The relevance of CB as a technology

[redwoodguy]

I've recently started going to club rallies and discovered to my amazement that a CB is a kind of soft requirement. Makes caravan comms easy for everyone. I didn't even know they still made CBs! So, I got the drill down from the experienced folk and ordered a Cobra 29 and a Wilson antenna, which I will be getting in a few days. I imagine the install is pretty easy? (Suburban). Do I want to wire this right to the battery? We use our rig a lot, and I am thinking of making a permanent type install, rather than doing in and out on every trip. We pretty much only use "Sherman" for towing anyway.

I am considering making some form of panel mount to sit on the dash. Anyone got any particularly nice installs to show for ideas?

[slowmover]

redwoodguy, GM likely has a tech brief on installing two way radio transceivers in their vehicles.

The DODGE one (likely little different) is here.

Mounting the antenna is a bit of a challenge as one has to drill the roof with a hole cutter, mount a "puck" style mount underneath, and seal it up well. That said, the "competition CB" guys all use Subs because of the huge roof (and because they're also running two- three alternators as well).

CB stuff is a bit arcane, and subject to endless circumspection. A C-29 that has been peaked & tuned by a well-known tech, and a first-class installation of the power plus coax plus antenna tuning makes for a great set-up. Just hard to find someone to do it.

HAM and other radio guys are really your best bet. Your vehicle is an easy one to deal with, overall. You might try ARRL to see if someone in your area can make recommendations.

[sandlapper]

Sorry I don't have any pix, but I have made many CB mounts that simply sit on the tranny hump . 2 boards , one flat on the hump, the other screwed either vertical or at an angle. Mount the CB on that board. It can sit there, on the hump, against the seat within easy reach. I power mine using a standard cigarette lighter plug or the aux power outlet (they are fused). Some velcro on the bottom of the board will help keep it in place. I also have an external speaker mounted on the case to make it easier to hear.
I have run with a CB for years. I find that most Airstreamers have them so when you run up on someone on the road it's great to be able to say hello, and if you happen to be traveling the same direction the company is always good. It is really a must for traveling with another rig. The unofficial official RV channel seems to be 14. Truckers use 19.
Wilson makes a good antenna, and the magnet mount type, sitting in the middle of the roof, will do you a great job.
Good luck, and safe & happy travels.
John

[mefly2]

Originally Posted by Mexray

Some old CB ramblings...

Out of high school in the early 60's, several buddies & I had portable CB rigs in our cars - CB was in it's infancy in those 'early' days, and we all had tube-type transceivers.

I had a Ratheon CB with five selectable channels using separate crystals tuned to the five separate frequencies - mounted in my 61 Austin Healy, bug-eyed Sprite English sports car - hot stuff in those days...

... I've had a CB around in several of my vehicles since those days...they are great, as others have said, when on the road to get local info and assistance...

Ray

Wow, those mid 60s memories of my 5 crystal EF Johnson and desire to acquire a General Radio CB ... but satisfied with an imported Cobra - finally got SSB. I ran welding rod to increase the ground plane effect in my sports car. I haven't had it powered up for over 30 years ; maybe I should hook it up again ... is a license still required? KRD2519 IIRC.

[masseyfarm]

No license required.

As most of the use will be on the lower channels, I always set my antenna to preform best on the lower channels.

The CB is a tool just like any other tool you carry with you. You may not use it every day, but it is there when you need it, and in some situations, you will be very happy that you still have the ability to communicate with strangers, which you can't do with a cell phone.

The SSB is not really of value for everyday use. More of a privacy tool if you are traveling in a group that have similar equipment.

Dave

Originally Posted by mefly2

Wow, those mid 60s memories of my 5 crystal EF Johnson and desire to acquire a General Radio CB ... but satisfied with an imported Cobra - finally got SSB. I ran welding rod to increase the ground plane effect in my sports car. I haven't had it powered up for over 30 years ; maybe I should hook it up again ... is a license still required? KRD2519 IIRC.