Best Mobile 2025

[slowmover]

A general: what should I recommend to friends who want high performance in Citizen Band?

Let’s ballpark it at $500 entry.
Will last longer than the time they own the automobile.

Seatbelts, Concealed Carry, and CITIZEN BAND.

This thread aimed at YOU, not the guy who knows even less. However little you know, the tools are linked as to WHAT and WHY. Your handle on them makes it easier for your buddy to understand. (You don’t just toss him in and expect him to swim).

1). As a way of taking what Best Mobile 2023 unveiled regarding the revolutionary jump in RX/DX performance:

2023 Best Mobile CB

Via mobile experience as an OTR truck driver. Several thousand hours annual use. Earlier references to the Qixiang factory’s new circuit board elsewhere. Several brands. The above possibly the best known example at present. Paired with the equally new Driver Extreme DRX-9010 External Speaker...

forums.radioreference.com

2). Then allying this to the major problem in traveling the USA while constantly monitoring AM-19 for potential problems, not just camaraderie to while-away-the-hours:

SKIP Problems in Noise Abatement.

The discourtesy of screwing up AM-19. The understood Truckers Channel. Got 39 to 119 other channels before we consider freeband. The thread is not to whine and moan, but to introduce others new to CB how to deal with Skip overwhelming local comms. The exigencies of the road. Your experience...

forums.radioreference.com

3). To up one’s game in Who, What, Where after an install:

Do truckers still use CB Radios?

I never hear any trucker chit-chat on Ch19, even with two different types of scanners monitoring. As a kid in the 70's, CB radios were cool!

forums.radioreference.com

4). Comes down to having a first class installation featuring modern gear, and

Making the best choice as to:

A). Antenna & Mount
B). Location
C). A high fidelity external speaker.

— The key concept is that a mobile radio rig is a set of systems which must perform well in & of themselves.

The Amateur Mobile Radio Installation Bible
is main reference. Followed by examples in this sub-forum (the one in which you’re reading; and):

Radio Equipment Installation Forum

Forum for discussing how to install radio communications equipment in Mobile, Base, Command Post, EOC, etc configurations.

forums.radioreference.com

As to antenna (reason for this thread):

NMO34 with the W640 (64" whip) vs NMO-27 vs CWB-27

Can anyone provide data as to: Relative bandwidth between the NMO34 with the W640 (64" whip) , NMO-27 and CWB-27? Relative performance between the NMO34 with the W640 (64" whip) , NMO-27 and CWB-27? Cutting chart for NMO34 with the W640 Availability of the CWB-27?

forums.radioreference.com

That I think will settle out past the OP questions to I.D. what may be best re a 6’ NMO-mount, roof-center antenna as this represents above 85% of what a no-holds-barred roof system is capable.

The transceiver itself is automatically an NRC-equipped AM/SSB model with a number of choices, but lets narrow it down to those having enough wattage to Hear, and Get Heard as is possible where TX & RX are equivalent. (Up to, but not needing more than, 100W. 50-80W covers the necessary and makes easier the installation):



To that I nominate the ANYTONE 6666-Pro as spec plus size are the aces. This is significantly smaller than almost all its peers (stays inside budget proposed).

Speaker (of course) is the DRIVER EXTREME DRX-9010.

Antenna can be removed and mount capped.

Radio installed in dash or console can have microphone removed.

Result is that “radio rig” disappears.

.

 

[slowmover]

Complaints:

“Not gonna cut a hole in the roof”

Is now followed by,

“Not gonna cut a hole in the dash or console”.

I’ve done both. One is reluctant first time.
I’ve gone to PETERBILT parts counter to pay $165 for a console face cover to replace the one I’d clearanced for a radio. Or scrounged the junk yard for the same piece. On trucks I didn’t own.

There’s usually more room behind these than is first apparent.

The permanent installation is the one that gets used.

How and where to run cabling (power or coax) is found by some common sense having read the reference work linked above; and done searches for models to follow in the other subforum (a pickup is a pickup, generally).

Sure, could be mounted otherwise. But these ideas should lead (and being able to glance at face is best).





Speaker can go here though it’s not as good as B or C pillar.

 

[slowmover]

Whether it winds up being NMO30 or NMO34, add springB (2.5”) to this with the 64” W640 whip to top out near 6’.



These antennas are low key, practically disappear compared to a CB antenna as it’s usually considered.

Get the cap so when removed the mount is covered.

My opinion is that 7’ is where the magic happens. But it’s not desired for this budget and set of tastes.

