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CB starter kit

5K views 48 replies 19 participants last post by  Rude Robert 
#1 ·
Hey guys,
I've spent about an hour searching over this form looking at various CB threads and I've seen lots of options for mounting a CB and suggestions for an antenna but haven't seen anything on recommending the actual CB unit.

I went on my first trail ride this weekend and being without a radio SUCKED! I realized within the first 5 min that was a must have item, but I have zero knowledge on this stuff, so what are y'alls suggestions? I've gathered a 3ft firestick seems to be the best antenna, but am still lost on the actual radio part.
 
#2 ·
This depends on what type of radio you want to use in your vehicle, how you want to mount it and what kind of talking distance you want from it. A lot of guys run the Cobra 75. All in one handheld that is super compact and easy to mount anywhere. Works well for vehicle to vehicle communication at close range but honestly doesn't have the talking power for longer distances that larger chassis radios have like say the Cobra 29 does. The Cobra 29 is going to be a whole lot hader to fit into a small Jeep cabin though so there is a definite compromise that will need to be made. Large chassis radios usually have better speakers too. Thats important! You also may want to consider a radio with weather reporting if you spend a lot of time topless. The weather reporting is pretty accurate and helpful.

For my setup I went with a Cobra 25. The smallest of the large chassis radios. I did a little work to increase it's talking ability by opening up Its modulation. Louder is better if you are trying to be heard as long as it isn't too loud. Most stock radios out of the box are poorly set up and don't even meet FCC allowed specs. Radios like the 75 really cant be tuned at all. They are what they are. I run a 3ft firefly and somewhere in between the 2 you will find a small 100w RM Italy Amplifier that is switched on or off by one of my A pillar switches. Yes they are frowned upon as they increase output beyond FCC allowable specs but when you, re 10 miles away from anyone and you need help thus might end up being the only way.

Spend the time to make sure your antenna and mount is grounded properly and adjusted for the best possible SWR and you shouldn't have any issues with communication when offroading in a group. And welcome to the airwaves. By the way... some of the funniest crap I have ever heard on the CB has been during offroading.
 
#3 ·
This depends on what type of radio you want to use in your vehicle, how you want to mount it and what kind of talking distance you want from it. A lot of guys run the Cobra 75. All in one handheld that is super compact and easy to mount anywhere. Works well for vehicle to vehicle communication at close range
I don't know if I'd really use it beyond trail riding, but I would like to get some range out of it. I got separated from the group at the beginning of the ride, but thankfully knew my way to the trail head. So like a 3 mile range?

I like the idea of a handheld unit, but I've seen some mounts that hold a larger one on the center bar by the speaker pod and could easily mount a unit there as well. I would just need a little room to feed my frameless strap through to the front and that would give me a bigger range right?
 
#4 · (Edited)
I just went through that process and chose the midland radio. it is portable and easy to carry in the center console when not in use, it works great on our expedition trips. This also facilitates install as you just need to deal with the cable and let the cable hidden under the center console until you need to use it.


Here you can see it: MidLand Radio

For cable I chose the Wilson one. The removable tip is extremely useful to facilitate install and going through all those small holes in the back gate.

Wilson Cable

Good luck!
 
#6 ·
I just installed one this weekend for my BIL. He picked up a complete setup, Cobra 29, all cable, 4' firestik 2 and all mounts for like $179 from one of the online CB places. Easy install. It was in a chevy pickup. Had to run some wire as access to the cab isn't as easy as the jeep. A little tuning and he was picking up guys 7 to 8 miles away right in the driveway. I pieced mine together and have the cheapest little cobra 19 I could get. 4' firestik and works great for what I use it for.
 
#8 ·
Thanks guys. One question I have is how do you power the chassis radios? I see the handhelds plug into the cigarette lighter. Do you have to wire it into anything? I've never done anything like that, so the increased cost of a handheld might be worth it to me if I don't have to rip the dash out to wire everything in.
 
#11 ·
Handheld radios are a PITA to use due to the cabling and their weight compared to just holding a microphone.

My personal preference over any of them is either Uniden or Midland, with my choice having been the Uniden Pro-520XL. It sells for $50 or under and is one of the most popular CBs out there because of its reliability and quality.

You don't need a big tall antenna for offroad use either, I started with a 4' but that was too tall to get into my garage so I went to a 3' but have been using a 2' for 12-14 years now. The 2' doesn't get in the way and I get strong signal reports from everyone in even very large spread out groups. The particular antenna I use is the Firestick FS-2 which is a great little antenna that doesn't gives any problems.

