New to CB and New to the Forum...

[slowmover]

Nice report!

Family is the best example. It’s not hard to get separated. A well-plotted Trip Plan is always needed, solo, or in convoy (stops pre-determined per miles & time), so Radio is that last moment change one can make where otherwise we scrupulously avoid that type decision.

It’s difficult to convey to other truck drivers how much their efficiency can go up with a HP radio.

This isn’t for the boss, but for them.

When one has choices and has learned from experience what works . . .

. . . there’s no going back.

If I want to re-route and go around, I often can.

If I want to avoid the sheeple herd being re-routed per G-Maps, etc, I almost always can.

If I want to avoid being a sitting duck on a road with no exit across shoulder or median, I can (given I understand my routing beforehand; a solid trip plan).

— That last one is that a long trip can have choke points. “One route to X”. I can pull off to inquire ahead of time how it looks up ahead. Extra time (wait) or a re-route that’s longer is the solution (use of HOS clock).

The goal in every mile is the same: Maximum Vehicle Separation. A quarter-mile is about right.
This saves driver energy, fuel, tires & brakes.

And when it’s time to re-route one has the reserves in all ways.

For the vacationer and family man it’s nearly the same. One can’t make time by traveling faster. Traffic Volume is king. Increasing risk with collapsed space isn’t an answer. It’s always in avoiding situations which become monkey-skill reaction tests (which isn’t “skill”, per se).

HP Citizen Band is that we co-operate with others of our kind. Get the radio rig and develop the use of tools (maps, compass, clock = predictive power in a Trip Plan per planned stops) to reap the benefits.

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[jcrmadden]

A little after midnight last night I made my longest mobile to base contact.

I was tickled, but the story is more interesting that the stat.

I was swapping antennas while talking to the local stations (4, 8, and 11 miles to the three who were still on that late).

I was looking to find out which of my antennas could reach the farthest with the least amount of noise so I waited for skip to die off.

As an aside, the GR45 and the 7' skipshooter both had excellent audio and S-meter reports, with the GR45 having just a tick higher signal capture on my end.

So, around 12:30 am a new guy breaks in to ask what I'm running, and I happily shared the details.

He told me he didn't have an S-meter so he couldn't give me a reading, but said, "You're definitely getting on; I've got a room full of ya and you're crystal clear!"

I let him know that he was hitting me with an S9 but that he sounded like he was pushing a ton of static or back ground noise too (sounded like a fan running).

He said, "That makes sense, this tube radio is ancient, hasn't been on in 20 years, and isn't warmed up good yet."

Not knowing anything about tube radios I made a few inquiries of my own, and he said he didn't know much about radios himself.

He explained that the radio had three "levels", was as large as a refrigerator, and plugged into a 220v AC outlet.

He said the first level had a single tube with no numbers on it, the second level had two tubes with the number 4-400b on them, and the bottom level had four tubes that were the size of 1 gallon pickle jars and burned blue-hot.

He said he had a 5/8 wavelength antenna with a gamma match on it just to try it out. I have no idea what that means.

I've never seen or even heard of such a beast, but I though it was interesting.

So did all the other stations who where scrambling to ask questions so we traded location information and I backed out.

I came in and ran the numbers on the google machine.

I didn't know the other operator's exact location but the closest he could have been was 29.6 air miles.

That's on AM22 and not on SSB.

 

[slowmover]

Clarity is King

 

[jcrmadden]

@slowmover

In the other Tacoma thread I posted a video of my noise levels. Just for giggles I'll throw it in here...

Third Gen Tacoma CB RF Noise at Startup

You had said that the real testament to performance was daytime audio and dealing with skip.

I was headed home yesterday and took the following video...

WARNING: THE LANGUAGE USED IS ONLY LOOSELY RELATED TO ENGLISH... (We speak hillbilly around here).

Mobile CB to Base Station Audio Quality

As usual the gain was maxed and the squelch was OFF. NRC for TX and RX was set to 3, NB and HiCut were both on.

The signal meter was swinging between S3 and S5.

There were several attempts by a distant local to disrupt conversations (not sure what his problem was)...

 

[slowmover]

That’s what I’m talkin’ about.

Thanks for the follow-up.

Given zero SQ and RFG at wide open with road-noises underneath I hope it’s that others will appreciate that even listening to an overdone base station that there’s no problem (at all) in decipherment.

In a way, the only “problem” was the other mans gear as said before re typical poor installation and gear resulting in minimal range. But, here, the 1989-spec base station radio rig with modulation and echo plus power all cranked distort the clarity of his TX as that was the way it was done to try to bust thru the noise wall.




