1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site
    Quick Links: 1999 tacoma 3.4 Engine Sputering when im driving what could be wrong New mods added: 4x Innovation sliders, rear bumper, LED lightbar etc 95-97 Headlights, H4 conversion Hunting upgrades! Show me what you got! Canister Closed Valve Part # Changing auto transmission filter. Have gasket. RTV needed?

CB radio and antenna set-up

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by scheide, Apr 27, 2017.

Page 1 of 3
  1. Apr 27, 2017 at 6:03 PM
    #1
    scheide

    #1
    scheide [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2013
    Member:
    #101025
    Messages:
    149
    Gender:
    Male
    nebraska
    Vehicle:
    84 toyota
    4.88 gears, marlin crawler, 4" lift,lockers front and rear,33x10.5 swampers, header, u-bolt flip kit,relocated shocks in rear,walker muffler, pinion e-brake conversion,9000 ramsey winch.
    What is a good CB and antenna set-up? Something that is simple and don't have to fiddle with adjusting the antenna? Looking for a small antenna if possible. Thanks for any advice.
     
    scheide, Apr 27, 2017
    #1
    WileECoyote and TXpro4X4 like this.
  2. Apr 27, 2017 at 6:59 PM
    #2
    jjsul

    #2
    jjsul Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2015
    Member:
    #146395
    Messages:
    1,648
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    New Hampshire
    Vehicle:
    95.5 OME
    You'll have to fiddle with the antenna or have a shop do it.

    Check out Www.rightchannelradios.com
    They have great videos explaining their products
     
    jjsul, Apr 27, 2017
    #2
    WileECoyote and GaryLaurenLogan like this.
  3. Apr 27, 2017 at 8:46 PM
    #3
    NightProwler

    #3
    NightProwler Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2013
    Member:
    #116470
    Messages:
    3,447
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Harlan
    Maricopa, Az
    Vehicle:
    '01 Prerunner, '16 trd4x4, '09 R1, '03 cbr954rr, '03 rc51
    NightProwler, Apr 27, 2017
    #3
    WileECoyote and nat103 like this.
  4. Apr 27, 2017 at 8:49 PM
    #4
    TXpro4X4

    #4
    TXpro4X4 Fuck Cancer!

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2011
    Member:
    #66093
    Messages:
    28,709
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bryan
    Costa Mesa, CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 TOY
    Toy Stuff..... Faktor Amber lights on in the grill. Under front bumper led rock lighting. Center counsel c.b mod with under the hood p.a. Anytime foglight mod. R.G.B tape light for inside toekick lighting. Front and back. Front weathertech floor mats. De-Baged except TOY on tailgate. FJ style 6 speed shifter knob. Rubber tacoma bed mat. Trd exhaust. Trd 16in beadlocker style wheels. Electrical a/c 115volt plug/usb mod next to passenger knee. Fox 2.5 coilovers. Icon 2.0's in the rear. Rear locker any-time mod. Abs kill switch mod. All Pro ISF front skid Pelfrey built front differential skid Baja design pro pods Rigid pods CBI pods brackets Mobtown tailgate guard RIP Mobtown Caliraised rear amber pod lights CJ Jumper- map, running, amber fog, reverse, and license plate led bulbs Pedal Commander
    @WileECoyote ^
    I didn't have to adjust mine.
    Plug and play pretty much
     
    TXpro4X4, Apr 27, 2017
    #4
    WileECoyote likes this.
  5. Apr 27, 2017 at 8:54 PM
    #5
    Tommygunner

    #5
    Tommygunner New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2017
    Member:
    #206497
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Vehicle:
    1995.5 toyota tacoma reg cab 4x4
    A smaller uniden 520 I believe is good and doesn't take up much room ... and firestik seems to make a good assortment of sizes for antenna and are fair priced. I'm about to order the uniden 520 because it fits perfectly where my ash tray was.
     
