How to choose a cb
JK Freak
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 744
Likes: 1
From: Escondido, CA
On flat land, it's the distance to the horizon from the top of your antenna, 3 to 5 miles, give or take. If you are on a mountain top, it could be 10 or 20 miles.
If you are in a valley it might be 1 or 2 miles. Here is another factor to consider. If you are talking to a Peterbilt that is approaching you at 70 MPH, and you are headed at him at 70 MPH, that's a relative closing speed of 140 MPH. You will be in and out of his transmission area in about two minutes or less. Not much time to talk.
If you are interested in higher powered longer range communications, I suggest that you investigate becoming a HAM radio operator. We operate in several frequency ranges including VHF and UHF which are shorter ranges and with the HF band you can talk around the world if you are into long range communications. Bottom line, if long range communications are your thing,
4 watt CB radios are not going to do it for you. I suggest you contact a HAM radio club in your area for further data on getting your license.
Fred (KI6VBQ)
If you are in a valley it might be 1 or 2 miles. Here is another factor to consider. If you are talking to a Peterbilt that is approaching you at 70 MPH, and you are headed at him at 70 MPH, that's a relative closing speed of 140 MPH. You will be in and out of his transmission area in about two minutes or less. Not much time to talk.
If you are interested in higher powered longer range communications, I suggest that you investigate becoming a HAM radio operator. We operate in several frequency ranges including VHF and UHF which are shorter ranges and with the HF band you can talk around the world if you are into long range communications. Bottom line, if long range communications are your thing,
4 watt CB radios are not going to do it for you. I suggest you contact a HAM radio club in your area for further data on getting your license.
Fred (KI6VBQ)
JK Freak
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 536
Likes: 0
From: Romoeville,ILL
When it comes to output the longer the antenna the better period. Get the longest one you can afford .
And I know few people that have a standard 4 watt output C.B
yOU CAN GET IT "PEAKED OUT" I can get 10 20 watts out of most c.b.'s
Good luck
And I know few people that have a standard 4 watt output C.B
yOU CAN GET IT "PEAKED OUT" I can get 10 20 watts out of most c.b.'s
Good luck
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 446
Likes: 0
From: Chihuahua
tvan93: I would stick with a legal radio (4 watts) and with the cobra 75. Very small form factor and you can install it almost anywhere... You'll only really use it when wheeling to talk to fellow wheelers, which are not really far away after all...
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Blarsville or McDonough, GA
Also understand on most rural interstates 70mph is the speed limit and 71 mph is over the limit.
Don't forget taking your doors off without replacing the door mirrors somewhere on the side of your jeep is against the law in most states.
Most if not all states have a max bumper height so be careful if you lift your jeep with a lift kit and larger tires.
Many states don't like tires sticking out from under the fenders so be careful.
If you upgrade your stereo receiver watch out if your top is down because many states don't allow your tunes to be heard more than 100' from your vehicle.
News flash: a <100w cb while not fcc legal isn't going to interfere with your Sirius at a traffic light or your grandmas pace maker.
Don't forget taking your doors off without replacing the door mirrors somewhere on the side of your jeep is against the law in most states.
Most if not all states have a max bumper height so be careful if you lift your jeep with a lift kit and larger tires.
Many states don't like tires sticking out from under the fenders so be careful.
If you upgrade your stereo receiver watch out if your top is down because many states don't allow your tunes to be heard more than 100' from your vehicle.
News flash: a <100w cb while not fcc legal isn't going to interfere with your Sirius at a traffic light or your grandmas pace maker.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Crest Hill, IL
Also understand on most rural interstates 70mph is the speed limit and 71 mph is over the limit.
Don't forget taking your doors off without replacing the door mirrors somewhere on the side of your jeep is against the law in most states.
Most if not all states have a max bumper height so be careful if you lift your jeep with a lift kit and larger tires.
Many states don't like tires sticking out from under the fenders so be careful.
If you upgrade your stereo receiver watch out if your top is down because many states don't allow your tunes to be heard more than 100' from your vehicle.
News flash: a <100w cb while not fcc legal isn't going to interfere with your Sirius at a traffic light or your grandmas pace maker.
Don't forget taking your doors off without replacing the door mirrors somewhere on the side of your jeep is against the law in most states.
Most if not all states have a max bumper height so be careful if you lift your jeep with a lift kit and larger tires.
Many states don't like tires sticking out from under the fenders so be careful.
If you upgrade your stereo receiver watch out if your top is down because many states don't allow your tunes to be heard more than 100' from your vehicle.
News flash: a <100w cb while not fcc legal isn't going to interfere with your Sirius at a traffic light or your grandmas pace maker.
if you drive the speed limit when it's raining or snowing you can get a ticket for driving to fast for conditions.
or if your HID' aren't the "right" color you will get a ticket...
if you roll through a stop sign... ticket
if you don't have your front license plate because of a winch... ticket
JK Freak
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 699
Likes: 0
From: Omnipresent
http://www.midlandradio.com/CB-Radio.WYQ/75-822
