Handhelds: Battery Pack vs. 12v Transmit Power?

[Choirboy]

I'm getting out 2-3 miles with the Ni-MH Battery Pack that came with my Radio Shack Handheld (through a Wilson 5000 Mag Mount on the roof of the Mighty Maxima). Meter checks indicate nearly 1:1 SWR on Channel 19, but PEP seems low (I don't know how to read it ). Question is, would I get a better TX output by s**tcanning the Battery Pack in favor of a 12v cigarette lighter adapter?

I'm trying to get the best performance possible from my stupid little handheld because it is a legacy from my little brother who died recently, and I have an emotional attachment to it.

Thanks for all your help!

[theonlysilentbob]

You can actually double your power by running batteries + the car adapter, that's what I do when I lend someone my cb. I am sure eventually the radio will burn up but I have been doing that all along and no problems as of yet.

[theonlysilentbob]

It seems to work with both a Cobra 38 and 37, I have not cracked the units open to see how they work, but my guess is the feedline that comes in from the cig plug joins with the battery feedline eventually.

[Rex_foxhound]

I would say you would get a better more constant power source if you went with the plug in. That way it won't slowly get weaker cause there won't be any batteries to start running down. I'm not sure if you'll see a noticable difference or not as far as the amount of watts you put out...