CB radio that fits in ash tray space?

[octanejunkie]

A CB may be my next purchase/tech project. Any advice for a novice?

 

[octanejunkie]

Thanks to Tony for a link to research

I have an amazon cart loaded with CB goodies and would love some feedback from those with CBs
I will use the ashtray location as it's just a quarter-having area for me, I can relocate those Lol

Here is what's in my cart
Cobra 19ULTRAIII 40 Channel Compact CB Radio with Illuminated Display Canadian Compliant

Firestik SS-174 Stainless Steel Hood/Trunk Channel Mount

18' RG-58A/U Coaxial Cable With Pl-259 Connectors

Firestik SS-3H Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Antenna Spring

FireStik FL3-B Three Foot FireFly Antenna With Tuneable Tip

I went with the shorter antenna due to covered parking garages, but I could go with a longer one and just remove it when not in use.

Also, the CB has a PA output option, so maybe a speaker behind the grille?

 

[John7M7]

Interested in the answers as I'm also looking at a cb setup.

 

[Kelevra]

Also, the CB has a PA output option, so maybe a speaker behind the grille?

"Maa'm in the leopard dress?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFhYOc1bWC8


Very cool info, as I'm looking into CB's myself, and know less-than-nothing about 'em.

I'd be more into myself and a few friends getting them for emerg comm's.

Looking at a CB with SSB for extended range? Is this the better move as myself and friends are 30-40 miles from each other? For example this one on ebay?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Uniden-980...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

 

[John7M7]

You best bet is clearly HAM radio but you'll need your license.

 

[TonyB66]

I was a Ham in my teens to early 20's (forgot exactly)...

Between undergrad and grad school, travel, I let it lapse. With our two little ones really digging walkie talkies, I decided to get back into the hobby again, and did so this past fall.

I self-studied from this site.

https://hamexam.org/

I did all of my studying in airports and on airplanes actually...

Enjoy.

Tony - N6VOX

 

[3bears]

good info....need to do more research as up here ( compared to when I lived in Oregon) you can really get out in no place.

 

[HappyHooligan]

Let's get more pics and info on CB's here. I just installed a Uniden PRO520XL Pro in the ash tray. I also just ordered a T-Connector as it sticks out too far without one. I wired it to my under seat amp. I still have to thread the cable to the back and have a whip on order. I did get of those cool custom 3rd gen cb antenna holders but I lost it in my garage somewhere! I have to find that.

Super easy to put in your ashtray though. Just cut the back of the plastic and clamp it down. It's snug enough it won't fall out or move.

 

[TonyB66]

I ended-up not putting my ham radio down there (ash tray location).

That's the face, remote-mounted in the impractical, for me at least, sunglass holder. The sunroof rocker switch now operates this antenna...

The radio body itself under the driver's seat...

 

[Clifford]

I got interested in Amateur radio on these forums. I tried CB which I used decades ago and there was nobody out there. I got my Tech lic in late 2014 and my Gen in mid 2015. Aside from providing excellent back country support via various high level repeaters, I also have HF access via a Yaesu FT-857 and ATAS antenna. I have spoken to people thousands of miles away sitting in my truck in the middle of nowhere. There are also digital HF modes which allow sending/receiving of emails and other modes of communication with the help of a computer. The hobby has been really great for me- meeting people, visiting and helping at repeater sites, soldering various kits together, learning a ton, and enjoying it immensely.

CB is limited to 4Watts and really only good for a close group but still viable as a communications system. Just not one I would rely on for emergencies. You can look up high level repeaters in the area you will be exploring and have them pre-programmed and ready. Repeaterbook has a great app I use often to find repeaters.

73-
Clifford