    Tommygunner, Apr 27, 2017
    #5
    WileECoyote likes this.
  6. Apr 27, 2017 at 9:03 PM
    #6
    alphatango617

    #6
    alphatango617 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2017
    Member:
    #206585
    Messages:
    17
    Gender:
    Male
    Phoenix, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2006 Tacoma TRD
    ARE Tonneau
    I have a Uniden 520 which is going into the wasted spot in the center console. Ordered a 3' Firestick and Relentless Fabrication hood bracket mount. A friend has that set up and it works well in his taco.
     
    alphatango617, Apr 27, 2017
    #6
  7. Apr 27, 2017 at 9:23 PM
    #7
    WileECoyote

    #7
    WileECoyote Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2014
    Member:
    #138864
    Messages:
    6,099
    Gender:
    Male
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    1st Gen 4WD 2.7L RegCab
    Yaesu FT-1900R w/ 2m/70cm Comet SBB-224 antenna, Cobra 19 DX IV w/ 4ft Francis CB24 Hot Rod antenna, Uniden Bearcat BC355N 800Mhz mobile scanner (analog), an external BNC mount routed to inside the cab for a handheld fire/police scanner or HAM HT's, Rancho RS5000 front struts and rear shocks, 6in KC Daylighter (pencil beam), 15x7 Black Rock Wheels Series 942, 31x10.50R15 Firestone Destination AT, fog lights, COBRA antenna hood mount (this is used to mount the GoPro on to)
    Very much agree!!! :thumbsup::fistbump:

    I hear alot of people having good results!!! :thumbsup::fistbump: Plus, very little, if at all, of having to mess with tuning a magmount antenna!!! :thumbsup:

    Btw, I LOVE your rig!!! :thumbsup::fistbump::cheers::mudding:

    To the OP, from my personal experiences this is usually the case. BUT, with that said, you should still get your SWR checked as you don't want to possibly damage your radio's output "finals"!!! :eek::boom::bananadead: A CB SWR tuner is NOT that expensive and is always good to have on hand. Just remember if you are tuning the antenna yourself that you SHOULD be in a fairly open field with "structures" at least 30ft away in all directions. Right Channel Radios has a really good tutorial on this... see the link below...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiMVAuOefXo

    That's a nice unit for sure!!! :thumbsup::fistbump: A friend of mine bought the
    $40 Uniden Pro505XL 40-Channel CB Radio. Pro-Series, Compact Design. Public Address (PA) Function. Instant Emergency Channel 9, External Speaker Jack, Large Easy to Read Display. - Black
    Uniden Pro505XL and it is very simple, but gets the job done!!! :thumbsup::fistbump:

    To the OP, also, THINK about WHERE you want to install your radio as well!!! ALOT of people tend to overlook this, buy the radio first, THEN look inside their rig and wonder WHERE the HELL are they going to install the CB that they just bought and some of these CB's are HUGE!!! ALL CB's get the job done!!! It's just a matter of how many "bells and whistles" you want to come with the unit???!!! :thumbsup::fistbump:
     
    WileECoyote, Apr 27, 2017
    #7
    dallas02, NightProwler[QUOTED] and TXpro4X4[QUOTED] like this.
  8. Apr 27, 2017 at 9:33 PM
    #8
    TXpro4X4

    #8
    TXpro4X4 Fuck Cancer!

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2011
    Member:
    #66093
    Messages:
    28,709
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bryan
    Costa Mesa, CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 TOY
    Toy Stuff..... Faktor Amber lights on in the grill. Under front bumper led rock lighting. Center counsel c.b mod with under the hood p.a. Anytime foglight mod. R.G.B tape light for inside toekick lighting. Front and back. Front weathertech floor mats. De-Baged except TOY on tailgate. FJ style 6 speed shifter knob. Rubber tacoma bed mat. Trd exhaust. Trd 16in beadlocker style wheels. Electrical a/c 115volt plug/usb mod next to passenger knee. Fox 2.5 coilovers. Icon 2.0's in the rear. Rear locker any-time mod. Abs kill switch mod. All Pro ISF front skid Pelfrey built front differential skid Baja design pro pods Rigid pods CBI pods brackets Mobtown tailgate guard RIP Mobtown Caliraised rear amber pod lights CJ Jumper- map, running, amber fog, reverse, and license plate led bulbs Pedal Commander
    :fistbump:
     
    TXpro4X4, Apr 27, 2017
    #8
    WileECoyote[QUOTED] likes this.
  9. Apr 27, 2017 at 9:37 PM
    #9
    WileECoyote

    #9
    WileECoyote Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2014
    Member:
    #138864
    Messages:
    6,099
    Gender:
    Male
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    1st Gen 4WD 2.7L RegCab
    Yaesu FT-1900R w/ 2m/70cm Comet SBB-224 antenna, Cobra 19 DX IV w/ 4ft Francis CB24 Hot Rod antenna, Uniden Bearcat BC355N 800Mhz mobile scanner (analog), an external BNC mount routed to inside the cab for a handheld fire/police scanner or HAM HT's, Rancho RS5000 front struts and rear shocks, 6in KC Daylighter (pencil beam), 15x7 Black Rock Wheels Series 942, 31x10.50R15 Firestone Destination AT, fog lights, COBRA antenna hood mount (this is used to mount the GoPro on to)
    :wave: Bryan!!! How have you been doing bro? Did you see the vids I made of the night run that we did? Wished you had been there for sure bro!!! :pout::(

    Btw, how did your CB MIC relocation mount work out for you on your recent trip, what, about 2-3wks ago?
     
