Newbie help

[cactusdave]

i have a midland 5001z 40 radio. i want this as a home radio, what do i need to start this up...i think i have a few things that may or may not work, but not confident enough to spend the money.. i believe i need a indoor antenna, and a power source which everywhere i turn, i get different ones..from videos. Looking to get these things before gas goes up to 11 dollars a gallon. all help appreciated and thnxs for your time

 

[alcahuete]

For power, you need a 4-5 amp or so regulated power supply. Example: https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Co...sprefix=regulated+power+suppl,aps,208&sr=8-18

An indoor antenna is really going to suffer, as far as performance is concerned. You're going to be much better off having one outside if you can.

 

[cactusdave]

ok here goes, outside antenna gonna be tough, disabled a bit, but i it seen thru this far...opinions please given there is nothing close to me to go buy

wilson t 5000 series

This Wilson antenna is the most powerful center-loaded mobile CB antenna in the world. With 5000 AM and 20,000 SSB watts power handling capability, a low-loss coil design and 49-inch 17-7PH tapered spring stainless-steel whip, the T5000 is a trucker's dream. Weather-band ready. High-impact Mobay thermoplastic protects your antenna in all kinds of weather, and the removable coil offers safe storage and makes it easier to pull into a garage. Includes 5-inch and 10-inch shafts.


wilson t 2000 series

5" shaft and 49" stainless steel whip is rated at 3500 watts
Standard 3/8" x 24" chromed brass ferrule
Larger coiled housing for increased power handling
Patented low-loss air-wound coil design uses 10-gauge silver plated wire
Black coil is made of high-impact engineered thermoplastic
Frequency range: 26MHz to 30MHz
Static-reducing weather cap
Weather-band ready

k40 20,000 watt large coil

This open helical coil antenna gives wide bandwidth from 26MHz to 30MHz and efficient cooling. The tunable 48" tapered stainless steel whip with anodized aluminum construction is lightweight and corrosion resistant. Great SWR match and tuning outside of normal CB bands. Chrome-plated brass ferrules and stainless steel stud for strong mounting.

 

[wjm1129]

You could build a simple dipole for less than half of what those antennas cost and have better transmitting range.

 

[slowmover]

You could build a simple dipole for less than half of what those antennas cost and have better transmitting range.

Bought a pair of RADIOWAVZ Double Bazooka for son & I last year. Not expensive. Multiple possible mounting “solutions”.

See review at cbradiomagazine.

.

 

[slowmover]

For power, you need a 4-5 amp or so regulated power supply. Example: https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Compact-Bench-Power-Supply/dp/B00069RB1Q/ref=sr_1_18?crid=2HEKWDWIEFVOX&keywords=regulated+power+supply&qid=1646791555&sprefix=regulated+power+suppl,aps,208&sr=8-18

An indoor antenna is really going to suffer, as far as performance is concerned. You're going to be much better off having one outside if you can.

The Double Bazooka “could” be an indoor antenna, and there’s a famous write-up of an attic install DIY using SIMPSON Strong-Tie (Google it)

I agree that outdoors is “best”.

.

 

[slowmover]

ok here goes, outside antenna gonna be tough, disabled a bit, but i it seen thru this far...opinions please given there is nothing close to me to go buy

wilson t 5000 series

This Wilson antenna is the most powerful center-loaded mobile CB antenna in the world. With 5000 AM and 20,000 SSB watts power handling capability, a low-loss coil design and 49-inch 17-7PH tapered spring stainless-steel whip, the T5000 is a trucker's dream. Weather-band ready. High-impact Mobay thermoplastic protects your antenna in all kinds of weather, and the removable coil offers safe storage and makes it easier to pull into a garage. Includes 5-inch and 10-inch shafts.


wilson t 2000 series

5" shaft and 49" stainless steel whip is rated at 3500 watts
Standard 3/8" x 24" chromed brass ferrule
Larger coiled housing for increased power handling
Patented low-loss air-wound coil design uses 10-gauge silver plated wire
Black coil is made of high-impact engineered thermoplastic
Frequency range: 26MHz to 30MHz
Static-reducing weather cap
Weather-band ready

k40 20,000 watt large coil

This open helical coil antenna gives wide bandwidth from 26MHz to 30MHz and efficient cooling. The tunable 48" tapered stainless steel whip with anodized aluminum construction is lightweight and corrosion resistant. Great SWR match and tuning outside of normal CB bands. Chrome-plated brass ferrules and stainless steel stud for strong mounting.

Those are mobile antennas where the vehicle itself is 1/2 the antenna.

Below is a DIY for a house eave. Still needs electrical grounding (as distinct from RF Bond; what’s mistakenly called “ground”). See NEC requirements




There’s an expensive MFJ “Balcony Antenna”, but that’s really for high-rise.

See vids by mowerjunkie for more (fun) inspirations.

For default comparisons, an (Antron) SOLARCON 99 is the classic vertically polarized (local comms) base station starter antenna.

See Bells CB website for that and some MACO products (note ALL dimensions; these are big compared to mobile).

SIRIO is another highly regarded 11-Meter set of offerings.

.

 

[alcahuete]

The Double Bazooka “could” be an indoor antenna, and there’s a famous write-up of an attic install DIY using SIMPSON Strong-Tie (Google it)

I agree that outdoors is “best”.

.

You can use darn near any antenna indoors. There are unfortunates stuck in HOAs who get away with all sorts of antennas. But yes, outdoors is the way to go, for sure.

 

[slowmover]

That 5001 Midland looks a LOT like a Cobra 25 (probably is). If so, it can be a very good-sounding radio (TX) with decent receive (RX).

Upgrade the mic is always worthwhile. Power, or noise-cancelling.

If you look to move up someday on the radio, I’d recommend an AM/SSB radio, specifically the PRESIDENT McKinley (spending more won’t really get “more” unless you opt for a Lincoln II).

Quiet household electrical circuitry will matter. (Turn off each breaker to chase noisy appliance, whatever, on those circuits).

An outdoor antenna does need to have the coax grounded before entering structure. (NEC guidelines).

Antennas are really where the action is located. The more you invest yourself in scrying details and being diligent, the happier you’ll be.

Last (and not least): Got some REALLY tall trees on that property . . . . ?


.

 

[cactusdave]

ok..got a dipol antenna, now i,m either gonna use a10-15 ft fence post or a telescoping flagpole...what do i use to attach the dipol.too either....alsoo some good books on the cb.......thnxs to all replys and look forward to some more

 

[slowmover]

Dogbone Insulator (each end)

“Inverted V” (design; arrangement; style) is how I’d prefer to use a dipole for CB.

There’s not “best” (to avoid argument), but if you’ll read on the type it’s GP character is attractive. Antenna Performance + Space Requirements + Simplicity of Erection.

Offered as a starting point (as you’ll see it referenced often for CB)


DACRON (polyester) 1/8” support rope; 100’ at $10. (Antenna Rope).