Total Newbie Mobile Questions

[Yurko]

Hey everyone. I'm brand new to CBs. My best friend's dad had a sweet base station in the early nineties (I was 11) and I absolutely loved it and always wanted one in my car. So yesterday I went out to a great CB shop and they installed a Uniden Bearcat PC78LTW in my Jeep. I'm not sure what kind of antenna is on it, but it's a long fiberglass antenna with a quick-release mount.

I work in Downtown Detroit. On the midnight shift. I park in a secure parking deck but I still think it may be stolen if I left the radio in. I can easily remove it and pull the wires from the back. Obviously I can remove the antenna easily. Are there any concerns about pulling the radio and antenna out and replacing it often? Would it knock anything out of whack? I know everything needs to be balanced and configured when you install it. I don't know if I'd have to recalibrate anything if I pull both the antenna and radio and put 'em back in. I don't have a SWR meter. I am also aware that these questions may be ridiculous but I really have no idea.

Lastly, can anyone provide me a link to some must-know information as a CB operator?

Thank you much. Love the forum!

 

[SmitHans]

IMO, your biggest concern is that with repeated and frequent plugging and unplugging of wires and connectors, you'll eventually wear them out to the point of needing replacement.

Still, better that than having your equipment stolen.

 

[jackj]

SmitHans is right. The connectors on the radio aren't designed to be plugged in and unplugged often. Go back to the CB shop and ask them to install a quick-release mount. That will take the punishment without any problems.

 

[KB0VWG]

CB theft is not as high as it used to be

Being concerned about theft is good but people stealing cb's out of vehicles is not prevalent as it used to be in the 70's when the cb craze was hot. But this also depends in your area that you do work. I have had cb's,scanners and amateur radios in my vehicle and never had an issue, knock on wood..
But taking prevatative measures is a smart Idea.

Enjoy the hobby and have fun.
Michael

 

[pjtnascar]

I agree with KB0VWG, cb theft is almost unheard of today. There is a slide-mount quick release bracket out there. I had one that Radio Shack made years ago. I used to take mine with me. That may be your best bet and it only takes a quick second to pull it out with the bracket.

 

[Yurko]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I'm going to press my luck, pop off the antenna, and toss my hat over the radio. It IS a pretty secure garage.

 

[brianearlspilner]

At least you are taking preventative measures because you just never know these days. Depending on the area you live in, meth heads will just steal about anything to make money. Cars get broken into in nice neighborhoods also.

 

[RadioDaze]

Someone broke into my car recently just to deposit a CB they were trying to get rid of. They left a note saying they were turned down by Goodwill.

 

[reedeb]

Someone broke into my car recently just to deposit a CB they were trying to get rid of. They left a note saying they were turned down by Goodwill.

Gee next one they send your way please forward it to me I would like to get another one [haven't had one for a few years now]