    WileECoyote, Apr 27, 2017
    #9
    TXpro4X4[QUOTED] likes this.
  10. Apr 27, 2017 at 10:39 PM
    #10
    NightProwler

    #10
    NightProwler Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2013
    Member:
    #116470
    Messages:
    3,447
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Harlan
    Maricopa, Az
    Vehicle:
    '01 Prerunner, '16 trd4x4, '09 R1, '03 cbr954rr, '03 rc51
    Also...:spy:
    DSCF3919_zpskivdmnlf_eb00689908faf5082b780cc0467e721a1e58fbb8.jpg
     
    NightProwler, Apr 27, 2017
    #10
    WileECoyote[QUOTED] likes this.
  11. Apr 27, 2017 at 10:51 PM
    #11
    Matic

    #11
    Matic The "OFG" Baby!!!

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2009
    Member:
    #22436
    Messages:
    26,677
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tricky Dick
    Easley, SC
    Vehicle:
    1 owner 2002 TRD, SR5, DC, 2.7. Full OME suspension, STT pro's.
    OME 881 coils with OME nitrochargers shocks up front. TC UCA's OME Dakars with extra leaf in the rear. Warn 8000 winch with 80ft custom braided synth line. Custom 60ft synth extension. All pro tube bumper, Hi-lift jack, Safari Snorkel, Wilco tiregate. 2019 Jeep JLUR.
    They are still passing around the TW swr meter. There's a thread for it. Find out who has it and request it.
    I have one I need to ship out and start making its rnds so we have 2.
     
    Matic, Apr 27, 2017
    #11
    Speedytech7, Keep on Truckin' and WileECoyote like this.
  12. Apr 27, 2017 at 11:03 PM
    #12
    WileECoyote

    #12
    WileECoyote Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2014
    Member:
    #138864
    Messages:
    6,099
    Gender:
    Male
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    1st Gen 4WD 2.7L RegCab
    Yaesu FT-1900R w/ 2m/70cm Comet SBB-224 antenna, Cobra 19 DX IV w/ 4ft Francis CB24 Hot Rod antenna, Uniden Bearcat BC355N 800Mhz mobile scanner (analog), an external BNC mount routed to inside the cab for a handheld fire/police scanner or HAM HT's, Rancho RS5000 front struts and rear shocks, 6in KC Daylighter (pencil beam), 15x7 Black Rock Wheels Series 942, 31x10.50R15 Firestone Destination AT, fog lights, COBRA antenna hood mount (this is used to mount the GoPro on to)
    The screws don't "vibrate loose" for your CB mount? :notsure:

    Other than that, OMGosh, the lighting is just AWESOME!!! You have a very nice setup!!! :thumbsup::fistbump::cheers:

    My rig is in a constant state of perpetual work in progress, LMAO!!! My bank account HATES my Tacoma, LOL!!!
     
    WileECoyote, Apr 27, 2017
    #12
  13. Apr 27, 2017 at 11:04 PM
    #13
    WileECoyote

    #13
    WileECoyote Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2014
    Member:
    #138864
    Messages:
    6,099
    Gender:
    Male
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    1st Gen 4WD 2.7L RegCab
    Yaesu FT-1900R w/ 2m/70cm Comet SBB-224 antenna, Cobra 19 DX IV w/ 4ft Francis CB24 Hot Rod antenna, Uniden Bearcat BC355N 800Mhz mobile scanner (analog), an external BNC mount routed to inside the cab for a handheld fire/police scanner or HAM HT's, Rancho RS5000 front struts and rear shocks, 6in KC Daylighter (pencil beam), 15x7 Black Rock Wheels Series 942, 31x10.50R15 Firestone Destination AT, fog lights, COBRA antenna hood mount (this is used to mount the GoPro on to)
    WOW!!! That's pretty cool!!! :thumbsup::fistbump::cheers:
     
    WileECoyote, Apr 27, 2017
    #13
    Matic[QUOTED] likes this.
  14. Apr 27, 2017 at 11:17 PM
    #14
    Matic

    #14
    Matic The "OFG" Baby!!!

