Clean VHF/CB radio installs

pretty sure it does;

https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/3780.html

 

One of them does it I thought it was the 7800 but it might be the 7900.

 

Installed a new auxiliary battery in my “Whiskey compartment” as my two year old one died. Went slightly bigger to give more run time. This is isolated from the main run battery when engine off and has its own charger also in pic.

 

Ft-2900 2m series has no fan and doesn't detach. must be thinking of that.

This is my FT-7900;

 

Maybe.

 

That's about the most awkward spot for a head unit I've seen.

 

You meant the radio, right?

 

Good thing you don’t sit there.

I scan 60 or so memory channels all the time, local repeaters, road channels, company channels.. I don’t need to see the radio other than turning it on. If there is a net or someone looking to talk I can switch off scan and chat. Not too hard.

Also our taco is the family truckster, three other people and the dog are not into Amateur rag chewing so this spot works.

I’ve seen much worse..

 

Right. I mean you could also add a cup holder along side of it too while you're at it.





I kid

 

What do y’all think about this one?

$158 Uniden CMX760 Bearcat Off Road Series Compact Mobile CB Radio, 40-Channel Operation, Ultra-Compact for Easy Mounting, Large 7-Color Backlit LCD Display on Mic with Built-in Speaker Mic, Black

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XJG6NY...olid=3GPKU3GWSW9NU&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I know nothing about CBs but want one for emergency use. I’m also OCD so a super clean install is a must. This looks like I could hide the box easily in the glovebox maybe and just have the mic exposed. How big of an antenna would I need? Is there such a thing as a QD antenna I could put on only when I needed it?

 

I used a different CB but I did something that might be the look you’re going for.

Ran the small connector box that the antenna cable, mic, and power wires connect to under the driver seat.






Then ran the mic between the seat and center console, and when I don't need the mic it goes into the center console via the cable indentation.

 

I personally done like buttons or screens in the mic. I find they heat up pretty quick.

I'd suggest just something small like this.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087512CT8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_qxVPFbE5VG114


As far as an antenna goes, you can just get a mag mount antenna. Easy to take off when you're not using them. Easy enough to tune too.

 

You should look into the real world limitations of what you can expect a CB to do for you in emergencies. If you're out in the woods, you won't get out to emergency services. If you're on the road, chances are you can use your cell phone.

 

There’s been several times when we couldn’t use cell phones after storms because the network was overloaded. What do you mean by no emergency services if out in the woods?

 

He means CB is pretty much line of sight. Plus you would have to hope someone is in that range with their CB on 19 or 9 listening.

Even with vhf unless you know a repeater nearby your range is not going to call in the search party.

 

As a paramedic that responds to emergencies “in the woods” I can tell you that unless you are on our VHF freqs or marine band 16 you aren’t being heard by us. The ham repeaters are your best bet. If you want to invest in a radio to call for help, you should consider investing in getting your ham technician ticket. You’re more likely to be heard.

 

Well crap. I thought CB had greater range. I wanted to be able to check in with my dad who lives about 30 minutes north of me.

 

I think it may have greater range. But, you might not be heard. Because likely nobody is listening.

Your mission profile is going to be different depending on your geographical location. Here it won’t work.

 

3-20miles under ideal conditions. The 11m band is good for distance but you are limited by 4w of power. That’s why if you take your CB out at night you can get skip from way far away.. it’s bouncing off the ionosphere like AM radio does.

Emergency wise the best is an InReach or Spot plb. Next would be ham and familiar with local repeaters.

 

You just need to make sure you have your emergency at the peak of the sunspot cycle!

I used to have stacked 10m yagis at 50 and 100'. I once got an email from a CB guy in Canada during ARRL 10m contest. He said he could copy a harmonic of my signal on Ch18.....

There have been many ARRL 10m contests where that I've worked DXCC in a weekend. It's all about sunspots. At the top of the cycle, you can work JAs for an hour or two from FL on the gray line.