CB/SSB Radio Use - I have a few questions.

[JohnnyFlake]

I really appreciate all the responses and suggestions. It's a lot of information to think through. Obviously, the thing to do is go into a 10 Meter Transceiver and I do understand the reasoning.

What I am thinking I will do is buy a quality CB Radio to start with, so I can get set up. Maybe you guys can help me decide on one. I have been looking at a few that range between $50 and $155 and they all have very good reviews and ratings. The two lower priced units which are Uniden have numerous high ratings and seem well worth the price. These are what I am looking at. There is much praise about the Uniden PRO520XL at $50. Many compare it to the Cobra 29 and some say it's better. Your thoughts and suggestions will be appreciated.


Uniden PRO520XL 40-Channel CB Radio - $45


Galaxy DX-949 CB Mob ssb Swr Talkback Rog.bp Pa Mode - $130


Cobra 29WXNWST Nightwatch 40 Channel CB Radio - $134


Uniden Bearcat PC68 Elite 40-Channel CB Radio - $85

After I am set up and save a few more $$$, I buy an Amateur 10 Meter Transceiver and get an FCC License. I have come up with these for thought.

Yaesu FT-7900R Mobile Dual-Band Amateur Ham Radio 50W/45W VHF/UHF Transceiver

RANGER RCI-2950DX 10 METER RADIO NEW GRN ON BLK DISPLAY

Again, any help will be appreciated. I welcome your thoughts and suggestions.

[ponycar17]

Originally Posted by armedandsafe

Keep this in mind on your antenna tower:


Keep this in mind when choosing your transceiver:


http://www.csgnetwork.com/cbradiofreq.html

Emphasis added.

Pops

Agreed! I used to get sooooo irritated with CB guys who made HAM operators look bad.

The interference probably isn't as much of an issue in the digital age but i'm sure it's still there...

[mjp28]

Originally Posted by carver

Ham is the way to go. CB just ain't going to get you very far.

Yes amateur radio is better, CB just a backup for other emergencies.

How hard is a ham licence now, I got my novice & tech together, 5 wpm code about 1964.
Later the general with 13 wpm code in 1967.

Do they still test and require Morse Code?

[carver]

I have never ran a HAM radio, but I used to be into CB big time. From what I hear the HAM licence isn't a hard test at all these days. It doesn't matter what radio you choose, getting out, and receiving isn't about the raido, it's about the antena!

[gun runner]

Originally Posted by carver

I have never ran a HAM radio, but I used to be into CB big time. From what I hear the HAM licence isn't a hard test at all these days. It doesn't matter what radio you choose, getting out, and receiving isn't about the raido, it's about the antena!

What if you operate a ham radio setup without a license?

[dons2346]

"Do they still test and require Morse Code?"

Nope. They really dumbed down the requirements but some of the questions are still out of the dark ages.

"What if you operate a ham radio setup without a license?"

One, it is against the law. If and when you get caught, you stand the chance of a hefty fine. Also you would need a call sign and with the technology now days, it is very easy to determine if a call sign is fake or not. There is a method by which the FCC issues call signs so you would have to do a little searching. You could give me a call sign and I can tell within seconds if it fake or not and if it is real, who it belongs to.

[JohnnyFlake]

More interesting responses but no suggestions on the CB unit I will be buying or the 10 Meter unit I will also be buying.

I do understand that the most important factor is the antenna. I will be going with either a FireStik KW7-B Seven foot or a Solarcon A-99 17' CB Base Station Antenna.

I just wish I had some advice to help with my decision with the radios.

[carver]

Originally Posted by JohnnyFlake

More interesting responses but no suggestions on the CB unit I will be buying or the 10 Meter unit I will also be buying.

I do understand that the most important factor is the antenna. I will be going with either a FireStik KW7-B Seven foot or a Solarcon A-99 17' CB Base Station Antenna.

I just wish I had some advice to help with my decision with the radios.

On a good day you might be able to talk 10 - 15 miles.

[mjp28]

Originally Posted by dons2346

"Do they still test and require Morse Code?"

Nope. They really dumbed down the requirements but some of the questions are still out of the dark ages.

"What if you operate a ham radio setup without a license?"

