I would like to design a CB setup for my truck ( 2000 Dodge Dakota Extended cab). I have some buddies who would be interested in getting CBs for their trucks however they are probably not willing to spend as much as I am. I would like a Reliable Truck to Truck range of 10 Miles in Suburban/City/Rural setting. I would be willing to spend up to 400 dollars and I think my friends would tap out at around 100. I am not a complete radio novice, I got my ham radio technician ticket in junior high but never did much with it, however it hasn't expired yet. Are there any suitable radios that are powerful enough to do what I want (assuming matched with good coax, and good antenna tuned to acceptable SWR) without an external amplifier? I have heard some radios are sold that output more than the legal limit but it isn't a big deal, The General Lee has been mentioned as a powerful one as well as some Galaxy models. Are "Import"/"Export" radios units that are made for nearby bands adjusted to transmit and receive CB? Are these radios powerful once tuned for good SWR, or do they need internal modification ( Peak and Tune? ) Can this be done myself following guides if I have a decent electrical understanding?
I haven't operated a CB on-air before but had a cobra 19 ultra III (cheap compact unit )to drive an intercom speaker.
I don't understand some of the lingo for CB innards like Echo Boards, "Singal" or "Dual" finals, etc. If an echo board is some sort of voice effect thing I have absolutely no interest in that stuff, I want to sound clear and understandable not annoying or hard to hear.
I know I need a "Good" antenna, I will avoid the magnetic and suction cup mount and am willing to mount an antenna from my truck bed. Can you guys give me some pointers on specific antennas and radios? If I can exceed my expectations for my budget then that is great.
I know I am asking a lot but the sticky said to avoid buyers remorse and ask on here for help so -- Any input appreciated!
Help design rig to meet my expectations?
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Luke
- NEW DUCK
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- Real Name: Luke
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rockraven30
- 6 PILL USER
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- Joined: May 20 2010, 22:12
- Radio: DX 2517 and cobra 29
Re: Help design rig to meet my expectations?
if it were me i would get a cobra 29 ltd or one of these magnum radios, with a d104 mic and good fiberglass wipe like a k40 or 102 inch whip.
as far as tuning them. A good tech would be you best bet, but if you have a pretty good knowledge of electronics. i would suggest a good SWR, watt and modulation meter. cb tricks is a good site for tuning the radios
as far as tuning them. A good tech would be you best bet, but if you have a pretty good knowledge of electronics. i would suggest a good SWR, watt and modulation meter. cb tricks is a good site for tuning the radios
So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
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'Doc
Re: Help design rig to meet my expectations?
Luke,
The only sticking point I see in your requirements is that 'reliable' 10 mile range thingy. That 10 mile range isn't that unusual, but it isn't something you can count on, there are too many variable that have an affect on range. The biggy is propagation, which is entirely up to 'Momma nature'. Then there's all the things you do have some control over such as the size/type of antenna, the radio, etc. There just isn't any -one- 'best' particular way of assembling a radio station that works the same for everyone in all situations.
Some terminology. A single/dual radio refers to there being a single transistor power output transistor, or, a 'dual' final transistor stage, has two transistors instead of just one. That's to increase the power output of that radio. Legitimate CB radio manufacturers are limited to a particular maximum power output. Doesn't really matter how many transistors are used to obtain that output, one, two, or forty of them. The number of final output transistors is more a status symbol than anything. The 'export' radio thingy is merely a way of getting around the law, so are the so-called '10 meter' radios (or amplifiers). The part of that which is important is that those type of devices are not held to any standards. No one with any authority says they've got to meet certain minimum standards, it's an "anything goes" kind'a deal, so buyer beware.
Depending on your purpose for wanting such a radio capability, there are certainly ways of getting that reliable 10 mile range. Very basically, the amount of 'reliability' is determined by the relative cost. And that cost will sort of define the difference between 'fun-n-games' and 'serious' purposes.
- 'Doc
(Since you have one of those ham licenses you've at least been exposed to some of the variables, and possibilities. So, there's nothing really 'new' in any of the above. Right? And just for 'grins', don't let that thing expire.)
The only sticking point I see in your requirements is that 'reliable' 10 mile range thingy. That 10 mile range isn't that unusual, but it isn't something you can count on, there are too many variable that have an affect on range. The biggy is propagation, which is entirely up to 'Momma nature'. Then there's all the things you do have some control over such as the size/type of antenna, the radio, etc. There just isn't any -one- 'best' particular way of assembling a radio station that works the same for everyone in all situations.
Some terminology. A single/dual radio refers to there being a single transistor power output transistor, or, a 'dual' final transistor stage, has two transistors instead of just one. That's to increase the power output of that radio. Legitimate CB radio manufacturers are limited to a particular maximum power output. Doesn't really matter how many transistors are used to obtain that output, one, two, or forty of them. The number of final output transistors is more a status symbol than anything. The 'export' radio thingy is merely a way of getting around the law, so are the so-called '10 meter' radios (or amplifiers). The part of that which is important is that those type of devices are not held to any standards. No one with any authority says they've got to meet certain minimum standards, it's an "anything goes" kind'a deal, so buyer beware.
Depending on your purpose for wanting such a radio capability, there are certainly ways of getting that reliable 10 mile range. Very basically, the amount of 'reliability' is determined by the relative cost. And that cost will sort of define the difference between 'fun-n-games' and 'serious' purposes.
- 'Doc
(Since you have one of those ham licenses you've at least been exposed to some of the variables, and possibilities. So, there's nothing really 'new' in any of the above. Right? And just for 'grins', don't let that thing expire.)
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385
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- Real Name: Tracy
- Antenna: imax 2000
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Re: Help design rig to meet my expectations?
Radio---RCI 2970n2, 10, 11, and 12 meter coverage, am/fm/ssb/cw operations, 200+ watts, no noise toys except for the rodger beep that is selectable. Finest export ssb rig on the market.
Antenna--- 102 whip, Tried and true performance. Just all around hard to beat.
Antenna #2--- Predator 10K, Multiple shaft lengths and coil configurations if highth is a problem. Works best puck mounted in roof of the cab.
Coax--- The best you can afford, Belden RG8X will work fine.
That should be right at your budget. Maybe a bit more but, that should get you very close to your goal of 10 miles. As "Doc" said its not something you can count on. When the skip is rolling you may not be able to talk 3-4 miles on ch 19 But you can go to another channel and talk 1000 miles. Good luck and hope this helps.
Antenna--- 102 whip, Tried and true performance. Just all around hard to beat.
Antenna #2--- Predator 10K, Multiple shaft lengths and coil configurations if highth is a problem. Works best puck mounted in roof of the cab.
Coax--- The best you can afford, Belden RG8X will work fine.
That should be right at your budget. Maybe a bit more but, that should get you very close to your goal of 10 miles. As "Doc" said its not something you can count on. When the skip is rolling you may not be able to talk 3-4 miles on ch 19 But you can go to another channel and talk 1000 miles. Good luck and hope this helps.
385, Tracy
