New Base with mobile set up

[Pulaski]

I've got a Uniden 68 laying around and want to set it up as a base CB and I've got a couple questions. First, Clay's sells Pyramid 12V DC power supplies but they run from like $25-$60. So which one should I get? Second, Antron 99 or Imax 2000? I would be getting the ground plane combo on either one. Oh and coax length? I just built a shed for my brother in-law which is going to be a shop/hang out. Roof peak is 16' off the ground. Thinking of mounting the antenna off one of the gable peaks. I'm not thinking of running an amp. Just want to try it barefoot for now. Thanks for your suggestions.

[Red Warrior]

o ya the coax does need to be at least 18' long

Why?

[Midlander]

o ya the coax does need to be at least 18' long

This is a CB and general radio myth, why people continue to spread this, is beyond me! The length of your coax should be as long as you need it to be. People will try and tell you that you have to have at least 18 feet of coax in mobile installs other wise you will get fluctuating SWR readings THIS IS FALSE, if you do run mobile and you have fluctuating SWR it is not the length of coax causing the problem but rather common mode, and will require troubleshooting or the use of a balun to rectify it.

Base installations especially on low power legal limit will have no problems doing what you want it to do. Just run good coax the length you need and you will have no problems.

I would recommend the MACO as it is all aluminum and will last longer then fierglass.

[Goldhawk]

I've got a Uniden 68 laying around and want to set it up as a base CB and I've got a couple questions. First, Clay's sells Pyramid 12V DC power supplies but they run from like $25-$60. So which one should I get? Second, Antron 99 or Imax 2000? I would be getting the ground plane combo on either one. Oh and coax length? I just built a shed for my brother in-law which is going to be a shop/hang out. Roof peak is 16' off the ground. Thinking of mounting the antenna off one of the gable peaks. I'm not thinking of running an amp. Just want to try it barefoot for now. Thanks for your suggestions.

To answer your questions. If you are going to only being using that radio on the power supply then get the 8 amp one. As for the I-Max 2000 and Antron 99 the I-Max 2000 is the better antenna it's 5/8's wave and it says it will handle 5kw but it won't it'll handle about the same as an Antron 3,000 watts, I wouldn't get the ground plane kit for it though I have an I-Max 2000 and it works just as good without one as it does with one.

[Pulaski]

One more question then. Can I run a 2 pill mobile amp with the base and if so, which Pyramid power supply would I want. The mobile amp is in the truck now but I'm curious what my options are if and when I remove it. Amp is a Worldwide MF-200. I noticed Worldwide sells a base version of this amp but it is considerably more expensive. Curious as to why. Thanks

[treetall]

the reason the base version is more expensive is it has a power supply built in

[Kojak]

I'm moving this week to a private residence. Already purchased 100' of CXPERTS RG213 and an Imax 2000 w/ground plane to go on a 30' pole. Finally, I'll have a base station !

[drdx]

Congrats on that kojak, I look forward to hearing you here in tx. You're up in the NW corner, correct?

It is an old post but the answers:

3 amps will run that radio stock, and I think that's what they come fused with.

coax length does not matter, as said, it is a myth

that mf200 and radio would run on a 35 amp supply, just not to the max potential, but the 35 would work. I say the 35 because they're easier to find and beyond that power supplies get expensive. A new 35 amp astron is about $135 depending on if you want meters, and cheaper used.

-drdx

[Circuit Breaker]

DRDX, you forgot to mention the price of a power supply can also depend on whether it is a switching supply or transformer. Power supplies with transformers are generally better...but more expensive and heavier because of the transformer inside. A switching supply is cheaper, but, unless it is well built, generates noise across the spectrum.

[Kojak]

Congrats on that kojak, I look forward to hearing you here in tx. You're up in the NW corner, correct?

It is an old post but the answers:

3 amps will run that radio stock, and I think that's what they come fused with.

coax length does not matter, as said, it is a myth

that mf200 and radio would run on a 35 amp supply, just not to the max potential, but the 35 would work. I say the 35 because they're easier to find and beyond that power supplies get expensive. A new 35 amp astron is about $135 depending on if you want meters, and cheaper used.

-drdx

Thanks. I was in the NW corner. Now, it's "383 on the East side of the Big Apple Tree ! ( Long Island)

[drdx]

Super, that's easier to hit from here, although I did have California just a while ago. I got one response on 6 from an LA station, and a couple on 34, but it is not super strong yet.

-drdx

['Doc]

Just wanted to add this. A larger than necessary power supply is nice for a couple of reasons. First, having 'more' than you need means you won't be working it to it's maximum ability, which isn't very good. And, have you ever ran out of wall outlets to plug another 'wall-wart' into for that new thingy you just got? As for weight, how many times do you plan on moving the thing once you put it where you want it? (Was going to say something about getting your wife to help move it, but changed my mind. Just buy a fork-lift.)
- 'Doc