Looking to get back into CB

[Carlin888]

Haven't fooled with one for like forty years, so effectively I'm a beginner. Anyway, could use lots of advice. Guess the best place to start is actually buying one. Back in the day there were two sorts of base stations...those that had a plug that fit a wall socket...and them that plugged into some sort of converter that plugged into a wall socket.

Been looking around on Google Shopping, and not seeing any base station (under $500) that plugs into a wall socket. I see lots of car/truck CBs for cheap, but I have no inclination to mess with those, nor the converters they need. Maybe I'm not using specific enough search terms to cut through the obstructionism Google sometimes employs. So are these still available for like $300 or less? If so, what are the better models to look for? Thanks.

 

[WSAC829]

Nobody really make base stations these days. You'll still find some Galaxy's or RCI's, but even those are using dated technology and not worth the $500+ price tags. Even 30 year old used bases people are asking $300 or more for.

Best bet, even though you don't want to, is buy a new mobile and power supply. You'll spend less and be happier with the results.

 

[GadgetGeek]

I run three different radios and some accessories off of one power supply. Not many choices in base cb radios. Lots of mobiles though that will need a separate power supply.

 

[K4EET]

Hi @Carlin888 and welcome to Radio Reference!

In case you do not know about them, Walcott Radio in Walcott, Iowa is a great place to see what all exists in the world of CB Radio.

CB Radio Shop with Accessories & Radios for Sale: Walcott Radio

www.walcottradio.com

As for a converter, don’t be afraid to get a 13.8 volts direct current (VDC) power supply to run a mobile rig from the home’s wall outlet. That is what is inside a big base station that plugs directly into the wall outlet.

Do you know that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) no longer issues a license for CB radio? Also, in addition to the amplitude modulation (AM) mode of yesteryear, they now allow frequency modulation (FM) and single sideband (SSB) in lower sideband (LSB) and upper sideband (USB). The FM mode is fairly new and SSB is popular for long distance (DX) communications.

Sooooooo… What have you looked at so far that you like even if it is over $300? That will help us to get an idea of what manufacturers and models of CB radios that you like.

Welcome back to CB Radio!

 

[wtp]

do you have a scanner that covers the CB band ?

 

[robertwbob]

lots of great radios around $250 to $400 range, several antennas for base around $125 power supply $100 and coax
welcome back to the airways too

 

[slowmover]

1). Megawatt power supply (company website).

2). An AM/SSB radio with NRC (minimum).
35W capable suggested.

3). An ANTRON 99 antenna or similar; plus what’s necessary for a safe & effective installation (this will take the most time to research & plan).

#3 is the most important for the details leading to actual performance.

#2 it’s a mistake (big one) to have a lesser radio in any aspect noted.

#1 while it’s possible to go cheaper, I wouldn’t.

Build a box to house components, if desired. Place station nearest electrical mains service (as reasonable). Have base of antenna clearing 32’, ideally.

$500 is a good start and will get you most of the way. Todays gear with a proper install of systems (power & antenna) is what will put it far beyond what 1989 delivered.

You showed up at the right time. Had you done this but two years ago the station would have suffered from obsolete ears.

.

 

[N1XDS]

For what its worth...I would look in to getting a newer CB Radio and not an older style radio that has been used for whatever reason by the previous owner (due to replacement parts or etc). Look in to the Stryker 497, 655, 955 (the big brother) these three radios are very popular today in the CB Radio scene. Before I retired from the CB Radio world I had the 955 and it was a very nice radio, clear audio from my modulation and others talking to me or to who ever. Yes the 955 is on the high side of price but its well worth it to me but its up to you if you want to spend the money and the cost of getting the radio converted to 11 meters so you can listen to channel 19 for local and distance traveling.

Some CB Radio stores do bundle deals to where if you purchase a radio like the Stryker brand they throw in the converting for free or in the price of the radio so you don't have to pay the extra cost.

For home antennas: I'm not sure what to recommend I never ran a base station type setup before so others can help with that.

For mobile antenna check out the Stryker and Predator 10k antennas the best antennas on the market if you want something that performs really well.

Microphones for a CB Radio look in to the Astatic D-104 powered microphone they do come with a volume control button on the back to control the mic volume when you talk. Also, the D-104 does need a battery to power it.

For power supplies to plug in the cb radio power cord to...Check out Astron great manufacture and great prices.

Decisions Decisions ..

- Jamie

 

[robertwbob]

For what its worth...I would look in to getting a newer CB Radio and not an older style radio that has been used for whatever reason by the previous owner (due to replacement parts or etc). Look in to the Stryker 497, 655, 955 (the big brother) these three radios are very popular today in the CB Radio scene. Before I retired from the CB Radio world I had the 955 and it was a very nice radio, clear audio from my modulation and others talking to me or to who ever. Yes the 955 is on the high side of price but its well worth it to me but its up to you if you want to spend the money and the cost of getting the radio converted to 11 meters so you can listen to channel 19 for local and distance traveling.

Some CB Radio stores do bundle deals to where if you purchase a radio like the Stryker brand they throw in the converting for free or in the price of the radio so you don't have to pay the extra cost.

For home antennas: I'm not sure what to recommend I never ran a base station type setup before so others can help with that.

For mobile antenna check out the Stryker and Predator 10k antennas the best antennas on the market if you want something that performs really well.

Microphones for a CB Radio look in to the Astatic D-104 powered microphone they do come with a volume control button on the back to control the mic volume when you talk. Also, the D-104 does need a battery to power it.

For power supplies to plug in the cb radio power cord to...Check out Astron great manufacture and great prices.

Decisions Decisions ..

- Jamie

that 955 is great choice as power matches recieve.
mine is on base and gets the job done.
hard to think of whats better.pricy but worth it