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Help a CB Radio Newb

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5K views 54 replies 18 participants last post by  ExPatWillys 
#1 ·
Like topic I am fairly new to CB Radios, looking for a setup for my jeep for trail riding. I am looking for suggestions on what to go with.

I will need everything from radio to mount to antenna to cable

Looking to be within reason, dont need the best of the best but not wanting a 29.95 bundle package either. I would like for it to be one to keep and use, not one to upgrade from in 3 months.

Thanks
 
#2 ·
It's real hard to beat the quality and reliability of the Uniden Pro520XL, that's a commonly used CB in Jeeps. I've had that model in both of my Jeeps over nearly 20 years and it's yet to ever give a problem. It's not expensive, you can get them for $50.

Firestik is a very good brand of antenna, get the "tunable tip" version which means it will be easily tuned. I use their FS-2 which is a 2' tall that has the tunable tip, the 3' would be a FS-3, etc. Most installations will be fine with a 3' at the most since it's better to place the mount up at or near tail light height. Mounting a typical height CB antenna to the bumper is not a good idea since it won't radiate the signal as well when mounted low like that.

Antenna coax cable wise, make sure the cable says RG-58 on the side. Cables like RG-59 look the same but they're not the same. No need for the cable length to be 18' long as some myths claim, use whatever length cable works with a little extra cable for good measure.

Lastly, and I could nearly write a book on this, be darned careful to follow the instructions for the antenna mount exactly. They have to be put together in a certain way for them to work properly and even leaving out an insignificant-looking part like the nylon washer included in the kit or installing it in the wrong location will cause big problems.

Oh, the antenna will need to be tuned so the radio can put out all the power it's capable of. That means adjusting the antenna's length until it puts out the most power/least reflected power. A <$20 SWR meter makes easy short work of that, the instructions in the SWR meter's box will describe how to do it. :)
 
#5 ·
No need for the cable length to be 18' long as some myths claim, use whatever length cable works with a little extra cable for good measure.
It made me smile when I read this. I've been trying to explain to people that the "18ft optimum length" was a bunch of bullshit for about 15 years. The optimum length is the shortest length possible with a foot or two of slack for future movement and service. But no no. Uncle Cletus at the truck stop said it HAS TO BE 18ft!!

The only time 18ft (1/2 wave) is necessary is between the splitter and antennas for a co-phased dual antenna setup. And Jeeps are way too small for that to be effective, although I'm sure someone has done it anyway.
 
#3 ·
As usual, Jerry pretty much summed it up. :)

When I was in the same boat a few years ago, I found the Firestik site had a great section on FAQs and other info that tells you everything you'd ever want to know about CB systems.
 
#4 ·
The uniden is compact size and light too. I used heavy duty velcro and attached it to the passenger side of the console. Doesn't rattle and is removable
 
#6 ·
I just finished installing a CB in mine yesterday. I went with the Uniden 510XL with the Quadratec removable passenger side console mount, which is very nice and a breeze to install. Went with the Cooltech Ultramount and a 3' Firefly antenna. I took my time and had it installed in about 4 hours total. I needed most of the 18 feet of coax in my Unlimited, a two door could get away with less. Right now I'm getting SWR readings of 1.4-1.5 on Channel 1 and 40. Don't know if I could improve on that, this was the first time I've ever installed one. The 3' antenna just barely sticks up past the roof line. I would have preferred a 4', but my garage door is pretty low and I didn't want to be whacking the antenna everytime I went in and out.
 
#7 ·
Don't worry about what the SWR is separately on 1 and 40, just tune it for minimum SWR on channel 20 (mid-point of the band) and the SWR on 1 and 40 will be as low as it can be. Tuning just on channel 20 saves time and it'll give the optimal SWR for the entire band.
 
#9 ·
Im looking at the Cobra 75 WX handheld CB. It gets good reviews, and comes with a small mounting box which allows easy diconnect from power, and an outside vehicle antenna. Id like to mount the box inside or near the center console og my JK taking power from the power port located inside.

Im also considering the Midland 75-822 hh which can be used on foot with batteries and a rubber antenna, or with a car vehicle adaptor and a rubber antenna, or (preferably) an outside antenna. Gets good reviews for its ability to be used in different configurations, and for its ability to function without an external antenna (although likely not as well from inside a jeep with the rubber stick)

My question is does anyone have any firsthand experience with either of these?
 
