New To Cb Radios

[Aodhfin]

I'm looking to buy my first CB radio, and I was wondering if somebody could point me in the right direction. I've been looking at the Cobra 29 LX, however, I'm still unsure and open to any suggestions. My budget cap is about $100-115 (for the radio) and I'll be using it in my Baja Bug. Just for general use.

 

[GnG8d]

The 29LX is a solid choice if you like the styling. Same as the 29LTD.

 

[Sideways]

29 lx or ltd classic would be a fine choice for your first radio. Might I suggest the cobra 25 lx or ltd classic, just as dependable as the 29, but with basic features and smaller size where space can be tight such as in a baja buggy

 

[Turbo T]

For a beginner, I always recommend these two radios:

Cobra 25 LTD

Uniden PC68


Either of these radios can be had for under $100 new, and only contain the bare essentials needed like mic gain and RF gain.

The Cobra 29 that was mentioned is also good, but it costs a few bucks extra for a useless delta tune knob (good if you want to add an echo board and need a place for the control knob) and an inaccurate SWR meter.

In addition to the CB radio, you will also need:

An antenna: I recommend the 108 whip on anything but semi trucks. It's a 9 ft. long/tall but it will get out like nothing else. Remember THE ANTENNA MAKES OR BREAKS YOUR RADIO! SO BUY THE BEST ANTENNA YOU POSSIBLY CAN! Don't fall for those 3 ft. whips at truck stops or those oil filled antennas....they're junk junk junk.

MFJ sells the 108 whip, p/n MFJ-1966 for $26.95 plus shipping.

Coaxial cable: I recommend RG8X. Contrary to anyone telling you, that you need 18 feet of coax, this is a bunch of b.s. You only need enough coax to get from the antenna to the radio. Coax is THE SECOND THING that makes or breaks the radio. No you don't have to spend a ton on coax, but that junky Radioshack coax is not worth it's weight.

You can get RG8X coax from truck stops in the CB section, but I'd advise you buy from a ham radio shop if you can find one (or go online) as they sell usually better than truck stop stuff.

SWR meter: Radioshack DOES have one good thing to offer.....p/n 21-1534......sells for $38 and some change. BUY ONE! You MUST ensure the SWR is as low as it can be to ensure you send as much signal out and don't heat up the final transistor in the radio/burning it out. Read the instructions on how to set SWR. It's pretty easy.

HTH

 

[Aodhfin]

Thanks for the replies, guys! I was thinking about going with a 5ft antenna. A 9ft would be a bit too big I would think. I drive the car daily and I don't think that would fit in some parking garages. I've heard people talk about the firestik antenna's, are those any good?

 

[space cowboy]

I would buy it from DTB Radio, a known, quality tech. after reading plenty of good reviews I've been happy with the radio I purchased through him. it will cost a bit more than buying it from amazon, but your friends will notice the difference.

5' firesticks are good antennas, and I do prefer them to base loaded stainless antennas. but it won't take hits as well as a stainless steel base load antenna will. I've ruined a hatch lid from whacking a branch that didn't want to give way.
on the other hand, it's fun to watch the leaves fluttering to the ground behind me like a trail of breadcrumbs.

if you want to run the 102 stainless (it's a great way to go) there are options to bend over the antenna for situations like the parking garage, but you have to remember to get out of the car to do them.
I've messed up a couple paint jobs forgetting to pull down the whip. even cracked one windshield...
there are people that have them tied over "permanently", but I've never done that.

 

[Lil'Yeshua]

I would buy it from DTB Radio, a known, quality tech. after reading plenty of good reviews I've been happy with the radio I purchased through him. it will cost a bit more than buying it from amazon, but your friends will notice the difference.

5' firesticks are good antennas, and I do prefer them to base loaded stainless antennas. but it won't take hits as well as a stainless steel base load antenna will. I've ruined a hatch lid from whacking a branch that didn't want to give way.
on the other hand, it's fun to watch the leaves fluttering to the ground behind me like a trail of breadcrumbs.

if you want to run the 102 stainless (it's a great way to go) there are options to bend over the antenna for situations like the parking garage, but you have to remember to get out of the car to do them.
I've messed up a couple paint jobs forgetting to pull down the whip. even cracked one windshield...
there are people that have them tied over "permanently", but I've never done that.

DTB Radio sells These on Ebay. Already tuned and aligned for $99.99+$11.50 shipping.
eBay item #261117439257
http://dtbradio.com/catalog/product...d=139&osCsid=89fa3ac14d71979156d3800f5d4a4e75