Cb radio

[sgtsandman]

Well okay we’re do I get a swr thing at are the expensive how bad is it to just tinker around with it will I really burn my radio up? I was looking at power comm antennas but don’t know how good they are

You can get a decent enough swr meter on amazon. Just make sure it is made for CB. There are a good number of other radio bands out there. So it is easy to get the wrong meter if you just click on any old one to buy. Because of the different radios I have, I have 3 SWR meters.

 

[sgtsandman]

I have a cb it’s a cobra 29 classic it says it was made in 2016 is this old enough I’m worried I’m gonna put this antenna on my truck and then burn my cb out I’m not really looking for distance or perfectly tuned I’m just kinda going for looks and to maybe talk to a buddy 1-2 miles away

As long as you get the SWR below 3:1 on all channels, the radio will be safe. The lower the number the better. 1.0:1 is the ideal number to get, though not always possible in the real world. My 102" whip on the 2011 is dang near 1:1. I don't remember what the magnetic mount Wilson I have on the 2019 has for an SWR but it was acceptable or I wouldn't be using it.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Alright, just went through this whole thread…

I’ve mounted radios in various locations. My first Ranger I got one of the little “paperback” 40-channel radios and an aftermarket single DIN radio/CD, modified things and slid the stuff in the dash where the factory radio/cd was. I also modded the CB radio for a remote speaker.

My Choptop the CB currently hangs from the roll cage above the rear view mirror.

F-150 has a “paperback” 40-channel hanging from the roof above the rear view mirror.

Green Ranger is getting a CB and GMRS put in the center console.

My first Ranger I tried a variety of magnet mount antennas and then to a fiberglass but I was never happy with it all.

Choptop has a 102” steel whip on the spare tire carrier.

F-150 I tried a couple 4’ whips and then gave up and was running a 102” steel whip on the rear bumper.

Green Ranger has a 102” steel whip on the rear bumper.

I just pick a decent spot away from electrical interference potential (passenger side is usually good for this), drill a hole, and put a grommet in and that’s how I run the coax.

I’ve experimented with different wiring. I didn’t like picking up key on power because I liked being able to key up the radio without turning the truck on. Don’t like plugging into the cigarette lighter socket because it’s not convenient. So since my rigs need an auxiliary fuse panel anyway, I just hard wire to there.