looking to get first cb, what should i know?

[goldxlt]

i was thinking of getting a used cb radio for my truck, just somthing to have for an occasional trail ride. i found a "REALISTIC TRC-430,40-CHANNEL 2-WAY CB RADIO" for $50 bucks. seems cheap but i really dont know a whole hell of alot about them. is there any special kind i should be looking for or will any cb work?

[tony314]

I was originally going to buy used yesterday,but started thinking about what if something happens i.e. stops working. So I bought new! Paid $250 for my cobra 25 NW LTD nightwatch,antenna,antenna spring for flex,antenna L shaped mounting bracket and coax cable.

For me, money was an issue, but I figured paying a bit more for a warrenty was the better route! PICK THE RIGHT ANTENNA!

I know where on TRS you can buy a used one with antenna for $65 shipped if that is all you can afford!

[goldxlt]

do you mean right anttena for the radio or just a good one? i would have thought that the anttenas are universal.

[tony314]

A good one. The right antenna makes all the difference. You can have the best set up in the world , but with out an good antenna you are hosed. Watch out for the cheap China made ones.

[4x4junkie]

Antennas are universal, but get something that's quality (and not too short... Most antennas 5' and longer will work decent, but the best performance is with 96-102" long whips).

Microphones make a huge difference in how good a radio sounds too (more so than the radio itself). The stock mics that come with radios can be hit-or-miss. An aftermarket power mic can improve your transmitted sound quality immensely in a lot of cases.

[tony314]

He's right. If you ever hear someone that is crystal clear on a cb, then odds are he probably is running a PM. I need one myself and a longer antenna.

[Scrambler82]

goldxlt,
Did you buy the CB/antenna system yet ?
Do not buy Rat Shaq...
Their equipment is marginal at best, it works but, I for one do not like their equipment.

Get a small Uniden either a model 510 or 520, brand new from approx $45 to $65.
For antennas go for one that fits where you want it. Mount as high and as centered on the vehicle as possible. Buy a good quality Wilson Antenna, they have anything from magnet mounted antennas to Fiberglass whips and one called the Flex-i-whip 3 feet tall and flexes almost over to itself.
Buy good quality coax, Belden is the main one for HAMs; RG58U will work or get RG8X a little thicker and better coax.

luck,