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.

 

[1994xlt]

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.

Well my cb has a swr built in so I should be ok by tuning it with that?

 

[superj]

I would think so.

The vents are usually behund the carpet , behind the seat back, or sometimes towards the corners. Look between the bed and cab for black plastic deals that are a decent size. Not small like a grommet

 

[1994xlt]

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.

Hm okay, thank you for the information why didn’t you like 4 foot whips?

 

[1994xlt]

I would think so.

The vents are usually behund the carpet , behind the seat back, or sometimes towards the corners. Look between the bed and cab for black plastic deals that are a decent size. Not small like a grommet

Ok thank you

 

[4x4junkie]

This might help you guys know what cb I have

View attachment 139997

Yea you got a SWR meter built into that.
@pentode posted the relevant pages from the manual how to use it.

Hm okay, thank you for the information why didn’t you like 4 foot whips?

Probably the same reason I said earlier... They don't put out as good of a signal that a 5-foot or taller antenna does.
Shorter antennas are often harder to adjust the SWR on too.

This was the antenna I had always recommended if you didn't want a tall 102" whip, but looks like it might not be available anymore:

Amazon.com: Francis 300-CB26B Black 5.5' Hot Rod CB Antenna : Electronics

Buy Francis 300-CB26B Black 5.5' Hot Rod CB Antenna: Radio Antennas - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

This one still looks available though:

Amazon.com: Francis 300-CB25W 4.5' Hot Rod CB Antenna Fiberglass CB Radio Antenna 175W Whip AM|FM Ready, White : Electronics

Buy Francis 300-CB25W 4.5' Hot Rod CB Antenna Fiberglass CB Radio Antenna 175W Whip AM|FM Ready, White: Radio Antennas - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Looks like this 4.5 footer might be the best you're gonna do short of a 102" whip or one of the "trucker" style antennas with the large loading coil on it.

102" whip:
https://www.amazon.com/HUSTLER-IC56-STAINLESS-ANTENNA-WELDED/dp/B00NDYVVP8?tag=959media-20
(WTF happened the price on those now!?!?? They were $12-15 dollars 30 years ago (that would be~$25-30 in today's dollars, not almost $90!!!!!!!!!)

Not sure why the 102" link won't display properly Hopefully it still works for everyone

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Hm okay, thank you for the information why didn’t you like 4 foot whips?

Well, lack of range was one reason, the other was that even with a spring a 4’ whip on top of my trucks tended to get damaged from going under trees and stuff. The 102”, despite being much longer, doesn’t seem to mind hitting things even without a spring.