One, it is against the law. If and when you get caught, you stand the chance of a hefty fine. Also you would need a call sign and with the technology now days, ......

Wow, glorified CB I guess! My FCC General was the last test without any transistor theory in 1967. It was tubes, oscillators all that good stuff.

I had my 13 wpm then, later the W1AW 15 wpm and when I got to 20 wpm I was going for my amateur extra BUT I moved into an apt in college....let my license lapse...regret it now.

WA8WKX is gone.

[gun runner]

If you want a very good 10 meter radio then go with a stryker radio.

www.strykerradios.com

[carver]

Originally Posted by JohnnyFlake

I really appreciate all the responses and suggestions. It's a lot of information to think through. Obviously, the thing to do is go into a 10 Meter Transceiver and I do understand the reasoning.

What I am thinking I will do is buy a quality CB Radio to start with, so I can get set up. Maybe you guys can help me decide on one. I have been looking at a few that range between $50 and $155 and they all have very good reviews and ratings. The two lower priced units which are Uniden have numerous high ratings and seem well worth the price. These are what I am looking at. There is much praise about the Uniden PRO520XL at $50. Many compare it to the Cobra 29 and some say it's better. Your thoughts and suggestions will be appreciated.


Uniden PRO520XL 40-Channel CB Radio - $45


Galaxy DX-949 CB Mob ssb Swr Talkback Rog.bp Pa Mode - $130


Cobra 29WXNWST Nightwatch 40 Channel CB Radio - $134


Uniden Bearcat PC68 Elite 40-Channel CB Radio - $85

After I am set up and save a few more $$$, I buy an Amateur 10 Meter Transceiver and get an FCC License. I have come up with these for thought.

Yaesu FT-7900R Mobile Dual-Band Amateur Ham Radio 50W/45W VHF/UHF Transceiver

RANGER RCI-2950DX 10 METER RADIO NEW GRN ON BLK DISPLAY

Again, any help will be appreciated. I welcome your thoughts and suggestions.

Go with the Uniden, or Galaxy. I've had to much bad experience with the Cobra. My choice would be the Uniden. There's a Radio Shack on every corner!

[JohnnyFlake]

Originally Posted by gun runner

If you want a very good 10 meter radio then go with a stryker radio.

www.strykerradios.com

WOW! they are super nice radios but very expensive and out of my range at this time.

I see you from Texas. What do you think of the Texas Ranger CB/SSB Radios as an entry level radio?

[JohnnyFlake]

I would like to thank all of you for your comments and suggestions. After a few days of research and speaking with a number of people online and joining a CB Online Club, I have made my decisions and have placed an order for the following items:

Galaxy DX979, 40 ch. CB Radio w/SSB and Starlite NEW!

SOLARCON A99 ANTRON 99 CB OR HAM BASE STATION ANTENNA

RoadPro RP-8X18CL 18' Clear CB Antenna Mini-8 Coax Cable with PL-259 Connector

Schumacher PC-6 120AC to 6A 12V DC Power Converter

Schumacher XC6 Speed Charge 6 Amp Battery Charger

Yuasa (Enersys) Genesis NP7-12T - 12 Volt/7 Amp Hour Sealed Lead Acid Battery with 0.250 Fast-on Connector

I will appreciate any comments on the items I have ordered and suggestions, if I have forgotten to get something important. I should have all of the equipment within 10 days or so.

[carver]

You do know that CB stands for "Constantly Broke", don't you?

[JohnnyFlake]

Originally Posted by carver

You do know that CB stands for "Constantly Broke", don't you?

Unfortunately, Yes!!!

It is a slope, like others I am addicted to, Cigars, Guns/Reloading, Pipes, Bourbons & others.

[mjp28]

Originally Posted by JohnnyFlake

Unfortunately, Yes!!!

It is a slope, like others I am addicted to, Cigars, Guns/Reloading, Pipes, Bourbons & others.

Nothing wrong with that list.

[ozo]

Sorry I didn't see this thread before Johnny.....
I would have been glad to get rid of some things....

Antenna [quality/type] is very important
Coax is very important
Microphone choice is important depending on
your background noise
The radio itself....hmmmm...features are one thing,
but the 'finals' are what makes a radio worth a hoot.

