CB Radios

[todd20318]

I am going to purchase a CB radio for my wrangler. Would you all recommend a handheld unit or an installed unit?

[rentalrider]

installed unit personally. but you're gonna hear shortly from people on this board FAR more versed in such matters than I am. I've used both, but the installed I believe put out more power or simply the external antenna is much more effective. :blahblah: Either way, permanently mounted for my vote. :thumb:

[brewmenn]

I prefer installed.

More power.
Better antenna.
Better speaker.
Doesn't bounce around and end up under the seats.

[joe & jeep]

I like mine installed, always there and no batteries to worry about.

[WhiteRhino]

I prefer installed.

More power.
Better antenna.
Better speaker.
Doesn't bounce around and end up under the seats.

x a bazillion. I've found hand held cb's are almost useless on the trail unless you are walking ahead to scout. At that, they're not much good for more than a half mile.

[phittie1100]

I have several old GE handhelds I picked up at a flea market a few years back, and when wired into a cig lighter with a magnetic antenna on the hood they are OK for trail rides - same FCC-approved output as a mounted CB. On battery-power with a standard 8" flex antenna they are only good for a couple hundred yards in the woods.

Doug S has a nice all-in-the-mic CB that works very well, mounts to something behind the dash board.

[Jarhead]

Installed is key if you want to talk/hear someone that isn't in your vehicle.

[oz97tj]

Like everyone has said, installed the the way to go. They put out more power and have better antennas. However, make sure to tune it or it'll be nothing more than offroad bling.

The all in the handset unit was mentioned. I have one of these, and it's called the Cobra 75. It's a great unit that takes up little space. There is a control box that the antennna, power source, and external speaker all go to that is mounted someplace out of sight. Then the handset / radio is the only portion that you see. It's easy to use and works real well. The only thing you need on your dash is a standard mic hook to hang it from. Also, it has a quick connect down near the control box that you can unhook and then stick the actual radio / handset into the glove box or whatever so it's not out to be stolen when your at the mall. The only real downfall to this radio is the speaker because it's small. In a hardtop rig like Dougs Grand Cherokee it's probably fine, but in a softop rig like a wrangler you'll almost need an external speaker. I purchased an external speaker for under 10 bucks that is installed up on top of my sound bar and now I can hear my radio even with the top and doors off.

[Crazygrady127]

Installed for me !!

[Rattler]

Doug S has a nice all-in-the-mic CB that works very well, mounts to something behind the dash board.

That is probably a Cobra 75 WX ST. I just put one in a couple months ago and I love the size. I haven't had it tuned yet and it works pretty good so far but its getting set up better soon. I had to pull out this huge Uniden I had.

[dustyxj]

Where in northern michigan can I get mine tuned... I have a cobra compact and a 4' firestick antenna... everywhere I call has no clue how to tune them...

[Jarhead]

The only place I know of that repairs or modifies CB Radios is Home Electronics, 538 N Cedar St, Lansing, MI 48912 Telephone 517-586-3807

If you are looking to set the SWR of Your Antenna
http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs/Setting_SWR.htm

If you don't have SWR Meter, maybe we can hook at the Color Tour.

[Rattler]

I go to the Other Guys in Shields west of just west of Saginaw. He is about the only guy I found that knows how to do it. My bro in law has a standing wave meter I can borrow though. Maybe I can find something online later.

[Rattler]

Thanks Jar. We must have been posting at the same time.

[dustyxj]

That would be awesom jarhead, radio shack here in town has one that works when it wants to ... and no one there has any clue how to use it.. LMAO

[Greenway]

I usually carry an SWR meter with me when I'm wheelin'. I'll be at the color tour.

[DDS4X4]

Looks like they have you covered so I won't pack mine.

[Greenway]

Looks like they have you covered so I won't pack mine.

That's one of the few spare parts I carry. Spare CB antenna and SWR meter.