Once the noise wall gets removed (Clarity = NRC + best install and some hi-fi help) Citizen Band is a whole other world.

For those new to this, just reading along, wait’ll you hear another HQ NRC rig on-air from an identical rig.

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[T680]

Most of my off roading is in places where sane people would NEVER take a pickup truck. Steep grades, big rocks, washed out places, and LOTS of tree limbs. So we're talking really low speed. It's a really nice truck, but when I get where I'm going it gets used like an oversized side-by-side. I have to have an antenna to survive in that.

I keep coming back to the situation where I pealed the mag mount off. I know this isn't an off-roading forum, but I think the story paints the picture. Headed down a 35-40% grade, loose gravel in my right track, riding a washed out wet seam with my left track. Nowhere else to go, and nothing but a low berm and a prayer separating me from the straight drop off to my left. Low lock, first gear, hill control ON. I saw that there was a small tree that had up rooted from the upper bank, fallen across the "road", and hung in the branches on the lower side. It was almost perfectly horizontal and I realized it was going to hit just above my windshield. I knew my mount didn't stand a change so I was going to stop and cut it out of the way. I was already at a crawl, with an occasional slip, but when I started to brake I just kept sliding. I slowly slid a full truck length and listened as that tree cleaned the top of my truck off. I crawled out the passenger side, fished my mag mount out of the mud behind my drivers side rear tire, and popped it on the back of the cab. It's a crappy antenna, but it survived. I know that was the perfect storm type situation, and hopefully it doesn't ever happen again. But I can't help but think that if it had been bolted to the top of my cab I would probably ripped her open.

Getting that antenna off the roof is a compromise; I know that. But I still want the best I can get even with the limitations.

It doesn't have anything to do with comms, but I know there's probably people wondering what the hell and/or why... If there's good timber left, it's usually because it was hard to get to and even harder to get out. When I'm reconning these places I'm there well in advance of the dozer man and clear roads. Often times I end up walking the last mile anyway. Then I start working a systematic grid across the landscape taking inventory. I drive as far as I can because sometimes I have to put in 5-6 miles on foot across 800 to 1200 feet of elevation change while packing food, water, and gear. Then my dead tired ass has to get back to the truck. It's tough work and I probably sound crazy, but I love it. For the correct perspective: I get paid well to off road and be alone in the woods...

@slowmover if anyone has any interest in this it may be you... London, KY is the center of my region. It's a quant little town and a decent stop on the I75. It also has hwy 80 running E/W through it. Several lumber mills, rock quarries, distribution centers, and industrial parks in that corridor. Plus it carries all the coal from the eastern part of the state to the tipples and rail heads. Lots of freight passing through this area; local and long haul both. Lots of CB antennas around too, especially the E/W folks. I work an area that's roughly a 80 mile radius north and south of London and 120 miles east and west of it. I spend a whole lot of time on those two highways and their assorted connections. Like I mentioned in the post above, I have a CB because of my job. I've only had a taste of it, and I'm probably over romanticizing it... but there's something about telling the coal truck to watch his speed down that grade because there's a bear waiting on him at the bottom of the hill... Or hearing that it's the other way around; that the bear is in the bushes behind him so I know to make a little less steam. Or warning the west bound log hauler that the mobile scales are on the ground at the end of the four lane, 'cause I know damn well that he can't make weight. Or letting the wide load know that there's an ******* coming around that's going to squeeze him at the top of the truck lane. I've always been the guy to roll my window down at the red light to tell granny she's got a flat tire or to let the hotshot know that he has a strap loose. Doing that at distance just tickles my feel goods. My office may be in the woods, but sometimes it's a long commute. All that windshield time just seems a little easier when you're connected to who's around you and know what's going on...

So again, limitations aside, I want a big mouth and bigger ears, especially up and down the road. I can already say that I want NRC, FM, and SSB. Antenna is a need now, radio later.

I haven't read all of this thread yet but wanted to ad I used a Uniden 520XL in a semi and it worked pretty well for my needs and they weren't much different than yours. Most of the people I wanted to talk with were within a mile of each other and it worked fine for that. Reception came and went in the mountains, but that happened in my trainers truck with his Conex and custom antennas too.

 

[slowmover]

I haven't read all of this thread yet but wanted to ad I used a Uniden 520XL in a semi and it worked pretty well for my needs and they weren't much different than yours. Most of the people I wanted to talk with were within a mile of each other and it worked fine for that. Reception came and went in the mountains, but that happened in my trainers truck with his Conex and custom antennas too.

The ability of the radio system featured is that stations 15-20/miles away will sound as good (albeit less loud).

