Just bought my first CB TRC-434

[cyphex]

Hey gang I just had a quick question, is there anyone in Montreal area that would be willing to help me test the second hand TRC-434 I just bought, I don't hear anyone on 19 or any other channels I have hopped on and I'm worried that it might not be working or that there are no CB operators in my area.

any tips tricks for a total newb?

I usually stick to Receiving with my RTL-SDR but for a base station and a mobile unit for 60 bucks I couldn't pass it up!

The mobile unit is a 3-5804D General Electric but I'm missing a way to power it for the moment.

and is it normal that the antenna is a bit loose on the TRC-434? like it stands up fine but it is very easy to fall over.

Thanks guys!

 

[alcahuete]

The antenna is a bit loose/falls over? You're not using one of those back of set antennas are you? If so, that's probably why you can't hear anybody. And if you are, no, they don't normally fall over or are loose.

 

[chief21]

Because of the frequencies that they utilize, CB radios work best with a quarter wave (9 feet) or 5/8 wave (19-20 feet) external antenna, so you really can't expect much from a small, back-of-the-radio whip.

Also, based on your description, you might possibly have a problem with the antenna connection on the radio... it should be tight, not loose, and if it is loose, the internal connection between the connector and the radio circuitry could be broken.

- John

 

[599]

There's lot's of traffic on CB in the Montreal area,if you can stand echoes and multiple roger beeps... tune in to ch.20,17,40,25 and you'll hear locals in the evening,friday night is when there is the most traffic. You will certainly find someone. They are all on upper sideband.

 

[cyphex]

Yea I played with the antenna (Mounted on the back like you described) a bit it seems much more stable now, I am planning on getting my hands on a decent antenna this weekend to play with this thing, says 50 ohm coax cable is a good bet, I will try to find a nice sized antenna on the south shore

I heard someone on 3 but they definitely couldn't hear me didn't realize people where using them I'm very happy for that fact

9 I saw a 9 foot antenna at the shop (cant recall the name though) wasn't too pricey, just want to figure out the best way to mount it on my 2nd floor balcony!

Once I get the new antenna will definitely check out those channels thanks for letting me know!

Also if you know the best way to connect the power to general electric 3-5804D 13.8 VDC let me know I can get the mobile unit running and test the base with it a bit.

 

[chief21]

That GE mobile rig will accept a certain type of keyed, usually white plastic connector. I would recognize one but I couldn't give you a part number or specific description. Perhaps a google search with the GE model number might uncover some clues. If necessary, you could probably make a connector of sorts from common parts. At the very least, however, you'll need to know which pin is positive and which is negative or you might damage the radio if you connect the 12v DC power without knowing.

- John

 

[599]

You can clearly see on the image, + positive one the right.
What are those two wires coming out of the little square holes ? coulde be the power leads installed by previous owner ?? if that's the case this is not a very safe way to route those wires.
Whatever you do,don't forget to add a fuse. Probably 2 amps.

 

[cyphex]

Thanks for the advice yea I'm gonna bring it with me to the store just to see what they have maybe get lucky

Guess what I just found in a pawn shop I hope to god its worth 60 bucks

Motorola xts 1500 model 1 it's in rough shape and the antenna is a bit cracked, but more than likely still good, the guy sold it with what he thought was the good charger but I can't get it to charge its not the correct one I'm gonna see if they have the right one tmro for it or dig in my box of spare parts and see what I can dig up.

 

[cyphex]

Hey guys I got the mobile unit working and was able to test both can transmit with my Sdr dongle was happy to see it works on both!

Now I went out and bought an antenna for it and I wanted to see if you guys have any tips for mounting it to my gallery on the 2nd floor Bannister or possibly to the roof. Here are some pics of the antenna.

Says no ground its definitely for a truck but I think it should work for my basic use for the moment no?

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[Retroradio]

You are going to need a SwR meter and patch cab,e to tune the sntenna for naximum efficency.

 

[cyphex]

You are going to need a SwR meter and patch cab,e to tune the sntenna for naximum efficency.

Thats for sur but is there anything special since it wont be vehicle mounted ground plane etc?

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[chief21]

Most mobile antennas are intended to work on a vehicle and essentially use the metal of the vehicle itself as a necessary part of the antenna. You would probably do much better if you were able to use a CB antenna actually intended as a base antenna.

- John

 

[cyphex]

Most mobile antennas are intended to work on a vehicle and essentially use the metal of the vehicle itself as a necessary part of the antenna. You would probably do much better if you were able to use a CB antenna actually intended as a base antenna.

- John

Yea I just finished trying it and it failed miserably heard some very staticky voices on channel 20 with this no ground plane antenna, then while adjusting it the mount came free of the mast mount and some of the screws etc fell into the yard its too dark to find em now I'm kinda discouraged and this antenna cost like 50 bucks lol... Will have to find another antenna and try again.

Any suggestions? I can buy another one or is the antenna itself since it's a non ground plane antenna only usable without a ground plane?

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[KC5AKB]

Hows the radio stuff going .

 

[cyphex]

Hows the radio stuff going .

Radio stuff is going well I managed to make poor contact with the Cb radio, got my hands on a TK-8180h-k2 400-470mhz for 5 bucks that I manged to get power cord for hehe

Here's some pics from the antenna I made and I really think I might order a discone antenna depending on if I find one in Canada for a good price.

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[KC5AKB]

Cool

 

[backyardhunter]

That power-line looks too close to your antenna!

 

[alcahuete]

That power-line looks too close to your antenna!

It's an optical illusion. That power line is going to the building next door, right next to the balcony.

 

[cyphex]

It's an optical illusion. That power line is going to the building next door, right next to the balcony.

Exactly it goes next door but yea I'm pretty sure the proximity caused me not to be able to contact anyone =( my new old radio the TK-8180h-k2 400-470mhz would be nice to try with the discone I'm thinking of buying but Ofcourse I'm not licensed so I can't transmit yet.

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[chief21]

First, it appears that the lower element of the antenna in the photo is way too close to the mast.

Second, while discone antennas may be better than an inside antenna, they're kind of lame... especially for transmitting. You might be better off buying a "real antenna" rather than trying to do something on the cheap and becoming frustrated.

If you need to be frugal, Jetstream sells some decent dual-band (VHF/UHF) base antennas at rock-bottom prices. Maybe not the best, but they'll get you started. And if you're planning on operating on UHF, you'll want some good quality, low-loss coax. RG58 or RG8x will eat up a lot of signal at UHF frequencies. Loss tables for different types of coax at various frequencies can be found on-line. Get the best you can afford.