Getting started with CB

[robitussin]

Yo, so I am about to move to Orlando, Florida to an apartment and I am planning on getting a CB radio to listen around the city. I plan to eventually get a ham radio license but not for a while. I was wondering, what is a good CB radio I should get at a low cost? Also, what kind of cheap converter could I get so I can plug it into a wall since it will be used inside my apartment and not in a car? Will all I need is the CB, power converter and an antenna?

Also, the most important question is, will I be able to get a good signal is the antenna is inside since I'm not sure if I'll be able to have it outside being in an apartment and all.

Thanks for answers and advice.

 

[SpectreOZ]

Cb is all about compromise... I usually recommend an SSB radio but local activity differs here, if antenna, power supply and portability are considerations then perhaps a hand held 40 channel is your best bet.

It can be powered off batteries, a 12v source in an automobile or a mains-to-13.8v power supply, however your range will suffer (compared to a base station configuration), if going this path may as well make it something that can also receive those WX weather/hazard alerts by perhaps Cobra or Midland (although personally I prefer the aesthetics and build of the Midland).

If listening is going to be your main activity why limit yourself to 27Mhz CB? a good quality receiver will permit that plus Ham bands along with SW broadcast, Maritime, Aviation & HF utilities.



Food for thought...

 

[AC2OY]

Agreed if your going to listen get something more wide band like a scanner or a ham transceiver. Just as a example my HT(handy talkie) Frequency range is wider than my police scanner! Older radios on flee bay you can pick up cheap and you can listen to lots of stuff. As far as antennas go,if they won't let you put up a outside antenna MFJ makes a apartment antenna or slap a mag mount on your air conditioner!! Have fun!!! Just looked it up 0.1-1300.00Khz

 

[KD5SPJ]

I have been into the CB radio since 1970. I can give you some suggestions but when someone mentions cheap, that is too subjective. I will start on just what you need. I would get a mobile CB radio and an inexpensive (radio shack) power supply. The power supply can be a 3A 12vdc unit from radio shack and they cost about 50 or so dollars. That will run any stock CB radio. Buy either a Uniden 510 or something in that series, or a Cobra 29LCD or a Uniden 880. The latter will be the best radio you can get for under 150 and it'll work for years in both the car and at home. The problem might be for home use an antenna will be a problem. For the car no problem on an antenna, you can use a mag mount or a permanent mount on the car. I suggest either a Wilson 1000 or Wilson 5000 on the car, and an 11m (CB band) dipole strung up in the ceiling of the apartment for the base. That's about it for now, and I hope this helps. Feel free to ask any other questions.