The key to getting a CB working properly is getting the antenna installed properly and getting its length set properly so the CB can put as much power out into the air as it is capable of. So when you're ready to install your antenna, come back here and we'll give you some help that will be critical to insuring it works well.
 
#12 ·
Handheld radios are a PITA to use due to the cabling and their weight compared to just holding a microphone.
I use the Midland handheld and found myself changing channels by mistake when holding it. Then I bought a Cobra mic/speaker combo and plugged it in the handheld and now just hold that. Of course, now I found out that you can lock the keys from inadvertent presses! I like the ability to store the radio out of the way in the center console. With mine plugged into the accessory outlet in the center console, I have not experienced any noise attributed to engine interference, although on rough trails the plug might vibrate loose and turn the radio off without you realizing. I wheel with quite a few people who use the Midland or Cobra handhelds. All choices have pros and cons.
 
#14 ·
This weekend I used my new Cobra HH Roadtrip for the first time in a group run and was very pleased with it.

The Roadtrip version comes with an external magnet mounted ant, or can be used with the small flexable mobil ant.

I zip tied the unit to the driver side sport bar and ran the cable for ext ant along the sport bar out the front of the door jam, and placed it on the hood in front of me. I put a small micro fiber rag under it to help protect the paint.

The access here was perfect. Speaker was right by my head so I could hear it well, rather than down at the center counsel. It stayed in place. And to talk I only had to reach my left hand up to push the PIT button. I did speak loudly because I'm not sure how well eveyone else was hearing me. But in a line of 23 vehicles where I was toward the back, the lead vehicle seemed to hear me fine.

I don't know the range but I'm sure I was picking up further than I was putting out.

I just ran it on the AA batts. You can also run a cord to a power outlet.

**I would not rely on a unit like this for safety or emergency purpose, but for trail communication it is fine**
 
#25 ·
I zip tied the unit to the driver side sport bar and ran the cable for ext ant along the sport bar out the front of the door jam, and placed it on the hood in front of me. I put a small micro fiber rag under it to help protect the paint.

The access here was perfect. Speaker was right by my head so I could hear it well, rather than down at the center counsel. It stayed in place. And to talk I only had to reach my left hand up to push the PTT button. I did speak loudly because I'm not sure how well eveyone else was hearing me. In a line of 23 vehicles where I was toward the back, the lead vehicle seemed to hear me fine.

If anyone was interested in using a handheld, here is a pic of how I strapped mine to the sport bar. Never have to handle the unit at all.
I could take some time to route the ant cable better. Did this in a hurry.
 

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#15 ·
I run the Cobra 75... It's compact, and doesn't take up a huge amount of cabin space... I'll take pictures of my setup, when I get there..

I also run a lot of the Firestik antenna and cables. I went with the 4 ft 900w antenna.
 
#20 ·
I myself have no trouble with it. It doesn't tire me out, I prop it up in a cup holder and can hear it fine. I'm not constantly talking on it. I don't lead trail rides so I just listen to directions and heads ups as I'm following along. And ask the occasional question for clarification. I don't chat On mine just for the sake of talking. Idid run mine to a permanent antenna (fire stick FS-3) installation couldn't be easier, and I work in a city, so having it hidden was up on my list of wants. I get really good signal reports. If you have a DD that is an occasional off-road machine this radio is a good option.
 
#19 ·
You'll get tired of holding that in your hand all the time. 3.5 x 2.75 x 1.5 Inches. And you have to hold it because the speaker is small. For half the price get the Midland 1001Z or a Uniden 510/520.
 
#22 ·
Does the Midland unit have PA functionality too? With the Uniden I can install a $15 speaker and have a little fun when I'm not using the CB :angel::whistling:
 
#27 ·
Question for you guys running the HH. Do you use a "temporary" antenna each time, i.e. one of those magnetic base types that you can add and remove each time or do you affix an antenna to the Jeep and run the wiring to the cab and connect the radio to it when you are planning to use it?
 
#28 ·
For me, I plan to only use the mag removable antenna. I am only using the CB for trail communication and only need 3 ~ 5 mile range.

A mounted antenna will improve your receiving range, but does it also improve your tranmission range? I don't know the answer to that. I believe HH's can only put out a limited amount of power and the best antenna may not help.

If a mounted antenna does improve the transmission,Then I might decide to go with one.
 
