CB specifics

Most of the Ditch Light mount Fabricators (I know CaliRaised does) also make extensions for people that want ditch lights AND an antenna up front (people like you and me). Check out SOS Concepts they are the only ones I know of that make 1 bracket made to hold both an antenna and ditch lights, that's who I got mine from. I haven't posted any pics yet because I'm still dealing with SWR issues. Will post pics... eventually.

 

Yeah there are plenty of smaller CB radios out there. Not sure what your specific requirements are but when I was looking for a CB I mainly wanted a small unit equipped with NOAA channels. Cobra has a 75wx st handheld that is decent, has weather function, an “ok” performer overall. Uniden has an ultracompact model also but it’s like $140 lol, the Uniden 660, looks good though. Lots of other ~$50 range stuff out there. If you want SSB unfortunately your stuck with a large CB setup.

Like what @BrotherBudro posted, you can add an extension to a ditch light bracket or SOS has one with 2 mounting points. I’ve heard a few anecdotal posts of the LED lights messing with the antenna receive though. Not sure what’s up with that.

Do 3rd gens have some sort of issue with the hood being a good ground? I’ve seen a few people post issues with hood mounts even after sanding down some of the paint and getting good metal-metal contact. Never had this problem on my 2013.

 

I have a set of SDHQ A-Pillar mounts for my squadrons. I will check and see if the ones you suggest make an antenna mount that might work along with my SDHQ mounts.

Thanks!

 

Yea, I really love how compact that Uniden CMX660 is, but I do really want the PA function as well.

I am not sure I know what you mean by "SSB". Is that the PA feature?

 

I haven't heard too much about post-sanding problems. I went ahead and slapped a ground strap on there while installing, just to make sure I wouldn't have any issues. But obviously it didn't really help me, even though I think my current issues are antenna-based and not grounding.

 

Singe Side Band. The way I've had it explained to me it's like in-between CB channels, the legal output limits is 12 (I think) watts, v. 4 for regular AM transmission. I've got an SSB radio, but haven't let it stretch it's legs yet.

 

Hi All, new to the thread. Great info., thanks to all who posted.
I'd like to install a 1000W inverter with a cab & rear box outlets. Other than running power & antenna lines on opposite sides, is there anything else that should be of concern?

 

You should also check out the President McKinley. It's small, no chrome, has weather, PA and SSB and a front facing speaker.

 

And it fits in the center console armrest.

 

It should. That is where I was going to mount mine. Size (W x D x H) 6.69 x 5.91 x 2.05 inches. I liked the idea of having it hidden, but didn't like the idea of driving with the arm rest up/open. I wasn't sure how well I would hear it with the cover closed. Personally, I like the way the center console opened on my 2015.

 

What about the Andy made by President?
It seems to have everything except the SSB and it's smaller then the McKinley. Or am I missing something?

$89 President ANDY Compact AM CB Radio, Multi-functions LCD Display, 7 Wweather Channels, 40 Channels AM, 12/24 Volts, Up/Down Channel Selector, Volume Adjustment and ON/OFF, ANL and NB Filters

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B075...esident+cb&dpPl=1&dpID=51tP4mBLWtL&ref=plSrch

 

Thank you for the suggestion

 

You can hear it surprisingly well! I've seen some pics of how the 2nd gens open, and I agree that is probably better for mounting a CB in there, but so far I'm really digging where mine is mounted. If only I could get my SWR figured out so I could join in on the conversation....

Multimeter will be here tomorrow.

 

If all you are looking for is a CB with PA, your options are pretty wide open. I've heard you can't really go wrong with the Uniden 520 series, and they are pretty small. The McKinley's are pretty top of the line radios, and the price reflects that. Just trying to save you some money if you aren't looking for all the bells and whistles.

It'll take some time, but scroll through this entire thread and you'll learn a lot.

 

It all depends what you'll use it for. I know I wanted an SSB radio, I also liked the built in SWR the McKinley has. They both have a lot of bells and whistles for small sized radios. I believe Uniden and President have some sort of co-op going on. I use the Uniden bearcat wireless mic on my President.

 

@BrotherBudro is right! There is ALOT to be learned just on this thread. Right channel radio's site has a lot of good info too!

 

Yes I have been trying to scroll through the past posts of this thread and read. It is a lot to take in....lol

I think I may go with President's model Andy.... unless something else crosses my path. I can start out with this simple or model and if I decide to upgrade, I can always do the McKinley at that time.

Now that I have somewhat chosen a model of CB. I need to determine which antenna and Hardware to pair with it.

Considering the lengths I've gone to keep my truck all blacked out I would prefer to stay away from any Chrome Hardware.

Does anyone have an antenna in mind that I could equally match up with this Andy model? I know another friend of mine has told me that your setup is only as good as your cheapest part.

 

Update:

When I first installed my CB I was only testing the SWR on channel 1, I know you are supposed to test across the band, but I figured if 1 was so far off, there was no point in going on. After re-checking channel 40 yesterday and it being in the 2.4ish range, I got to thinking some more. So today, in my driveway I started playing with the antenna length and got the below results:

• Channel 1: 2.4
• Channel 10: 2.0
• Channel 20: 1.2
• Channel 30: 1.0
• Channel 40: 1.0

I feel pretty good about my readings and safe about transmitting on the higher end of the spectrum, but I have a few questions:

1. What should I start looking for when I recheck the SWR this weekend? (under proper conditions: open area, away from powerlines, etc.)
2. Is this unsafe to transmit on below channel 10?
3. Should I try to get my SWR at 1.0 on 20, so be more even across the spectrum?

A little teaser pic of where I have it mounted:


Thanks for all your help!

 

You need to tune your antenna right. Based on your SWR reads your antenna is too short given SWR on ch 1 is much higher than ch 40. That being said the goal is to bring them down to where they essentially equate (ch 1 and 40 that is). That being said idk how it works out mathematically from a radio science aspect but you may only be able to get it down to the difference between the channels, so like SWR 1.7

Typically you want SWR at the very least lower than 2, and 1.5 and less is much more ideal. And of course close to 1.0 is perfect.

I wouldn’t worry so much what ch 20 SWR is. 1 and 40 are the main focus.

Basic read:
https://www.rightchannelradios.com/blogs/installation-guides/18330687-cb-antenna-tuning-instructions

 

^^^
This!!