Opinions on my new cb radio

[cnmsales]

Just got this on ebay. Was just wanting some feed back as to what you think on it. Is it a decent radio? I kno it probably isnt the best but i wasnt going for the best. Just something to pick up the locals and truckers in my 30 mile radius or so.


Thanks

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5760147648&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOAB:US:6

 

[K2KOH]

Ten bucks for a mini CB? Not bad, in my opinion...not bad at all.

 

[Highlander_821]

If you hook a good antenna up to it, it should do quite well as a basic starter set. Do you plan to use it as a base staion or use it mobile?

For a base antenna, I would look at the Solarcon A99, or something similar. They are a half wave, fiberglass radome antenna that is 18 feet tall, comes in 3 thread together sections, and is cheap, lightweight, simple, and easy to install. They work very well, I talked all over the world from Australia to Europe to Africa, Asia, and all over North and South America with that antenna and 25 watts.

For a mobile antenna, it kind of depends on what kind of vehicle and if you are willing to drill a hole or not. That said, my favorite mobile antenna is the Wilson 1000. I use the magnetic mount version, but there are other, more permanent mounting options as well. They are not the least expensive antenna, but they are rock solid performers, built in USA to last, easy to install, and they look pretty nice, too.

A good antenna is an absolute must if you want to get anything out of a CB. A good antenna will make a budget CB like the one you just bought perform like a "big" radio, as we like to call them in CB world. And a with a cheapie antenna you will most likely not hear or talk much past your driveway on some days. 8)

 

[cnmsales]

Hey guys im needing some more info if you dont mind. Ive just been informed that this is infact an illegal cb radio. Is this true and if it is should i worry about being able to use it?

 

[SCPD]

Depends on what you consider illegal. If you look at the description of the radio you will notice that the seller has advertised it has having been tweeked and tuned. He/she has increased the R.F output to 5 watts and the modulation peaks are at 18 watts. You'll often hear this description of C.B. radios when a screwdriver technician has turned up the R.F. output to more than legal limit. They also bypass or disable the the modulation limiter that allows the audio to "swing". Disabling the modulation limiter allows more modulation to pass and can cause audio splatter and interference to other users.

Modifying a C.B. radio to exceed the factory specs, i.e., tweak and peak, is illegal.

B.T.W., an increase in signal strength on your part won't be noticed by another station unless you double your output. You would have to double your R.F. output to 8 watts minimum before another station would even notice an increase in signal strength.

 

[cnmsales]

So its sfae to say with it being set to key up at 5 watts i should be more than safe? Also what is SWING? Very new to all this and want to make sure im not going to cause any trouble. Thats not m intentions at all. Thanx.

 

[KC4ZEX]

I would think you will be safe in most cases. If you live in an apartment or duplex might cause a little tv interference to your and your neighbors tv. Also you might want to watch making long transmissions could over heat the final transistor in the radio since its cranked up wide open.

 

[WileECoyote]

Go here for all your CB needs and questions and join this forum. Lots of experienced tech's with a very friendly atmosphere.

http://www.copper.com/cgi-bin/discus4/discus.cgi

 

[cnmsales]

Ok a bit more info if you dont mind. I got my radio today and it is just as described except for one thing. I was told by the seller that it could be used on an external 12v power supply but i dont see were that can be pplugged in at. On the back it only has the following A place for the antena , a place were the red a black wire comes out, and another little port and written above it is ext 8 with a horseshoe looking symbol. Is this for the ppower supply? I thought this is for external speakers if im correct?

 

[Joseph11]

Just hook up a 12/13.8 volt power supply (at least 1 amp) to the red and black wires. The wire on the AC adapter with the white stripe is usually the positive wire.

 

[cnmsales]

you mean cut the 12 volt power supply and twine it to the wires of the cb radio?

 

[n4voxgill]

Ok a bit more info if you dont mind. I got my radio today and it is just as described except for one thing. I was told by the seller that it could be used on an external 12v power supply but i dont see were that can be pplugged in at. On the back it only has the following A place for the antena , a place were the red a black wire comes out, and another little port and written above it is ext 8 with a horseshoe looking symbol. Is this for the ppower supply? I thought this is for external speakers if im correct?

and your giving advice to people in other threads!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[cnmsales]

way to stay on topic in the thread your help is appretiated.

I never claimed to know anything or be an expert. As the other poster stated the radio may be good for one person but not someone else. The 97 is in fact perfect in my area. But again your the expert and thanks for going off topic.

 

[Joseph11]

you mean cut the 12 volt power supply and twine it to the wires of the cb radio?

Yeah, make sure you get the polarity right. If it's wrong, the CB may burn out. Tape the wires with black electrical tape, don't use any other kind.

 

[cnmsales]

OK great thanks for the response. Any way without special toold to know what the polarity on it is.

Also how many volts is 1 amp. Thanks again for all the help.

 

[scanbc780]

Lots of CB mfr.'s will put the output at just below the legal limit just to save their butts that so the FCC dont find one that made its way to just over legal in the mfg process or shipping. Some CB shops will put the CB at the legal limit. Still doing so i believe breaks the FCC rules but that maybe what was done to this radio.

 

[cnmsales]

my extra power pack is rated at

input =120v ac 60 hz
output = 15v dc 300ma

should this be enough?

 

[northzone]

You may need about a 3 amp supply.

 

[KB8UYC]

cnmsales:

Check your PM's...

 

[Joseph11]

my extra power pack is rated at

input =120v ac 60 hz
output = 15v dc 300ma

should this be enough?

It outputs too much voltage and it's not at least 1 amp.