenger side tail light mount with a 3ft firestik antenna and the Uniden PRO520XL. Do I need a spring or will a be fine without one? My antenna should only stick 4 or 5 inches above the roof so I don't think it should be getting caught up on anything.
Just got the PRO520XL today and it looks as if the power cable is broken. The positive cable continues to a fuse and then goes on the the rest of the cable. The negative cable all of a sudden just breaks and it looks like it is supposed to be attached to the following blue connector. Is this supposed to be already wired or do I need to wire it myself and how would I get the wire to stay in the connector?
Some other stuff looks ruffed up so I think amazon sent me a previously used item, looks like I'll have to wait 2 more days for the replacement to come.
I got it all setup and I am getting about 1.5 on the swr meter. I also ordered a spring, which works nice, allowing the antenna to bend under trees.
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