From 6’ to 7’ is this (actual experience): the man speaking at the far reach of my Receive with a 6’ changed to I could now hear to whom he was speaking when I swapped over to 7’ (two pairs of Skipshooters in those lengths; while parked).

I don’t think it’ll matter enough that change versus the simplicity of what’s recommended here.

.

 

[slowmover]

Radioddity QT80 Quad Band Transceiver | Scott's Radios

We will update the radio's firmware on all options prior to shipment.PC Programming cable is included with the radio no matter what option is selected.Experience unmatched communication capabilities with the Radioddity QT80 Quad Band Transceiver, now available at Scott's Radios. All radios will...

www.scottsradios.com

This is the retailer from whom I’d buy.
Specify MARS/Alignment.

He’s been field tester among several for the factory and knows these as well or better than almost all others the past three years.

.

 

[slowmover]

Size Advantage

QT60


QT80


Radio Introduction:

(New Version) ANYTONE 6666 Pro

forums.radioreference.com

Could be that another AM/SSB comes along which matches or beats this for SIZE.

.

 

[slowmover]

A pic which best shows the small size of this radio.



.

 

[prcguy]

So the 6666 Pro and QT80 are the identical radio inside? Are they related in any way to the Q5N2 or do they have a completely new and different board inside? Its nice they went back to a screw in mic connector for easier aftermarket mics.

 

[kk9h]

I just pulled the trigger and bought a QT80 to replace my trusty McKinley for road trips. Since I am also a ham and 10 meters has been wide open (thank you Mr. Sun) I intend to use it on that band while mobile as well. I trimmed a second W640 whip for my NMO34 coil to resonate on 28.400 which is kind of a “de facto” 10 meter SSB calling frequency in anticipation of the QT80’s arrival and I had a spare ferrule for the bottom of the 10 meter whip which makes swapping them very easy to do on the fly, just unscrew one and screw on the other. Lastly, I am looking forward to familiarizing myself with the receiver’s DSP capability. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has one of these radios about what DSP setting you found to work best for for you on AM CB use. 73, Don

 

[slowmover]

delete

 

[slowmover]

So the 6666 Pro and QT80 are the identical radio inside? Are they related in any way to the Q5N2 or do they have a completely new and different board inside? Its nice they went back to a screw in mic connector for easier aftermarket mics.

Yes, same as with Q5/QT60.
The Radioddity offerings are re-badged.

The original Q5 & Q6 were similar, but not the same. Performance & features overlapped. The essential details are past my remit; this is my best understanding.

Latest versions it seems repeats that: Both upgraded, similar, but . . .

 

[slowmover]

I just pulled the trigger and bought a QT80 to replace my trusty McKinley for road trips. Since I am also a ham and 10 meters has been wide open (thank you Mr. Sun) I intend to use it on that band while mobile as well. I trimmed a second W640 whip for my NMO34 coil to resonate on 28.400 which is kind of a “de facto” 10 meter SSB calling frequency in anticipation of the QT80’s arrival and I had a spare ferrule for the bottom of the 10 meter whip which makes swapping them very easy to do on the fly, just unscrew one and screw on the other. Lastly, I am looking forward to familiarizing myself with the receiver’s DSP capability. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has one of these radios about what DSP setting you found to work best for for you on AM CB use. 73, Don

Usually needs little. On Q5 I use TX-1, and RX-3. RX on W-M Radio was 20% give-or-take.

Do you have both permanently installed as that’s the idea with this thread:

Get one’s friends a permanent high-performance CB system such that it’ll get used.

IOW, details available which differ from that re install would be appreciated as become available.

Thx

.

 

[kk9h]

No, it’s not permanently installed other than the heavy duty 12v cable connected to the car battery and chassis ground terminated by a PowerPole connector under the dash that is designed to handle the load of a radio like this. Sorry about the confusion on my part. I only put the antenna on the car when we travel and the radio is stored away until put to use on a trip.

 

[prcguy]

Yes, same as with Q5/QT60.
The Radioddity offerings are re-badged.

The original Q5 & Q6 were similar, but not the same. Performance & features overlapped. The essential details are past my remit; this is my best understanding.

Latest versions it seems repeats that: Both upgraded, similar, but . . .

I have a Q5N2 but am wondering if my life will be more complete with 6666 Pro/QT80?

 

[niceguy71]

I have a Q5N2 but am wondering if my life will be more complete with 6666 Pro/QT80?

... I can't see how you can justify spending the money on a radio for a little more power ( 80 watts output on the 6666 PRO VS 60 watts for the 5555 N II / QT-60 ) .... I don't like the smaller display on the 6666 PRO... I love that triple display of the 5555 / QT-60 .... and the 6666 pro doesn't have weather channels ..... it's really the same length 10 inches long ( new version) ... and only 2 inches narrower

the old 6666 the knobs would wear out with in the first year or so.... and the new 6666 PRO looks like it has the same knobs.
..... not sure how your life would be more compete... spend the money on a vacation!