Many radios are now made by the same company [CB]
Different radios have different boards and finals.
Many look nice now, have many 'amenities' ie blue tooth,
SD cards for pics, lighting choices, etc......all nice
features, but not much of a 'talker' !

4 watts is still all the legal power you can use to
transmit, and 60 ft is still as high as you can erect
your antenna.
A license is easy to test for, and many clubs will
be more than glad to assist you......then you will
be legal to increase your power.......BUT......
You will still be required to keep transmissions G rated
and be polite, most of the 'hams' don't put up with
crap...they take the hobby VERY serious !!
Hams are the people to thank for lobbying the FCC
to get 40 channels for the CBer's, when they only had 23.

[ozo]

Sorry for the enormous pics.....
Two of the best handheld Microphones are the
Astatic D-104 and a RoadKing-56
and the desktop a D-104 'Lollypop'.....some with
'roger beep' and other toys, switchable on bottom.

Also a pic of my current homemade dipole
antenna, on Rohn tower with tilt base.

[ozo]

The directional box is for my Moon Raker IV
directional beam antenna.

[ozo]

You will most likely want to upgrade the coax
if your use will be in the home [non-vehicular]

I use this air dilecrtric 9.5gauge

9096 EXTRAFLEX
$ .78/ft
$72.00/100'
9.5 AWG stranded center conductor, air dielectric & type IIA non-contaminating jacket. Nominal impedance 50 Ohm; velocity of propagation 84%; outer diameter .405"; 100% foil plus 98% tinned Cu braid. Comes with 10 year factory warranty.
And it's CCPR:
http://www.therfc.com/powerrat.htm#9913ETC

[JohnnyFlake]

OZO,

Al I can say is OMG! I am seriously impressed!!!

Love the photos and I especially love seeing that SAA. It's not too clear in the photo but looks like a Ruger Bearcat .22 LR.

You are one crazy guy my friend!

I am still waiting for the radio I ordered and the antenna. The other stuff has already arrived. Since I ordered the stuff listed above, I also ordered another radio, based on research and speaking with a few people, with the belief that SSB is really where it's at, and a power supply. The radio is a Magnum 257 HP which I requested expanded, alined and tuned. The power supply is a Jetstream JTPS31MB - 4-16 Volt, 30 Amp Switching Power Supply.

Any comments or suggestions you have will be appreciated.

Would it be okay to come to you with any serious questions I may come up with?

Johnny

[mjp28]

OZO, I see you do it right, right down to the SWR meter.

When I was about 12 (1962-63) my uncle had an electronics business, when he closed it down and moved for a better job we got a TON of stuff from him, a small tractor, a crappy 61 Comet car -and- a whole lot of wire, insulators, our heavy duty tower and more.

I had two Astatic D-104 mics and took them to a hamfest to sell with other stuff, well some slickster got them from me for next to nothing.....I found out later what they were worth.

One hamfest my dad won a Hustler 4 BTV vertical antenna, nice for a vertical.

[ozo]

" a crappy 61 Comet car -"---mjp28
I would like to have that crappy car today.......

[mjp28]

Originally Posted by ozo

" a crappy 61 Comet car -"---mjp28
I would like to have that crappy car today.......

Yeah but not when you turn 16 in 1966....UGLY! Those wierd tail lights and no power.

[north tex]

Originally Posted by JohnnyFlake

OZO,

Al I can say is OMG! I am seriously impressed!!!

Love the photos and I especially love seeing that SAA. It's not too clear in the photo but looks like a Ruger Bearcat .22 LR.

You are one crazy guy my friend!

The radio is a Magnum 257 HP which I requested expanded, alined and tuned.

Any comments or suggestions you have will be appreciated.

Would it be okay to come to you with any serious questions I may come up with?

Johnny

The Magnum radios have had their share of problems. Make very sure that you keep the antenna tuned to less than 1.5 VSWR to keep the finals from overheating. A couple of friends with Magnums have had to have final power transistors changed because they overheat and fail. One had his done 3 times before he finally dumped the radio. His antenna was checked repeatedly but it still failed.