Need Help! Beginning Citizens Band Radio.

[Bubba_RadioHick]

I have a pretty crappy cobra 19 ultra 3 cb and i figured i could do some mods to the son of a gun so through some ideas out and tell me how to turn that thing into a base... I also need some desk ideas for my cbs.

 

[TheSpaceMan]

You need a base antenna and some coax. The Solarcon A-99 is popular and inexpensive, or you could build your own ground plane. RG 8X cable should fill the bill. A power supply is needed, and a power mike would help!

 

[SCPD]

For me, its more than a hobby...its my business

For years I have delt with all types of radio equipment & computers.
I currently own my own business & very frequently find myself installing another cb & happily teaching the current practices of this incredible hobby.
So before people begin running their fingers across their keyboard....please allow me to ask you the right questions.

The first & probably most important question is: What is your budget like?

Answer this first one before you begin listening to anyones ideas.
To get the right answer you want from people, you must first let someone heavily experienced know just what can work best & still fit your exact needs.
Now if your real interested in being heard....I highly suggest having a budget of @ least $250.
Although its not necassary, it can save you more money in the long run if you just simply buy the best now.
Find my club for newbies on facebook....its free to join, non-profit & one of if not the very best place to get great advice & the quickest answers.
Unlike forums where you have to impatiently wait for random ideas, I check my facebook (which the club is linked to my notifications) several times a day.
I can more easily troubleshoot any problems you come across & give you "on the money" tips.
Hope I can continue to help, & if your serious about the hobby...I can seriously help you succeed. 73's as we say in the cb world.
*Google: Citizens Band Central & scroll for the facebook page or simply search for it on facebook.

Sincerely John "Tha Reaper, 892" & "KK4PGM"

 

[LtDoc]

Very basically, you will need a power supply and antenna and feed line. Your 'crappy' radio is probably about as 'average' as any on the market now, until you start into the more expensive radios. As for 'mods' that involve 'opening the hood' of a radio, I would recommend that you don't do that. Most of those 'mods' are not worth the trouble and cost, and are more 'advertising' than anything else.
- 'Doc

(Your desk etc, are also about as 'average' as it gets. Some are fancier, but a lot of us don't even have what you've got.)

 

[JayMojave]

That's funny, good one, well done

Jay in the Mojave

 

[SpectreOZ]

As for 'mods' that involve 'opening the hood' of a radio, I would recommend that you don't do that. Most of those 'mods' are not worth the trouble and cost, and are more 'advertising' than anything else.

+1


In all honesty the radio requires a significant boost in power to be even noticeable at the other end whilst over driving the modulation (loud audio) creates an awful sound at the other end let alone making difficult for others to comprehend what you're actually saying, so unless it's a "Cobra 148GTL-ese" radio it should work decently in stock trim...

Costs involved are based purely on what you want to achieve, your environment and personal preferences.


For example a mobile whip (tuned to be resonant) on a tin roof works quite well, and costs very little and will be good for a range of up to 10Km (or perhaps more depending on terrain) additionally a car battery/charger combo can be used to power the station (good in unreliable power grid locations) instead of a dedicated 13.8v pwer supply.

 

[Bubba_RadioHick]

Thanks for all the replies. My budget is pretty tight and i have the solarcon a99 but the middle diapole threaded screwin is broken and probably could be repaired. I am afraid the cobra 19 ultra 3 with the a99 will not work so help me out. Will post pics of current redneck antenna mount. Mention any additional ideas please... God Bless

 

[Bubba_RadioHick]

Very basically, you will need a power supply and antenna and feed line. Your 'crappy' radio is probably about as 'average' as any on the market now, until you start into the more expensive radios. As for 'mods' that involve 'opening the hood' of a radio, I would recommend that you don't do that. Most of those 'mods' are not worth the trouble and cost, and are more 'advertising' than anything else.
- 'Doc

(Your desk etc, are also about as 'average' as it gets. Some are fancier, but a lot of us don't even have what you've got.)

Thanks "Doc"

 

[Bubba_RadioHick]

Updates

Redneck satillite antenna mount.