The thread is worth your while. This is a great example of what today is best. The trainers truck ain’t too good versus what only a few of us can today experience (being ahead of the curve). My big trucks audio reception sounded this good at similar long range.

No SQ, and RFG maxed, remember.

A T680 is the best of the fleet trucks for a HQ antenna system. But wiring it up is a pain (the trade-off).

Here’s the choke-point “fun” on a 2017.



DXE mounts (plus CMC choke and braided ground to firewall not shown) under 7’ Skipshooter pair.



I tend to change gear around. Here’s my pre-NRC radio in travel case with most of the accessory gear (case cover removed; component grounds shown). It rides in passenger seat. A Connex was fine in 1989. Things have changed in last two years, though.



Not to divert thread any longer, but it’s doubtful more than a handful have heard this or the OP level of performance in a big truck without extensive work plus radios not available before 2023. Takes me two full days for the installation.

Just the radio is the big change. Now the rest of the systems must be upgraded.

The video highlights what it’s like for me in a big truck talking to another 6-7/miles away and the big trucks right around me can’t hear the other man at all.

1-2/miles won’t keep you out of trouble when a pile-up is occurring 5-miles ahead. Need to hear and ID location of wreck while it’s still happening to stay the hell out of trouble.


.

 

[slowmover]

I haven't read all of this thread yet but wanted to ad I used a Uniden 520XL in a semi and it worked pretty well for my needs and they weren't much different than yours. Most of the people I wanted to talk with were within a mile of each other and it worked fine for that. Reception came and went in the mountains, but that happened in my trainers truck with his Conex and custom antennas too.

And,

given the interest in radio shown by your other posts — in general — you’ll really appreciate upgrading the main comms of a big truck to 2024-spec.

Start a thread when you’re ready to plan.

Don’t be put off by my pics.
The main stuff isn’t that hard.

As a truck driver I can’t emphasize strongly enough the confidence and comfort which comes from a radio system which allows me to both Hear, and Get Heard.



The path forward today isn’t watts. It’s clarity.

The radio system of this thread is no compromise. Why the thread is worth the read. What you won’t see as easily is the extensive reading of other threads and sources OP put himself through.

Took a big bite and chewed it thoroughly.



Welcome to the CB sub-forum!

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[T680]

You're way ahead of me here! It was 2019 when I was in my trainer's T680 and I was too busy learning to drive the thing to spend much time with the radio besides just talking on it.

And clarity would have made it more useful/enjoyable too. I thought my age related decline in hearing was my problem until I realized I wasn't the only one trying to figure out what someone had said.

I've still got my CBs, but they're in the closet with some of the other stuff I used when I ran OTR. I've been retired for a while and just absolutely love it. But if I did go back to driving, especially OTR, I'd want to use one again.

Be safe driver, and thanks for the advice!

 

[slowmover]

You're way ahead of me here! It was 2019 when I was in my trainer's T680 and I was too busy learning to drive the thing to spend much time with the radio besides just talking on it.

And clarity would have made it more useful/enjoyable too. I thought my age related decline in hearing was my problem until I realized I wasn't the only one trying to figure out what someone had said.

I've still got my CBs, but they're in the closet with some of the other stuff I used when I ran OTR. I've been retired for a while and just absolutely love it. But if I did go back to driving, especially OTR, I'd want to use one again.

Be safe driver, and thanks for the advice!

Set one up for the family wagon, hand.
It’s even more fun.

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[niceguy71]

@slowmover

In the other Tacoma thread I posted a video of my noise levels. Just for giggles I'll throw it in here...

Third Gen Tacoma CB RF Noise at Startup

You had said that the real testament to performance was daytime audio and dealing with skip.

I was headed home yesterday and took the following video...

WARNING: THE LANGUAGE USED IS ONLY LOOSELY RELATED TO ENGLISH... (We speak hillbilly around here).

Mobile CB to Base Station Audio Quality

As usual the gain was maxed and the squelch was OFF. NRC for TX and RX was set to 3, NB and HiCut were both on.

The signal meter was swinging between S3 and S5.

There were several attempts by a distant local to disrupt conversations (not sure what his problem was)...

ok I guess I have to spend some more money on my mobile install.... I was waiting to get my 5555 N II in the truck to see how it worked and what my noise level was........ I can sell it any day I want... but I want to leave my Grant in there so when I sell it I can show it working to anyone interested
Slow Mover recommended this noise filter.... do you have one on your system??? I already have the RF Choke, I just haven't bothered to put it in the F150 yet.....
so I know what you have for a radio and the speaker and the antenna....... what else do you have in that system JcrMadden???

 

[jcrmadden]

Thanks @niceguy71

Yes, I'm running that filter directly under my antenna mount.

