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CB radio and antenna set-up

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

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

    scheide [OP] Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
    WileECoyote and TXpro4X4 like this.
  2. Apr 27, 2017 at 6:59 PM
    #2
    jjsul

    jjsul Well-Known Member

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    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
     
    WileECoyote and GaryLaurenLogan like this.
  3. Apr 27, 2017 at 8:46 PM
    #3
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

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  4. Apr 27, 2017 at 8:49 PM
    #4
    TXpro4X4

    TXpro4X4 Fuck Cancer!

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    @WileECoyote ^
    I didn't have to adjust mine.
    Plug and play pretty much
     
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  5. Apr 27, 2017 at 8:54 PM
    #5
    Tommygunner

    Tommygunner New Member

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    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.
     
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  6. Apr 27, 2017 at 9:03 PM
    #6
    alphatango617

    alphatango617 Member

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    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.
     
  7. Apr 27, 2017 at 9:23 PM
    #7
    WileECoyote

    WileECoyote Well-Known Member

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    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 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:
     
  8. Apr 27, 2017 at 9:33 PM
    #8
    TXpro4X4

    TXpro4X4 Fuck Cancer!

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    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:
     
    WileECoyote[QUOTED] likes this.
  9. Apr 27, 2017 at 9:37 PM
    #9
    WileECoyote

    WileECoyote Well-Known Member

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    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?
     
    TXpro4X4[QUOTED] likes this.
  10. Apr 27, 2017 at 10:39 PM
    #10
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

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    Also...:spy:
    DSCF3919_zpskivdmnlf_eb00689908faf5082b780cc0467e721a1e58fbb8.jpg
     
    WileECoyote[QUOTED] likes this.
  11. Apr 27, 2017 at 10:51 PM
    #11
    Matic

    Matic The "OFG" Baby!!!

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    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.
     
  12. Apr 27, 2017 at 11:03 PM
    #12
    WileECoyote

    WileECoyote Well-Known Member

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    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!!!
     
  13. Apr 27, 2017 at 11:04 PM
    #13
    WileECoyote

    WileECoyote Well-Known Member

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    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:
     
    Matic[QUOTED] likes this.
  14. Apr 27, 2017 at 11:17 PM
    #14
    Matic

    Matic The "OFG" Baby!!!

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    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.
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  15. Apr 28, 2017 at 12:10 AM
    #15
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
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  16. Apr 28, 2017 at 2:00 AM
    #16
    WileECoyote

    WileECoyote Well-Known Member

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    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 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
  17. Apr 28, 2017 at 3:51 AM
    #17
    robupstateny

    robupstateny Well-Known Member

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    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
     
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  18. Apr 28, 2017 at 7:16 AM
    #18
    TXpro4X4

    TXpro4X4 Fuck Cancer!

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    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:
     
    WileECoyote[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Apr 28, 2017 at 7:21 AM
    #19
    Flytmech

    Flytmech Well-Known Member

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    Uniden 520xl and firestick..bulletproof. 20170217_130516.jpg
     
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  20. Apr 28, 2017 at 7:26 AM
    #20
    WileECoyote

    WileECoyote Well-Known Member

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    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:
     
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