#10 · (Edited)
Im looking at the Cobra 75 WX handheld CB. It gets good reviews, and comes with a small mounting box which allows easy diconnect from power, and an outside vehicle antenna. Id like to mount the box inside or near the center console og my JK taking power from the power port located inside. Im also considering the Midland 75-822 hh which can be used on foot with batteries and a rubber antenna, or with a car vehicle adaptor and a rubber antenna, or (preferably) an outside antenna. Gets good reviews for its ability to be used in different configurations, and for its ability to function without an external antenna (although likely not as well from inside a jeep with the rubber stick) My question is does anyone have any firsthand experience with either of these?
I run the midland. The rubber duckie antenna is limited, so I ran mine to an fire stick 3ft antenna with the tuneable tip, I like it a lot. It works great on the trail. The first time I used it I was meeting up with a guy who was running around in the off-road park and he was way at the far end and could hear me great. The cb worked perfectly. I like that I can completely conceal it in the center council. I like that I can take it with me if I'm switching vehicles or if I for some reason would have to hike out. It has a great scan feature, the ability to save favorite Channels and gets local weather. I have no complaints.
 
#12 ·
There are two issues I have with all-in-1 CBs like the Cobra 75WX.

1) its speaker inside the microphone is tiny, it's not even an inch across. It has to be tiny to fit inside the microphone. That tiny of a speaker gets real hard to understand in a noisy Jeep since turning the volume way up to hear it also produces more distortion. It's fine inside a quiet Jeep but my TJ is too noisy for it. If your Jeep is the least bit noisy, you're going to need to also install an external speaker for it which negates a lot of its ease of installation.

2) Less of an issue but if the 75WX's mic goes bad, you can't just stop by a truck stop or CB shop to pick up an inexpensive generic replacement microphone. The whole CB has to be replaced.

I know my TJ is too noisy for the Cobra 75WX, that's why I stick with a CB that has a conventional speaker that can put out enough volume to be heard over the wind, tire noise, etc. without it distorting.
 
#14 ·
The midland handheld one is ok for emergencies but I used one the first time on the trail and it was big and bulky and actually came in broken to the lead jeep. I ordered the uniden520 when I got back and works great.
 
#20 ·
New CB user looking for a set-up

So I've been talking with a buddy of mine and he convinced me that I can do a cb set-up or under $100. I looked on amazon and he seems to be about right. The only thing I'm not 100% sure of is a "Firestik K-4A Stud". I am getting a 4' Black Firefly, Rugged Ridge tire carrier CB antenna mount, Firestik SS 3H HEavy Duty Spring and a Uniden PRO520WL. I will be posting links to each item and would really love any input for my project! Thanks guys!

Antenna
-http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QB917Q/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2F2M3UCPHT9Y2&coliid=I23HPLF3UVTMNZ

Mount
-http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00603DSGO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2F2M3UCPHT9Y2&coliid=I5MD6L6PZSIU7

Firestik K-4A stud
-http://www.amazon.com/Firestik-K-4A-Screw-On-Coaxial-Termination/dp/B0002HRBSU/ref=pd_bxgy_422_img_z

Spring
-http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00042LC9M/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2F2M3UCPHT9Y2&coliid=I14QYEVDPM2KBZ

Cable
-http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JT1IWU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2F2M3UCPHT9Y2&coliid=I2YBS2GBQZC8DH

Radio
-http://www.amazon.com/Uniden-PRO520XL-40-Channel-CB-Radio/dp/B00004VXNI/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1440645580&sr=1-1&keywords=uniden+cb+radio

Again, any input will help!!
 
#21 ·
^^^That's what I ordered except I didn't use a spring mount. Everything worked good. Just make sure you scrape the powder coat off around the mounting points of the mount. I used a dremel.
 
#25 ·
Thank you!

Thanks for all the help! I will make sure to clean up the mounting plate and probably not order the spring. With amazon prime this project should be done around Wednesday of this week. Just in time for Jeepfest here in Georgia!!! :dance::dance:
 
#31 ·
A 3' is fine and gives up nothing you'll notice, providing the antenna mount is up high close to tail light level. Personally, I'm now running a 2' Firestik FS-2 after starting at 4', then going to 3', and finally 12-13 years ago to the 2'. The Firestik FS-3 would be a great choice if you like its taller length and don't have a garage door it'll run into, which is why I'm running the 2' now. It actually performs extremely well here in SOCAL, my signal reports are always loud and clear.

