Redo'ing my CB setup for backcountry travel
#1
JK Junkie
Thread Starter
Redo'ing my CB setup for backcountry travel
Well, my little realistic cb crapped the bed recently so I am in the process of upgrading my entire system. I am going to use the uniden 520xl radio for compact durability. Then I am adding a 100w linear amplifier to get longer distance between vehicles and still have communications. I am topping it/or backing it off with a 3ft firestik II. That will keep most of the antenna out of the way of brush etc while on the trails.
Now, before anyone jumps on the legal bandwagon pedestal, we are 100s of KM out of civilization and there are no towns, cities etc anywhere close. Plus, I won't be blasting music, preaching, and otherwise being a nusance over the airways. Its simply to be in touch with other vehicles in the back country. The good thing is that the amplifier also helps with receiving as well as transmitting From what I have read.
Now, before anyone jumps on the legal bandwagon pedestal, we are 100s of KM out of civilization and there are no towns, cities etc anywhere close. Plus, I won't be blasting music, preaching, and otherwise being a nusance over the airways. Its simply to be in touch with other vehicles in the back country. The good thing is that the amplifier also helps with receiving as well as transmitting From what I have read.
#2
JK Jedi Master
Okay, I won't lecture. But a linear amp, by itself, will not improve reception. Some enterprising fellow (bear in mind, you are dealing with and trusting someone who knows he is breaking the law) may have incorporated some sort of pre-amp into his linear. And there are certain cases where a pre-amp could improve reception. But those cases involve long lines of coax, and mounting the pre-amp at the antenna, not in the linear.
Honestly, if you can't get the performance you need from CB, maybe you and your friends should look into ham licenses. Here in Oklahoma we're holding classes to help four wheelers earn their licenses. A 2-meter radio, using common repeater networks, can easily talk anywhere within reason.
Honestly, if you can't get the performance you need from CB, maybe you and your friends should look into ham licenses. Here in Oklahoma we're holding classes to help four wheelers earn their licenses. A 2-meter radio, using common repeater networks, can easily talk anywhere within reason.
#4
IMO, the very best thing you could do is to buy / build a dipole (full size half- wave) antenna, resonant on the CB emergency call frequency (at least I think that there's one so designated). Figure out a means of getting it up in the air (> 35') while out on the trail. Make sure you have enough feed-line / coax to get back to the radio.
I'd also look into a CB rig with side-band capability, if there isn't any interest in Ham radio.
I'd also look into a CB rig with side-band capability, if there isn't any interest in Ham radio.
#6
JK Junkie
Thread Starter
Kinda figured! ha ha.
I have been in contact with the amateur radio club and the president actually told me that there are 3 repeaters that cover the entire area that we travel in the most. Never knew it. but they are 100kms away. Is he correct? that I can trip a repeater say 200kms away and get in contact?
I have been in contact with the amateur radio club and the president actually told me that there are 3 repeaters that cover the entire area that we travel in the most. Never knew it. but they are 100kms away. Is he correct? that I can trip a repeater say 200kms away and get in contact?
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#8
Kinda figured! ha ha.
I have been in contact with the amateur radio club and the president actually told me that there are 3 repeaters that cover the entire area that we travel in the most. Never knew it. but they are 100kms away. Is he correct? that I can trip a repeater say 200kms away and get in contact?
I have been in contact with the amateur radio club and the president actually told me that there are 3 repeaters that cover the entire area that we travel in the most. Never knew it. but they are 100kms away. Is he correct? that I can trip a repeater say 200kms away and get in contact?
Get with the folks at the club for more information. You might find that amateur radio is a very worth while endeavor, and goes very well with off-road activity.