Southern California Club Xterra

Southern California Club Xterra => SCCX General Discussion => Topic started by: XterracerX on December 20, 2008, 01:03:43 AM

Title: CB Radio Inquiry
Post by: XterracerX on December 20, 2008, 01:03:43 AM: Hello,

I'm considering on getting a CB radio and would like to know what you guys have and what works for you. Nothing too crazy... just something that works and does the job at a reasonable price. Any input or suggestions would be very much appreciated!

Thanks!
Fred

PS: If you could please include the brand, model, price and where you got them... that would be great! ;D
Title: Re: CB Radio Inquiry
Post by: FrankB on December 20, 2008, 10:52:55 AM: Fred,

I'm using a Cobra 75 WXST that I got from www.walcottcb.com There service was good; they are selling them now for $109.95. The nice thing about this model is that all the controls are in the handset part, so it takes up very little space. You mount a small box someplace maybe under the dash or in the center console, then just run the handset cord out to where ever you want to hang it.

About the only not so great part is that means the speaker is also in the handset, so it is not real big or loud. You can attach an external speaker, if you can find a place for it.

I think that they all have the same output power, so I see no reason to take up already limited cabin space with a larger unit, especially if it's just for trail communication.

I've been real happy with mine, and I think several others here have the same one as well.
Title: Re: CB Radio Inquiry
Post by: Paul on December 20, 2008, 01:19:55 PM: +1 on Walcttcb.com - good selection and customer service.

I use a now out-of-production Midland which is small enough to fit in the center console of my Xterra. It sits there unused 30 days of the month as I use amateur radio instead for day-to-day chit chat. Midland and Cobra are the two brands that I recommend - they've been in business since the mid-70's when I first got a CB. For an antenna bigger is better and if you've got an aftermarket front or rear bumper you can mount a big one. If not I would recommend a large K40 magnet mount for the center of the roof.
Title: Re: CB Radio Inquiry
Post by: Bobby B. on December 21, 2008, 07:20:02 PM: I'm using the Cobra Frank mentioned. Got everything from Walcott as well.
Title: Re: CB Radio Inquiry
Post by: chad on December 22, 2008, 08:10:37 AM: I have the smae cobra But i recomend you get a ham
The test is easy and you can puchase a 2 meter radio for about the same price
Title: Re: CB Radio Inquiry
Post by: Blackx on December 22, 2008, 11:57:24 AM: I have the same Cobra also from Walcott. So x3 to Frank's comment
Title: Re: CB Radio Inquiry
Post by: XterracerX on December 22, 2008, 10:41:57 PM: I was checking the website and saw one setup with a PA system. Is this ok for public use or just for law enforcement only? Does anyone actually have a PA installed in their rig?

Thanks for the input guys. Looks like the aforementioned CB Radio is a popular choice.
Title: Re: CB Radio Inquiry
Post by: XterracerX on January 03, 2009, 02:59:04 AM: Ok.. so I'm torn between...

(http://www.walcottcb.com/images/products/75WXST/75WXST.jpg)
Cobra 75WXST Remote CB & Weather Radio
40 Channel Operation Full 40 Citizen Band channel operation.
10 NOAA Weather Channels 10 National Weather Channels (7 NOAA and 3 International) provide full coverage to keep you informed of weather conditions anywhere you go.
Remote Mount System Remote installation box installs out of sight under your dash and the quick disconnect allows removal of the handpiece for security or use in other vehicles.
Dual Watch Allows simultaneous monitoring of any two preselected channels.
Full Channel Scan Allows you to scan all 40 channels just like a scanner!
Instant Channel 19 Instant access to information Channel 19 with a single switch of a button.
Full-Featured LCD Display Panel All the information you need is provided from this LCD display panel. Choose normal CB channel readout or five digit frequency display.
Speaker / Microphone The 75WXST has a built-in speaker and microphone all in a handheld design, essentially a microphone with a built in CB and speaker!

and

(http://www.walcottcb.com/images/products/75822/75822.jpg)
Midland 75-822 Handheld CB Radio w/ Vehicle Adapter
Vehicle adaptor Allows you to draw power from a cigarette plug and use an external antenna.
AC wall adaptor Charge your batteries at home.
NOAA weather capable Monitor NOAA weather stations to alert you on hazardous conditions.
Compact design Easily portable and lightweight.
Dual watch Allows you to monitor two channels.
Instant channel 9/19 Easily swith to an emergency channel or the popular channel 19.
Title: Re: CB Radio Inquiry
Post by: FrankB on January 03, 2009, 08:59:50 AM: Fred,

I thought about the handheld too, but then figured I would probably never use it outside the truck. That one looks like it's going to a really awkward configuration for stashing away while you're driving when you have a external antenna connected to it.

The controller box thingy for the 75 just tucks away under the dash or center console, the handset is fairly small, and you can keep your antenna coax safely tucked away.
Title: Re: CB Radio Inquiry
Post by: Bobby B. on January 03, 2009, 09:36:41 AM: Does that other one say anything about range, or if it can be connected to an outside antenna?

Bear in mind you're limited to four watts on CB, even under ideal conditions you're only going to have a range between three and four milesif there's nothing in the way.