Make sure any antenna you buy has a "tunable tip" which means it'll be easy to tune. Not all antennas are easily tuned. Firestik's FS series has a brass tuning screw, super easy. I'd avoid their Firefly model as too whippy.

So far as the mount goes, it has to have a bare metal connection to the tub or whatever it's mounted on. If it doesn't, you won't be able to tune the antenna so it performs as it is capable of.

If you run into problems tuning or installing it, I'm not very far from you and together we could get it squared away.
 
#33 ·
The Ultratech is in a better location, but you'll need a longer antenna. The top of the antenna must clear the roof for the radio to work.

I run that mount and it works with a 4' or 5' Firestik, but most of the time I just run a steel whip.

A 3' or 2' Firestik won't be tunable to reasonable SWR in that location.

You can use a shorter antenna off a spare tire mount, but it won't work as well since the ground plane there is really insufficient.
 
#34 ·
Ah, I see. I just measured the garage clearance and the license plate mount and 3' antenna will clear nicely.

I'm a noob...However, I thought I read where guys were not having issues with the 2' and 3' tunable firestiks which don't rise higher than the roof. I thought it just did not transmit as far??
 
#35 ·
Ah, I see. I just measured the garage clearance and the license plate mount and 3' antenna will clear nicely. I'm a noob...However, I thought I read where guys were not having issues with the 2' and 3' tunable firestiks which don't rise higher than the roof. I thought it just did not transmit as far??
I'm running a 3' Firefly on my Ultramount and so far it's working OK. It does stick up slightly past the roofline. I wanted to run a 4' but it would constantly hit my garage door.
 
#38 ·
Holly, I originally put a Firestick quick disconnect on mine but wasn't happy with it. It was not a real snug fit, you could wiggle the mount and I got a better SWR without it.
Also heard about problems with corrosion after a while, although that probably wouldn't be as much of an issue in Tucson.
 
#40 ·
Are there grounding issues if you try to mount your antenna on a swing out tire carrier (in "front" of tire)? Just curious if there is enough of a "connection" between the carrier & bumper.
 
#41 ·
Any hinge or pivot is an unreliable conductor. You might get a good reading today and crap reading after some rain tomorrow. A ground strip from the tire carrier to the chassis will ensure it always works properly.
 
#43 ·
Also, the ground strap only needs to go from the carrier to the chassis. You can attach the strap to the carrier right by the hinge and basically just jump over/around the hinge with the strap. You do NOT need to run the ground strap all the way to the antenna mount. And you don't need to run it all the way to the frame either. Just make sure you scrape the paint off where you attach it to the arm and the bumper. All you're doing is giving a solid path the ground around the hinge.
 
#44 ·
I have another question...

On the Cobra WSXT radio...would it be possible to plug a speaker wire into the external speaker jack and then into the speaker jack on the factor radio so you could hear through the speakers already built into the Jeep? Or do you have to use a separate external speaker?

I'm thinking of mounting the box in my center console and running the wires to the handheld and radio through the little opening on the top right hand side of the console. I'd mount it behind the glove box like most people do, but if the speaker wire trick I asked about above works, I think the center console is the better way for me to go (cleaner look and I can easily disconnect the handset and speaker wire when not in use). The only other potential problem with mounting the box in the center console would be the length of the wires...would they be long enough to reach the battery and the antenna mounted on the spare tire carrier?

Thanks for your help!
 
#47 ·
I have another question... On the Cobra WSXT radio...would it be possible to plug a speaker wire into the external speaker jack and then into the speaker jack on the factor radio so you could hear through the speakers already built into the Jeep? Or do you have to use a separate external speaker? I'm thinking of mounting the box in my center console and running the wires to the handheld and radio through the little opening on the top right hand side of the console. I'd mount it behind the glove box like most people do, but if the speaker wire trick I asked about above works, I think the center console is the better way for me to go (cleaner look and I can easily disconnect the handset and speaker wire when not in use). The only other potential problem with mounting the box in the center console would be the length of the wires...would they be long enough to reach the battery and the antenna mounted on the spare tire carrier? Thanks for your help!
I cut the fuse holder off my radios harness and mounted it close to the battery, then spliced in a wire between the fuse holder and the radio. I figured if I get a short somewhere and the fuse blows I wouldn't want three feet of live wire off the battery behind the dash. You should be able to run the ground wire to any reliable body ground, it doesn't have to be attached to the battery. I mounted mine to a bolt that holds the dash frame to the firewall .
 
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