#30 ·
For me, I plan to only use the mag removable antenna. I am only using the CB for trail communication and only need 3 ~ 5 mile range.
I know people will tell you theirs will do this but this is A LOT to ask of a regular CB even under perfect conditions. Deep in the woods and hills you will be lucky to get 1 mile with a perfectly tuned system.
 
#43 ·
Hi Jerry and all

I've been using my Cobra HH roadtrip with magnet mounted ant on a few runs now and have been happy.
But I've decided I do want to mount a 3' Firestick ant.

Looking on amazon, I'm finding there are FL3-B and FS3-B. What is the difference?

And the cables I see PL-259 and PI-259 connectors. But I can't find the information on the CB unit or Ant about which connection they use. Is there a difference?

Thanks for any help
 
#32 ·
Each person really needs to figure out what their real 'need' is when selecting any communication device.
You are absolutely correct that deep in the woods or surrounded by hills, or even surrounded by tall buildings in the city, can cut down your effective distance.

I mentioned in my first post that I would not count on a HH for emergency situations. But then again, I probably wouldn't count on a standard unit alone either.

If my wheeling took me deep into the backcountry, which is hard to find here in SoCal, I'd have multiple units plus cell phone, at least.
If broke down in a valley, having a HH can allow you to hike it up to higher ground.

You know this is good advice for any electrical gadget. GPS units can fail or lose signal. When I'm boating, I have my GPS/Chartplotter, but also carry hard copy charts of the area I'm in.
Hard copy trail maps should always be carried if possible.

The HH works for me and my intended use. But may not work for others.
 
#33 ·
Thanks for all the great info guys!

At this point I'm torn between the Cobra 75 and the Uniden 520XL. I like the hand held functionality since I live in the city and I'd like to hide it when not in use. But I'm finding it a tough pill to swallow that it's also twice the price of the Uniden, which I could just bolt down and (I assume) make it difficult to snatch and grab. Are there other hidden costs with the Uniden that I don't know about besides the antenna (wiring or something)? I plan on buying a firestick either way, so price there is a wash.
 
#34 ·
I'd go for the Uniden Pro-520xl any day over the Cobra 75.

The Cobra's mic controls are tiny and harder to use, and its built-in speaker is only about 3/4" and can't put out enough clear volume for a Jeep's typically noisy interior. At a minimum I'd recommend an external permanently mounted speaker for the Cobra, something that isn't needed for the Uniden. Not to mention if the Cobra's mic goes bad, you won't find an inexpensive replacement for it like you could for a conventional CB. Heck even most truck stops carry inexpensive generic replacement mics for most conventional CBs.

And for the <$50 cost of the Uniden, sometimes I even see them for $40, I wouldn't sweat the potential for it being stolen.
 
#35 ·
ok, final question because I'm buying the Uniden Friday when the paycheck hits. How do these things hold up to rain? I go top off for most of the summer and have gotten wet, are these radios pretty hardy, or is there a way to protect them? I know <$50 is cheap, but I don't want to be buying a new one every month. :)
 
#38 ·
Fresh water from rain showers won't normally hurt it, within reason which doesn't include a major rainstorm drenching everything over a period of time. Don't forget you also have the AM/FM radio in your dash that would also be exposed and its front panel normally has more openings than a CB does.
 
#36 ·
I just bought an external speaker for the Cobra 75.. Its plenty loud, and works VERY well, and less to remove when you want to secure your property.. I leave the base unit in the vehicle under the dash, and the Mic unit is very easy to disconnect, and throw in the glove box, or the center console, or even inside.

The external speaker is pretty cheap, want to say I paid like 15 bucks for it from NorthRidge

COBRA 75WXST CB, 18' COAX CABLE, & FIRESTIK PACKAGE

This is the kit I picked up, which included everything I needed to get everything working. I went with the 4ft 900w antenna



I also picked up this mount VersaMount



Which offers a nice place to hang the radio while on a trail.
 
#46 ·
As bbtj said, the Pl259 is just PL-259 with the L having been typed lower-case so it looks like Pl-259.

I can't recommend the FL Firefly line of antennas on a Jeep that goes offroad, it is just too 'whippy' which means it will bang into everything as the Jeep bumps & dips along when offroad. I'd go with either the FS-2 or FS-3 and I personally prefer the shorter FS-2 as it transmits and receives fine for offroad use without the worry of it getting snagged by overhead things like trees, bushes, or garage doors.
 
#48 ·
Anyone have a mount for the belt clip on the Midland 75-822 ?
 
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