Post by: CVXTERRA on March 28, 2016, 04:30:03 PM
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005Q4ZV/ref=s9_simh_gw_g107_i1_r?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=1H27ESC3MY1CK1ABS6TV&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2437869742&pf_rd_i=desktop
Long term I intend to take learn a lot more about Comms and would eventually get something more permanent but for now I think not having to worry about anything other than flipping the knob to on would be dandy.
I guess my question is, at this price point and for this upcoming trip and ones of the like (close range, used only for comms on trail) would this work fine for me?
Post by: JFanaselle on March 28, 2016, 04:50:47 PM
1) You'll burn through batteries very quickly, especially if you're talking on it a lot. If there's a power adapter available, I'd suggest to get it
2) Your range will be EXTREMELY limited with a unit like that. Like, in some cases, you may not even be able to reach people that are just around the next bend in the road in front of you. Small antenna + inside the rig = very bad for CB, which is already a very low-range setup even with an ideal setup.
At $50, you can get a really nice mobile CB that you can permanently mount, but you'll have to decide on a location and do the install before the trip (a great opportunity to come to the mod day at RBDuffer's house the day before!), and you'd still have to buy an antenna, coax and a mount. Honestly, you can build a very nice, permanent setup that's not a hold-over for about $90. Again, this will work and will accomplish what you want (quick, easy and cheap), but it's $50 that you'll spend and want to upgrade after just a couple of trips, so it's not a bad idea to invest that $50 into the $90 or $100 solution from the get-go.
One way to make the setup a little better would be to purchase the BNC to PL-259 adapter and run a magnet mount antenna that you can just stick on the roof. It would increase your range quite a bit just by getting the antenna up and out of the rig. However, again, by the time you factor in a magnet mount base, an antenna, the adapter, and the radio, you could just buy a really nice permanent setup and install it. :)
Post by: Ghost65 on March 29, 2016, 07:06:35 AM
Like Joe said, any small handheld or stand alone unit will do. You can even wire the power cord to a 12 volt plug for total "plug and play" convenience.
Sent from Cygnus X-1
Post by: Ghost65 on March 30, 2016, 10:15:14 AM
Post by: knightrider on March 30, 2016, 03:13:36 PM
It was easy to install when needed, maybe 5 minutes. CB radios are low wattage so powering them from the cigarette port is totally fine.
Later on if you want to install the CB more permanently, you already have the parts you need.
Post by: JCX on March 30, 2016, 09:10:06 PM
Post by: chrishaynesusa on April 04, 2016, 07:25:19 PM
I will also try to attend Cleghorn if I am able (first time). This is what I just ordered (http://www.amazon.com/Midland-75-822-Channel-CB-Way-Radio/dp/B00000K2YR?ie=UTF8&keywords=midland%20cb%20radio&qid=1459396412&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1). Easy, portable and I can upgrade to a mobile mounted Ham radio with coverage on 2 meter and 70cm bands so I can play with the big boys on the SCCX. Hope I get it in time.
FIFY :)