Post by Gremlin on Mar 27, 2008 0:45:47 GMT -4
[glow=orange,2,100]Choosing your radio[/glow]
You need to know how much your going to talk on the radio. Talking to neighbors, DXing, or just freindly rag-chewing. Also keep in mind about the styles of radio. Size, features and ease of use are probably the 3 most important things to consider. If you want to get started with the basics, a Uniden Pro 510XL, Cobra 25 LTD, or any other simple 40 channel AM radio will do. Now keep in mind that mobile radios will need a power supply to run indoors. The power supply should be anywheres from 5 to 20 amps at 13.8 volts. For a smaller radio, a 5 amp will do fine. You will need a 20-30 amp to run a higher wattage 10-meter radio. If your looking for a better radio with alot more features, try a Cobra 148 GTL or a Uniden Washington Base. These radios will also give you Single Sideband. (SSB) Single Sideband has 2 modes. Upper sideband (USB) and lower sideband (LSB). Sideband has no carrier signal so its all modulation. Alot of CBers use SSB for long range contacts and also to get away from noise on AM. Many also buy 10-meter Ham Radios and have them modified to 27 mhz, so that they can talk louder and farther than regular CBs.
[glow=orange,2,100]Choosing your antenna[/glow]
There are many different styles of antennas as there are radios. Take time and do some research into what kind your looking for. Your antenna is 90% of your set-up. If you have a really good radio and a bad antenna, your notgoing to do as well. I've hear people with little radios and killer antennas that blows away someone with a $300 set-up. Just because of the antenna. If your going with a base antenna, I suggest a A99 made by Solarcom. This is a widely used antenna thats been around for years. Plus, its adjustable at the base for matching to just about any CB radio. (Do not use a mobile antenna for a base antenna!) If your looking for a mobile antenna, I suggest a magnet mount antenna to get you started. Any antenna from your local Radio Shack will do, but if you want performance and quality, try a Wilson "Little Wil" or 500 model. These antennas are quite popular. So are the K-40 brand. Now, with the mobile antennas, you'll have to match the radio with the antenna. This is done with a SWR meter. (Standing Wave Ratio) Some people ask me or tell me that a SWR meter is not important. Well....these are the same people who come back with their radios burned up. A SWR meter will tell you if you have any shorts or mismatch with the antenna. You don't need to purchase one, just borrow one from a friend. Its only hooked up temperaly in between the radio and antenna just for tuning. Some people run it inline all the time and check it every so often. Some radios have this SWR meter in them. Use a calibraited external SWR meter for tuning and then use the SWR meter in the radio to identify serious antenna problems.
[glow=orange,2,100]Base or Mobile? [/glow]
This is totally your decision. If you don't think you could operate a CB while driving, then don't! I've seen people that can't operate their cell phones without going into the ditch. I've used many different radios in my vehicles for 16 years. Not everybody can do that. It takes experience. Remember to stay in your vehicle when transmitting and never touch your antenna while transmitting. You can burn your hand and/or cause other damage to yourself and others. It only takes 20 watts of RF power to light a light bulb. If your going to have a base antenna, mount it high enough away from people, electrical wires, buildings, etc. Depending on the make and design of the antenna, height of the antenna will be different. You can mount a antenna anywheres from 12 to 200 feet from the ground. Read the instructions on the antenna for best results. A Antron 99 antenna works very well between 22 and 78 feet. You will want to use 50 ohm coax to run your base antenna. Do not use TV coax! Its not the same ohm rating. (72 ohms) I use mini 8X coax. This is about the same diameter as RG-58. RG-58 handles 500 watts and mini 8x handles 1000 watts and is made with better materials. Its pretty flexable, but don't crimp, pinch or bend it too sharply around corners. This will affect the coaxs ohms and possibly short it out. Make sure all fittings and connectors are soldered and/or grounded as needed.
[glow=orange,2,100]Overall Operation [/glow]
After you have your whole set-up complete, your ready to hit the airwaves. Follow the instructions that come with whatever radio you get. This is my opinion only, but treat people how you expect to be treated over the air.