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2009
    Member:
    #22436
    Messages:
    26,677
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tricky Dick
    Easley, SC
    Vehicle:
    1 owner 2002 TRD, SR5, DC, 2.7. Full OME suspension, STT pro's.
    OME 881 coils with OME nitrochargers shocks up front. TC UCA's OME Dakars with extra leaf in the rear. Warn 8000 winch with 80ft custom braided synth line. Custom 60ft synth extension. All pro tube bumper, Hi-lift jack, Safari Snorkel, Wilco tiregate. 2019 Jeep JLUR.
    Matic, Apr 27, 2017
    #14
    WileECoyote likes this.
  15. Apr 28, 2017 at 12:10 AM
    #15
    NightProwler

    #15
    NightProwler Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2013
    Member:
    #116470
    Messages:
    3,447
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Harlan
    Maricopa, Az
    Vehicle:
    '01 Prerunner, '16 trd4x4, '09 R1, '03 cbr954rr, '03 rc51
    No the screws have rubber washers. And the cb is a cobra 29 lx LCD. The bracket that came with it matched up to the rear view mirror screws almost perfectly. Because yeah I couldn't figure out where else to mount it. Ha.

    And yeah, there's lots and lots that need done to my truck. A slow work in progress here as well.. She needs some real work done. I've calmed down on the cosmetics and accessories spending lately so I can focus on other things she NEEDS. Lol.

    But anyways.. I think the op wants something a little more, easier, to get set up. Like One of those small unidens would Probly better. Besides, you're not gaining a TON of extra usefulness out of a more serious setup. Especially if you do t need it. I was pretty disappointed with the range on mine. Its good. But not what I expected when I First got into my cb.. But yeah, just wanted to throw out what I had for my cb setup anyways. I like it. But find I rarely use it anymore.
     
    NightProwler, Apr 28, 2017
    #15
    WileECoyote[QUOTED] likes this.
  16. Apr 28, 2017 at 2:00 AM
    #16
    WileECoyote

    #16
    WileECoyote Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2014
    Member:
    #138864
    Messages:
    6,099
    Gender:
    Male
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    1st Gen 4WD 2.7L RegCab
    Yaesu FT-1900R w/ 2m/70cm Comet SBB-224 antenna, Cobra 19 DX IV w/ 4ft Francis CB24 Hot Rod antenna, Uniden Bearcat BC355N 800Mhz mobile scanner (analog), an external BNC mount routed to inside the cab for a handheld fire/police scanner or HAM HT's, Rancho RS5000 front struts and rear shocks, 6in KC Daylighter (pencil beam), 15x7 Black Rock Wheels Series 942, 31x10.50R15 Firestone Destination AT, fog lights, COBRA antenna hood mount (this is used to mount the GoPro on to)
    I have a CB/HAM setup in mine. I'm a firm believer in multiple forms of comms. For CB, I was actually able to hold a conversation with a person within a "city" environment (i.e. buildings, trees, etc) who was roughly +4mi away from me, which is pretty damn good. For HAM, unless you have a mobile unit that's +10W, you are not gonna get THAT much further out with your typical 5W Baofeng radio that pretty much everyone uses... unless, of course, you have a HAM license and can make use of the repeater systems.

    I could go on and on about radios, but the one thing for sure, having both is better than just having one form of comm, but that's just my personal philosophy on the matter. :thumbsup: Plus, I have an 800MHz Scanner as well.

    Uniden Bearcat
    $91 BC355N 300-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner, Close Call Capture, Pre-programmed Search “Action” Bands to Hear Non-Digital Police, Ambulance, Fire, Amateur Radio, Public Utilities, Weather & more
    BC355N 800MHz Scanner (narrowband capable)
    800MHz_scanner_pic1.jpg

    Slightly older picture, but not much has changed. The only real difference from this pic and what is now is that I have amber ditch lights and KC Daylighters.
    approx1200yds_out.jpg

    My typical setup for pri/sec comms when on a trail.
    Denny_magAntenna_pic3.jpg

    My Cobra 19 Ultra III and Yaesu FT-1900R. The CB is where the ashtray used to be. Fit perfectly their and I just had to do very minor mods to the center bezel to mount it. The Yaesu however required a HIGHLY custom mounting bracket that I had to make in order to mount it. It was NOT easy by any means!!! :annoyed::frusty: Excuse the mess, LOL!!!
    radios_WideView.jpg

    To the OP, figure out where you want to mount your radio and kinda go from there. As far as antenna, I personally prefer a hard mount and not a magmount, but you SHOULD get same/similar results either way. The longer the antenna, even if it is tuned, the better. With that said, I use a magmount as well, but for different uses and rarely on a trail. I have LOTS of radios, LOL!!! :D:spy:

    The absolute most basic CB setup would be a magmount antenna and say a Uniden PRO505/510/520XL. You shouldn't even have to worry about cable because your typical magmount antenna's already come with it. It is HIGHLY preferred to mount the power of your CB unit directly to your battery to avoid as much "noise" as possible.

