cb radios for suburban
August 9th, 2013, 7:18 AM
#11
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Here it is all set up. I turned it on yesterday and picked up some chatter from about a mile off the interstate. I agree that the antenna won't have the best reception or transmission, but I'm only looking for short range anyway. I mostly listen rather than talk.
I picked up an SWR meter on ebay for 2 bucks and will be calibrating it this weekend. The antenna can be found
<a href="http://www.walcottcb.com/ms512m-inch-tall-magnet-mount-antenna-kit-p-881.html?cPath=377_352_421" target="_blank">here</a>. Not sure who the manufacturer is though. I can't complain so far, although the calibrating might be a bit of a challenge since it just has two rings for tuning and no directions. I had a Lil Wil on my old GMC and loved it, just didn't like that it hit everything I drove under. That was the theory here. The wire was only 12 feet which could have been a problem, but the way I ran it I needed exactly 12 feet, no room to spare.
I made the mic holder out of a wire coat hanger. Sprayed it black and it works like a charm.
I picked up an SWR meter on ebay for 2 bucks and will be calibrating it this weekend. The antenna can be found
<a href="http://www.walcottcb.com/ms512m-inch-tall-magnet-mount-antenna-kit-p-881.html?cPath=377_352_421" target="_blank">here</a>. Not sure who the manufacturer is though. I can't complain so far, although the calibrating might be a bit of a challenge since it just has two rings for tuning and no directions. I had a Lil Wil on my old GMC and loved it, just didn't like that it hit everything I drove under. That was the theory here. The wire was only 12 feet which could have been a problem, but the way I ran it I needed exactly 12 feet, no room to spare.
I made the mic holder out of a wire coat hanger. Sprayed it black and it works like a charm.
August 9th, 2013, 10:23 AM
#12
Super Moderator
Joe,
Ha, I just got to have at least 8' sticking up there, since I'm such a Ratchet Jaw !
Everything looks great, save I couldn't actually tell which component the CB was in your Console.
Got one recommendation though...
I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable with the Mike hung up high like that. I know it may be convenient, but it might just be an attraction for someone to bust out a window, thinking there's some expensive equipment in there. But, I admit I'm a little more paranoid than most.
Ha, $2 for an SWR Meter !, FINALLY this stuff is getting in budget !
But as far as the Rings go, you get what you can out of it. I'd put a couple marks on the Rings with a Magic Marker, just so I could remember where they were if I drifted off a good spot. You probably should get those marks on the Rings right up front as an Original Placement reference. They might have tuned it for you to some degree. Ya never know, you may be able to get it flat as one can with a Whip. A high SWR really only hurts you on TX.
Everything looks good, and keep an eye out for those Smokies !
KDB-3062, Harris County React 2164. (Those were the good ol days !)
S.W.
Ha, I just got to have at least 8' sticking up there, since I'm such a Ratchet Jaw !
Everything looks great, save I couldn't actually tell which component the CB was in your Console.
Got one recommendation though...
I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable with the Mike hung up high like that. I know it may be convenient, but it might just be an attraction for someone to bust out a window, thinking there's some expensive equipment in there. But, I admit I'm a little more paranoid than most.
Ha, $2 for an SWR Meter !, FINALLY this stuff is getting in budget !
But as far as the Rings go, you get what you can out of it. I'd put a couple marks on the Rings with a Magic Marker, just so I could remember where they were if I drifted off a good spot. You probably should get those marks on the Rings right up front as an Original Placement reference. They might have tuned it for you to some degree. Ya never know, you may be able to get it flat as one can with a Whip. A high SWR really only hurts you on TX.
Everything looks good, and keep an eye out for those Smokies !
KDB-3062, Harris County React 2164. (Those were the good ol days !)
S.W.
Last edited by SWHouston; August 9th, 2013 at 10:38 AM.
September 1st, 2013, 10:36 AM
#14
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Join Date: Sep 2012
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I have installed a Connexx 4300 x 300 in my 99 burban. I just don't seem to get out much using a magnet mount Wilson 2000. I have noticed my fans on my CB are on alot due to where I placed the radio on the floor board.
I think I will move the radio and redo all of it.
I think I will move the radio and redo all of it.
September 1st, 2013, 11:02 AM
#15
Super Moderator
The 8' Whip is 1/4 wave, and literally is flat on SWR's. However it does stick up a ways and get hit occasionally. Same tradeoffs when you select an Antenna which has coil/windings, they don't always provide the range they say they will.
September 8th, 2013, 10:32 AM
#19
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that is wrong swhouston.i've been in radio for 15 years.i have myself put 1500 to 2000 watts threw steel whips.never had any issues.just use some good size coax.
September 10th, 2013, 5:02 PM
#20
CF Senior Member
I thought about putting one in the 01 when we had it but never got around to it. Since I've been off the road I've got my galaxy 959 and a little no name hood mount antenna and have been quite pleased, but there ain't no locals round here no more (early 2000's there were plenty and I had the whole setup base and mobiles) and after hauling grain I'm just not down to listen to that cause thats about all there is to pick up here.
those little cobras are ok. we put one in pops' motorhome and it seems to work well for what he uses it for (getting out of trucks way)