Southern California Club Xterra
Southern California Club Xterra => SCCX General Discussion => Topic started by: Lava on September 10, 2012, 05:15:40 PM
-
I was looking at Com's and would like to have both CB and HAM in my rig.
I came across the Cobra and liked that is compact. Does anyone currently using this system?
Pro's / Con's
Suggestions welcome, under my seats area full with the Rockford Fosgate Amps and Sub....I'm running out of space and need ideas.
as far as HAM, I'm looking at the Yaesu FT-2900R 75 Watt 2 Meter VHF because its only $193 on Amazon.
If you have install pics or ideas they are most welcome.
-
Ive run a cobra 19 in my first gen, now I have a uniden 520xl in the center console of my 2012 pro4x. I've stayed away from the 75 simply because i dont know how rugged the 75 is and im hard on my mic, dropping it alot. I'm also looking at a ham rig and looking at the same radio.
-
I heard the Mic on the Cobra was rugged enough...just never seen one installed in an X.
How much room does your Uniden take up in the center console? Amazon has a Pro520XL on sale for $47
Do you have any pics of it installed?
I like the HAM price, but the face isn't removable, which means dash mount...Since I don't want it in full view (theft) Id probably mount it under the dash in the center console in that small spot in front of the gear shift lever.
-
I'll get a pic of it tonight. I agree about the 2900, like the price but I like the detachable face of some of the more expensive units a lot too. I just don't know enough to drop that kinda money on a radio yet.
-
I'm also new to HAM and also cant see spending that much on a mobile unit w/ detach face either. I wonder if just grabbing a small handheld unit would do the trick??
We should be able to communicate with others on the trail, as well as use the repeater stations for any emergencies....
It looks like I could save a few bucks and toss it in the upper glove box next to my Ipod when not in use...
??? ??? ???
-
Stoked you are considering the Ham radio option...you won't regret it.
Check out Amateur Electronic Supply[/b] (http://www.aes.com[b), their prices and service are tough to beat.
Having a 5 watt HT (handie talkie) is a great way to start out. Although, you will find battery life and antenna capabilities quickly limiting your abilities.
The Yaesu's are tough to beat...but any of the big three build quality radios. (add Kenwood and Icom).
Also, go check out QRZ.com's classified section. This is a fantastic area to pick up very good to almost new Ham equipment for sale.
-
Ill check them out. Thank you!
-
Yes I was thinking about getting a handheld as well, good beginner radio and later when I get a mobile setup, the handheld becomes for friends/spotting duty
-
I run the aforementioned CB.
I like it. compact.
I will also try and get my HAM license.
I also have a sat phone.
and a cell phone.
and an FRS set( of 4 units)
I like idea of multiple types of com links.
One of which should work when I need it.
Just my .02
-
wow, all we need now is a flare gun and smoke signals to top off the communication check list! ;D
-
I forgot the signal mirror
:)
(http://www.armyfm.com/photo/fig19-3.gif)
-
Stoked you are considering the Ham radio option...you won't regret it.
Check out Amateur Electronic Supply[/b] (http://www.aes.com[b), their prices and service are tough to beat.
Having a 5 watt HT (handie talkie) is a great way to start out. Although, you will find battery life and antenna capabilities quickly limiting your abilities.
The Yaesu's are tough to beat...but any of the big three build quality radios. (add Kenwood and Icom).
Also, go check out QRZ.com's classified section. This is a fantastic area to pick up very good to almost new Ham equipment for sale.
X2 what John said, and I might add HRO (Ham Radio Outlet) on-line and local stores. And Eham.com on line.
-
AND we can't forget the rape whistle! :o
-
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/jplacson/cans_and_string.jpg)
My personal cell when I was 8. ;D
-
I was looking at Com's and would like to have both CB and HAM in my rig.
I came across the Cobra and liked that is compact. Does anyone currently using this system?
Pro's / Con's
Suggestions welcome, under my seats area full with the Rockford Fosgate Amps and Sub....I'm running out of space and need ideas.
as far as HAM, I'm looking at the Yaesu FT-2900R 75 Watt 2 Meter VHF because its only $193 on Amazon.
If you have install pics or ideas they are most welcome.
I have the Cobra and really like it. I picked it up at Fry's for $75. I bought a cheap antenna and it works in close proximity but not a whole lot of range. I just bought a 3' Firestick and hope it will get me more range.
As for the Mounting of the CB, the control box is small enough that I mounted it under the dash on the passenger side where i can disconnect the unit and the antenna when not being used.
-
Okay, So I went with the Cobra 75 WXST CB for my first radio. I bought it a t Fry's in SD, on sale for $85. A short trip and $123 to HRO for a Diamond K400-3/8C Antenna Mount, Diamond C110 Extension Cable, a 4 Foot Tram Antenna. Got home, Turned around and went to Pep-boys for a Mini Add a Circuit Kit for $10. CB INSTALL GRAND TOTAL $218
I thought I'd show off my handy work with a little Tutorial for those without a radio. See Pics below. (Prior to install, I loosened the headliner on the passenger side, removed the right side passengers seats, and removed the glove box)
Basically, I mounted the K400 Mount on the right rear side of the hatch. I adjusted it, so that if you need to open the door with the antenna on, the 4' antenna will not hit the side of the X.