There's a rundown of the whole system in the post linked below (I haven't tried linking back to another post so hopefully it works).

Post in thread 'New to CB and New to the Forum...

You might do better with a permanent mount than you would adding the filter though?

Or the foiled and bonded refrigerator magnet trick that has been floating around the forum.

I know you like to put your antenna in the bed when you hit the truck wash (I do too).

The Breedlove quick disconnect mounts are not cheap, but they're really well made though (hint, wink, nudge).

They're big and knurly and easy to pop off without tools, plus they make way better contact than the spring loaded jobs (of which I own several).

On the DC side, the straight run to the battery got rid of almost all engine/ignition noise. All except for a faint whine at redline (short passing lane business).

The Kenwood KLF2 stripped away ALL of that.

Maybe there's dc noise in your mobile, and it's just not enough to be recognized as such?

If you're already running the noise filter at the radio I would opt for the KLF2 before adding the choke at the antenna.

I did that in reverse order and in hind sight I would have done differently.

Just my thoughts, but based on my own limited (successful) experience.

 

[slowmover]

I can disconnect coax and crank radio volume in my Cummins TurboDiesel and pick up some noise. The KLF-2 is on the list as per this recommendation and examination by @W8HDU. Am glad to see this re-confirmed.

As to CMC/RF Chokes: the one at feedpoint is for TX (the other guy). The one at radio is for DX (me).

I like the P-E feedpoint filter as I have two of them. I’d today DIY an FT-240-61 toroid choke (thread started) as packaging for feedpoint connection looks like easier attach & secure.

At the radio (@prcguy):

 

[jcrmadden]

I'm re-reading this thread from the beginning (a fresh reminder of the starting point and key stages).

With the truck off and squelch turned all the way down the only noise I had was a periodic tick that sounded like a puff of air.

This has been gone for a long time, but it just dawned on me what it was...

It was the electric fence behind our house!

I'm not even sure what sent it packing, but the wife's new upgrades will come in turn.

I'll take note of which one get's rid of the electric fence noise

 

[jcrmadden]

Thanks for the encouragement @slowmover, real good time for it

Been at it about all day...

Drilling, bolting, dry fitting, unfitting, lubing, refitting, removing panels, hiding cables... you know the deal

Even installed a mic lanyard as a finishing touch.

Almost beer time...

Key up for a radio check and... NOTHING!

"SWR HI"

🐋 💩
I took the quick disconnect off, reinstalled the antenna, and tried again SWR HI

I took the spring off, reinstalled the antenna and SWR HI

I changed out the stud SWR HI

I changed coax cables SWR HI

I hooked the Lil' Wil back up and plopped it on the roof SWR HI
What in the actual ####?!

I got into the menu settings on the radio and turned SWR protection off. When I dead key SWR pegs the meter, and if I try to speak I get the feedback squeal/echo.
Everything is back the way I had it when the radio was working fine... What gives?

Remember when you hooked up your first real antenna and nothing worked?

Wrong band dummy...

 

[slowmover]

Remember when you hooked up your first real antenna and nothing worked?

Wrong band dummy...

Done that. Have made most all mistakes.

.

 

[jcrmadden]

I'm re-reading this thread from the beginning (a fresh reminder of the starting point and key stages).

Well, the next project is officially underway (The wife's Yukon).

The learning is far from over, but the curve is a little flatter this time around.

I want to extend a hardy thank you to all of the folks that have provided advice, alternatives, antidotes, clarification, encouragement, and entertainment...

In order of appearance...

@slowmover
@mmckenna
@Bored_Technician
@wtp
@K6GBW
@KI4ZNG
@niceguy71
@KANE4109
@radionx
@DeeEx
@prcguy
@krokus
@Trucker700
@WSAC829
@merlin
@KC5AKB
@RFI-EMI-GUY
@T680

Thanks to each of you for your contributions (to my new addiction).

 

[slowmover]

Got some fairly serious cold & wet for over your way shortly. And a winter forecast to have more than the usual of that.

I figure it’s time I finish my pickup install. Gotten too used to having it belted to console lid. Standing outside in windy 40F ain’t “ideal” for painstaking work.

You?

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[T680]

Got some fairly serious cold & wet for over your way shortly. And a winter forecast to have more than the usual of that.

I figure it’s time I finish my pickup install. Gotten too used to having it belted to console lid. Standing outside in windy 40F ain’t “ideal” for painstaking work.

You?

.

My CBs were inside my semi and I could use the last one to check the weather before I got my day started and stepped outside.

 

[jcrmadden]

My day started at 11 degrees... not ideal for anything really...