    Other than that, there really isn't much to it.

    Hope this helps? :thumbsup:
     
    Last edited: Apr 28, 2017
    WileECoyote, Apr 28, 2017
    #16
  17. Apr 28, 2017 at 3:51 AM
    #17
    robupstateny

    #17
    robupstateny Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 25, 2016
    Member:
    #205636
    Messages:
    561
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rob
    Upstate NY
    Vehicle:
    2003 Lunar Mist Tacoma DLX
    Gray wire mod, Gentex 177 mirror, cupholder from @bradrn22, custom dog seat., AJT Design shift knob., Cb install
    My set up. 4' fire stick, CBI mount, Cobra 19dx IV. Got a 1.6 across the board.
    20170206_153402.jpg 20170216_110740.jpg 20170315_075758.jpg
     
    robupstateny, Apr 28, 2017
    #17
    WileECoyote likes this.
  18. Apr 28, 2017 at 7:16 AM
    #18
    TXpro4X4

    #18
    TXpro4X4 Fuck Cancer!

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2011
    Member:
    #66093
    Messages:
    28,709
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bryan
    Costa Mesa, CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 TOY
    Toy Stuff..... Faktor Amber lights on in the grill. Under front bumper led rock lighting. Center counsel c.b mod with under the hood p.a. Anytime foglight mod. R.G.B tape light for inside toekick lighting. Front and back. Front weathertech floor mats. De-Baged except TOY on tailgate. FJ style 6 speed shifter knob. Rubber tacoma bed mat. Trd exhaust. Trd 16in beadlocker style wheels. Electrical a/c 115volt plug/usb mod next to passenger knee. Fox 2.5 coilovers. Icon 2.0's in the rear. Rear locker any-time mod. Abs kill switch mod. All Pro ISF front skid Pelfrey built front differential skid Baja design pro pods Rigid pods CBI pods brackets Mobtown tailgate guard RIP Mobtown Caliraised rear amber pod lights CJ Jumper- map, running, amber fog, reverse, and license plate led bulbs Pedal Commander
    Been ok. Life, im sure you know.
    The relocation works great and love the cap for the connection :thumbsup:

    Wish I could of been there
    Thx again Randy! :fistbump:
     
    TXpro4X4, Apr 28, 2017
    #18
    WileECoyote[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Apr 28, 2017 at 7:21 AM
    #19
    Flytmech

    #19
    Flytmech Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2016
    Member:
    #203182
    Messages:
    857
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jase
    Geneva Alabama
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tacoma TRD OFFROAD 4x4
    All Pro Offroad bed rack Defender Basket OME/Dakars Total Chaos ucas C4fabrications LoPro Smittybilt 9.5 comp Uniden 520xl (tuned) CVT Mt. Shasta Black Oak 50 curve led
    Uniden 520xl and firestick..bulletproof. 20170217_130516.jpg
     
    Flytmech, Apr 28, 2017
    #19
    WileECoyote likes this.
  20. Apr 28, 2017 at 7:26 AM
    #20
    WileECoyote

    #20
    WileECoyote Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2014
    Member:
    #138864
    Messages:
    6,099
    Gender:
    Male
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    1st Gen 4WD 2.7L RegCab
    Yaesu FT-1900R w/ 2m/70cm Comet SBB-224 antenna, Cobra 19 DX IV w/ 4ft Francis CB24 Hot Rod antenna, Uniden Bearcat BC355N 800Mhz mobile scanner (analog), an external BNC mount routed to inside the cab for a handheld fire/police scanner or HAM HT's, Rancho RS5000 front struts and rear shocks, 6in KC Daylighter (pencil beam), 15x7 Black Rock Wheels Series 942, 31x10.50R15 Firestone Destination AT, fog lights, COBRA antenna hood mount (this is used to mount the GoPro on to)
    I like where you put your MIC connector (relocation). :thumbsup::fistbump:
     
    WileECoyote, Apr 28, 2017
    #20
Page 1 of 3
To Top