You need to know how much your going to talk on the radio. Talking to neighbors, DXing, or just freindly rag-chewing. Also keep in mind about the styles of radio. Size, features and ease of use are probably the 3 most important things to consider. If you want to get started with the basics, a Uniden Pro 510XL, Cobra 25 LTD, or any other simple 40 channel AM radio will do. Now keep in mind that mobile radios will need a power supply to run indoors. The power supply should be anywheres from 5 to 20 amps at 13.8 volts. For a smaller radio, a 5 amp will do fine. You will need a 20-30 amp to run a higher wattage 10-meter radio. If your looking for a better radio with alot more features, try a Cobra 148 GTL or a Uniden Washington Base. These radios will also give you Single Sideband. (SSB) Single Sideband has 2 modes. Upper sideband (USB) and lower sideband (LSB). Sideband has no carrier signal so its all modulation. Alot of CBers use SSB for long range contacts and also to get away from noise on AM. Many also buy 10-meter Ham Radios and have them modified to 27 mhz, so that they can talk louder and farther than regular CBs.
[glow=orange,2,100]Choosing your antenna[/glow]
There are many different styles of antennas as there are radios. Take time and do some research into what kind your looking for. Your antenna is 90% of your set-up. If you have a really good radio and a bad antenna, your notgoing to do as well. I've hear people with little radios and killer antennas that blows away someone with a $300 set-up. Just because of the antenna. If your going with a base antenna, I suggest a A99 made by Solarcom. This is a widely used antenna thats been around for years. Plus, its adjustable at the base for matching to just about any CB radio. (Do not use a mobile antenna for a base antenna!) If your looking for a mobile antenna, I suggest a magnet mount antenna to get you started. Any antenna from your local Radio Shack will do, but if you want performance and quality, try a Wilson "Little Wil" or 500 model. These antennas are quite popular. So are the K-40 brand. Now, with the mobile antennas, you'll have to match the radio with the antenna. This is done with a SWR meter. (Standing Wave Ratio) Some people ask me or tell me that a SWR meter is not important. Well....these are the same people who come back with their radios burned up. A SWR meter will tell you if you have any shorts or mismatch with the antenna. You don't need to purchase one, just borrow one from a friend. Its only hooked up temperaly in between the radio and antenna just for tuning. Some people run it inline all the time and check it every so often. Some radios have this SWR meter in them. Use a calibraited external SWR meter for tuning and then use the SWR meter in the radio to identify serious antenna problems.
[glow=orange,2,100]Base or Mobile? [/glow]
This is totally your decision. If you don't think you could operate a CB while driving, then don't! I've seen people that can't operate their cell phones without going into the ditch. I've used many different radios in my vehicles for 16 years. Not everybody can do that. It takes experience. Remember to stay in your vehicle when transmitting and never touch your antenna while transmitting. You can burn your hand and/or cause other damage to yourself and others. It only takes 20 watts of RF power to light a light bulb. If your going to have a base antenna, mount it high enough away from people, electrical wires, buildings, etc. Depending on the make and design of the antenna, height of the antenna will be different. You can mount a antenna anywheres from 12 to 200 feet from the ground. Read the instructions on the antenna for best results. A Antron 99 antenna works very well between 22 and 78 feet. You will want to use 50 ohm coax to run your base antenna. Do not use TV coax! Its not the same ohm rating. (72 ohms) I use mini 8X coax. This is about the same diameter as RG-58. RG-58 handles 500 watts and mini 8x handles 1000 watts and is made with better materials. Its pretty flexable, but don't crimp, pinch or bend it too sharply around corners. This will affect the coaxs ohms and possibly short it out. Make sure all fittings and connectors are soldered and/or grounded as needed.
[glow=orange,2,100]Overall Operation [/glow]
After you have your whole set-up complete, your ready to hit the airwaves. Follow the instructions that come with whatever radio you get. This is my opinion only, but treat people how you expect to be treated over the air.