I was gifted a Uniden Grant XL SSB CB this weekend. It does power up, but I do not have a antenna yet to try it with. Has a Newtron Mic, looks like nothing special. Grabbed a 4 foot firestick also.. Is this worth playing with? I know I will need a better antenna, but this takes me back 50 years. What do you guys think?
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Have not been on CB since mid 70's, but was givin a toy
- Thread starter KMG54
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Glad you're back. I too started using a CB during the oil embargo. Remember one thing. Things have changed, for the better provided you are using this radio for the road. Most interstate highways I've traveled on are still using channel 19.
However, the quality of the information tends to be much more accurate now because it is not coming from clueless 4-wheelers with a new toy. Back in the seventies, there were so many simpletons with a mike in their hands, it was embarrassing.
I cannot count the number of times truckers have helped me get around significant road closure on Interstate highways, etc. Yes, there is still trash talk.
I once avoided running into the path of a tornado in Moore, Oklahoma. I could go on and on. Oh, and it keeps you awake on long trips. There are earphones to use if others in the vehicle don't want to hear transmissions.
Regarding your equipment, Firesticks are still good antennas from what I've heard. Brush up on your lingo and "hammer down."
PS: Ah, "Good buddy" has an entirely different meaning now. If you want to keep things friendly, I would not use that terminology, LOL.
However, the quality of the information tends to be much more accurate now because it is not coming from clueless 4-wheelers with a new toy. Back in the seventies, there were so many simpletons with a mike in their hands, it was embarrassing.
I cannot count the number of times truckers have helped me get around significant road closure on Interstate highways, etc. Yes, there is still trash talk.
I once avoided running into the path of a tornado in Moore, Oklahoma. I could go on and on. Oh, and it keeps you awake on long trips. There are earphones to use if others in the vehicle don't want to hear transmissions.
Regarding your equipment, Firesticks are still good antennas from what I've heard. Brush up on your lingo and "hammer down."
PS: Ah, "Good buddy" has an entirely different meaning now. If you want to keep things friendly, I would not use that terminology, LOL.
I do have one one suggestion for you. Pick up a SWR meter so you get things working properly when hooking up an antenna.
<< CLICK HERE >> They are inexpensive.
<< CLICK HERE >> They are inexpensive.
KANE4109
Member
Welcome back! And Omega-TI gives good advice on that SWR meter. You'll get the best out of a properly tuned antenna... no matter what it is.
From what I have read the Uniden Grant Xl is a good radio, ordering a base antenna tonight.
All depends on your area. In my area, listening to CB radio is absolutely mind numbing.
From the hillbilly truckers cussing at each other to someone playing constant rap music, it becomes annoying very quickly.
At least you didn't invest any money in the radio.
From the hillbilly truckers cussing at each other to someone playing constant rap music, it becomes annoying very quickly.
At least you didn't invest any money in the radio.
I find CB-challenged bipeds in larger metro areas like Tulsa, Dallas, and the absolute worst of all, OKC. You'd think the legal cannabis industry would settle down some of these unfortunate to live in "Methahoma."
ind224
Member
The Grant XL has a built in SWR meter. Knob to CAL, transmit on AM, calibrate knob to marker on meter, then put meter switch to SWR. If Ok good put knob back to S/RF or keep watching SWR.
Checking 1 and 40 is typical practice to see if you need a bit longer or shorter.
Great radios!!
Checking 1 and 40 is typical practice to see if you need a bit longer or shorter.
Great radios!!
Man this thing is great, all I hear is Mexicans, must be a great DX'er. Haha
wtp
Member
try channel 6...the superbowl !
wtp
Member
a couple of years ago i heard a male on ch.6 saying he was in Louisiana, i am in S.W. Florida.
i was using a uniden 396T with a radio shack 800Mhz antenna and inside my house.
he aaah... might have been running some illegal power.
i was using a uniden 396T with a radio shack 800Mhz antenna and inside my house.
he aaah... might have been running some illegal power.
Not impressed so far running a 5 foot fire stick Ordered a siro base antenna and will try that.
I too became interested in 2-way radio in the 70's (SF Bay Area) and started with CB. In fact, I still have the first Sharp 23 channel that I used then. I've obtained a few more over the years but pretty much tapped out of the CB hobby by the early 90's. Every once in a while I'll bow the dust of one of the CBs and power it up to give it a listen. (If I'm really feeling adventurous I'll hook up an antenna too
) For the most part, I never hear anything on it. Things may be different in your area as I see some folks still hear a lot of radio traffic. My suggestion would be to give it a try for a while and see what pans out. If you hear nothing but static, it may just be the norm in your area.
) For the most part, I never hear anything on it. Things may be different in your area as I see some folks still hear a lot of radio traffic. My suggestion would be to give it a try for a while and see what pans out. If you hear nothing but static, it may just be the norm in your area.KANE4109
Member
I am intrigued a little.... you tried a Firestick....and are now replacing it with a base antenna.
What did you have the Firestick mounted to?
It needs to be over metal.... for a counterpoise.... like a car body. That is what they are made for ...vehicles.
Were you just bolting the Firestick up with no ground plane and feeding it? Was it on a car or something like that for a ground plane?
Mounted with a stud mount through a 4'x4' piece of sheet metal on my second story deck. I planned on getting a base antenna at a later date and mounting the firestick on my truck.
I got this one. going to go 20 plus feet above the roofline. Amazon.com
I modified my Grant XL for 10 meter use. It is a really cool radio. I have talked to UK and Chile, South America from Eastern North Carolina on SSB.
Well I got the Siro all assembled and ready to go up, then the rain came,oh well there is always tomorrow.
Home - ddsvfo.com
www.ddsvfo.com
That is one of the better ones. If I didn't have The MOD, I'd certainly get one of these. They are really cool to bring the old 23 channel radios into the 21st century. Check out the kits on Youtube to see them in action.
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