 

[slowmover]

Refer to original post, fellows.

Thread is to get one’s family or friends going wiyh a high perf complete system.

Radio choice is merely size (given meets spec).

 

[slowmover]

No, it’s not permanently installed other than the heavy duty 12v cable connected to the car battery and chassis ground terminated by a PowerPole connector under the dash that is designed to handle the load of a radio like this. Sorry about the confusion on my part. I only put the antenna on the car when we travel and the radio is stored away until put to use on a trip.

It’s not confusion being countered, it’s asking that given you’re running what I think is best that your reports outline what gear and how used (installed).

It’s a valuable addition, right on thread topic.

NMO34 + QT80

I should have been more clear.

Anyone reading what you have to offer in the way of a road report should expect a similarity if he takes the gear for a spin before (hopefully) making it a permanent install.

The permanent install is the one which gets used. Make it as good as can be in terms of performance and CB sells itself in re “value”.

My experience is that the bad actors on Skip fade back some when this radio rig starts to talk to others around. The men around me start to respond.

Adequate power is needed, but it’s the clarity which cuts thru the ice of frozen local comms.

This is key.

In heavy Skip I preface info via

State
Highway
Directuon
Mile Marker

“Texas I-20 westbound at the 409 marker, . . is this slowdown normal afternoon traffic or have we got a problem up ahead?”

(I repeat it exactly if I don’t get responses. From the top of a rise, ideally. Put some HP into my voice. “Hey, how’s this thing gettin’ out? I’m going past the 411 mark right now”. I ask those responding their MM to start to build the intuitive sense of “distance” needed to intelligently operate while mobile.)

Some questions asked seem dumb. They’re the best ones to get Fritos Jabba to pick up the mic.

Another is that if you’re hearing faintly a couple of guys talking, try to find out if they can hear you. Etc.

Apology for confusion on my part. Looking forward to every detail provided (where, when, etc).

.

 

[prcguy]

... I can't see how you can justify spending the money on a radio for a little more power ( 80 watts output on the 6666 PRO VS 60 watts for the 5555 N II / QT-60 ) .... I don't like the smaller display on the 6666 PRO... I love that triple display of the 5555 / QT-60 .... and the 6666 pro doesn't have weather channels ..... it's really the same length 10 inches long ( new version) ... and only 2 inches narrower

the old 6666 the knobs would wear out with in the first year or so.... and the new 6666 PRO looks like it has the same knobs.
..... not sure how your life would be more compete... spend the money on a vacation!

Its not about the $$, its about being fulfilled and sleeping better at night knowing I have everything I would ever need. Ever. If there could be future problems with knobs (the actual knob or switch inside?) then I'll wait for more comments on the 6666 Pro/QT80 reliability.

 

[slowmover]

Its not about the $$, its about being fulfilled and sleeping better at night knowing I have everything I would ever need. Ever. If there could be future problems with knobs (the actual knob or switch inside?) then I'll wait for more comments on the 6666 Pro/QT80 reliability.

Then you’ll want the thread on that radio.

(New Version) ANYTONE 6666 Pro

forums.radioreference.com

This one is the attempt to come up with a good pairing 5’ - 6’ NMO & NRC-type AM/SSB (small size) that one could advise another to permanently install both for a great CB set-up in an automobile.

 

[707ways2Sunday]

I have a Q5N2 but am wondering if my life will be more complete with 6666 Pro/QT80?

I just got the Q6pro and I really like it!! Does it beat my Q5N2s? That would tough to do. But it is a very good performer and I have decided to keep it!!! Even purchased the cooling fan kit for it. I have been known to get extremely long winded. It’s a very interesting radio. I didn’t like my original Q6 FWIW

 

[Backwoods40]

Its not about the $$, its about being fulfilled and sleeping better at night knowing I have everything I would ever need. Ever. If there could be future problems with knobs (the actual knob or switch inside?) then I'll wait for more comments on the 6666 Pro/QT80 reliability.

I can't speak to longevity since I just got mine the end of August, but I can say that I've had multiple contacts ask me what I'm running because they love the sound quality.
This has been both AM and Side Band.

On AM, you should expect about 90w PEP and just north of 100w SSB. I've never had a radio with so many options for filtering noise. I run with NRC and it's probably close to half the noise.

I still agree that antenna comes first, but this radio has made all the difference in the world for me.