Once mounted, I ran the mini cable that comes with the mount, behind the door latch. I disconnected the washer fluid tube and pulled it back through the grommet. I then inserted the Mini Cable through the same hole. I then reinserted said washer tube and reconnected.
I then routed the mini cable along the headliner on the right side to the right rear passenger doorway. Once there I carefully routed it down the C pillar before connecting the 10' Extension cable. This cable is thicker. (They do sell a mini cable extension for $10 more, not necessary)
Once connected I pulled it under the carpet along the floor and rocker panel, under the front passenger seat, along the right side of the center console. The cable exits near a small vent in the passenger foot well. I then mounted the CB control box on an existing metal support bar for a good ground. I connected the cable fittings and then wired it for power.
Using the Mini Circuit, I used the empty fuse spot in the panel for the (Heated Seats) which my Pro-4X didn't have. I ran the power wire to the Fused section of the CB as well. I zip-tied this to the air box under the dash for wire security. This location is perfect because you can still change the CB fuse, without having to cut a zip tie.
I then reassembled everything, drank a cold beer, attached the handset to the cable that barely sticks out from under the dash, and fired it up. WORKS GREAT!! This even has an outlet for a remote speaker... More to follow.
All in all I'm happy with the install, and the price. This was my first dis-assembly of a GEN2 so I took my time, overall, 2 hours. If I had to do it again, 45 mins to an hour. Let me know if you need any help. I'm no expert, but have the shop and tools to get the job done.
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
-
Here are the install pics:
K400 mounted to door:
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Cable run through Washer Fluid Grommet (No Holes Drilled :) )
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Cable through headliner, down C Pillar to floor.
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Cable Connected to CB box (Hanging Cable is for Mic)
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Box Mounted
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Used add a Fuse in the Empty Space on Panel
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Power and Ground Wires run, Cable Zip Tied to Box under dash
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Handheld Mic connected
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
CB Powered Up ready for Use
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Let me know what you think?
-
Almost forgot:
Mount from outside
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Mount with Antenna
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
and the Sticker Mod
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Enjoy!
-
Good install. That's the same radio I've been using for years and haven't had any problems with it.
-
Very nice job!!!
-
Thanks for the tutorial. I will definitely bring this to the attention of my man.
-
Great write up Lava...thank you. This will work great for Big Bear.
Sticker Mod esp. cool. 8)
-
Thank you all.
I wanted something simple and easily concealable against theft. It is even possible to remove the mount but still leave the cable intact, just hidden inside the door jamb of the rear hatch while in day to day drive mode. The antenna can be removed by using a small adj. wrench. You can use a quick disconnect also. The spring only allows the antenna to flex at the base. I believe you could combine the two for for a flexible quick disconnecting mount, its all $$ and preference.
And to answer questions about if its ready or not out of the box, it is. No tuning required as long as you use a 4' antenna. This is basically a "1/4 20" wrap as they say in radio speak so I've been told, and is specifically tuned for CB comm's. Its only when you go smaller than 4' do you have to use an SWR meter or tune the antenna.
Thanks again, and See you all at Cleghorn in 2 weeks!
Big Bear still undecided...
-
Thanks Justin for posting that additional information. I tried editing my original post and ended up messing it all up and finally just deleted it. So I'm really glad you remembered everything I had wrote. The original write-up with pics and this follow up information was very helpful.
-
Many factors can affect tuning including placement of the antenna on the vehicle, and the vehicle itself. Never believe anybody that says its ready to go out of the box. I would suggest if you haven't already, buy or borrow an swr meter and check the reading just to be sure you don't burn your radio up. My friend believed the guy at radio shack, and when we checked his, he was over 3:1. I have an swr meter around my garage somewhere, if you want to check yours, its pretty easy.
-
Thanks RockinX! I saw your post earlier and wanted to answer all the questions, then it was gone. I hope I didn't miss anything.
Knightrider
As far as the SWR meter, I for sure will measure the strength. Thanks for the help! I will definitely take you up on your offer. I was going to say lets meet up before Cleghorn, but your out for Little Blue Guys in Vegas?? :) Maybe CANVAZ II? if I don't get an SWR before then?
Thanks again to everyone for all the reviews!
-
Almost forgot:
Mount from outside
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Mount with Antenna
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
and the Sticker Mod
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Where did you get the antenna bracket?
Enjoy!
-
I bought it at the Ham Radio Outlet in San Diego.
5375 Kearny Villa Road #113
San Diego, CA 92123
store hours:
10AM-5:30PM Mon - Sat
Telephone hours:
9:30AM-5:30PM Mon-Sat
TOLL FREE: 877-520-9623