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Thread: cb antenna choices your input please

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    Default cb antenna choices your input please



    A friend gave me a CB midland 75-822 for free. Its not the first radio I would buy, but not having a CB until now who can argue with free. Now I read largely that the antenna makes a big difference for good radio brod/com. If I ever upgrade ill go uniden probably, or just get a good HAM. Anywho this is the radio I have and would like to make work if the 12v outlet doesnt make crazy noise.

    for this I currently have two Ideas in mind:

    Magnetic mount- lil wil, I had thought with the magnet i can throw it anywhere like on the hood near the radio antenna if im on a tight trail with brush, or just dead center roof. However I read these things do give better performance over firesticks or similar.

    or

    Firestick FS, not sure where ide mount it, but Its far less likely to break plus its fairly cheap.


    So Im looking for advice on what you all prefer between these choices, or any other options really! Also does anyone recommend any local business that sells this stuff these days?


    thank you for your assistance!

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    Default Re: cb antenna choices your input please



    4x4JeePmaNthINg previously posted:
    "does anyone recommend any local business that sells this stuff these days?"

    I've been told the CB Shop on 287 just south of downtown Loveland is recommended. I plan to visit them soon as I'm not pleased with my radio setup.

    https://www.google.com/maps/@40.3921...7i13312!8i6656

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    Default Re: cb antenna choices your input please



    I am mostly using ham in my rig now, but have a firestick for cb.

    Also have a small dual band vhf/uhf for aprs and, and quad band for ham fm work: 10, 6, and 2 meter plus 70 cm. All are mounted near the spare on my jk.
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    Default Re: cb antenna choices your input please



    Wow that's a lot of coverage, is that all for the trail or in case your stranded or something?



    What are you running that you don't like Jim?

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    Default Re: cb antenna choices your input please



    4x4JeePmaNthINg previously posted:
    "Wow that's a lot of coverage, is that all for the trail or in case your stranded or something?



    What are you running that you don't like Jim?"

    Well let’s put it this way, I was up on a ridge above Bonanza called Whale Hill last summer. I was easily able to communicate with a repeater on Squaw Pass above Idaho Springs with a handheld unit and an external antenna. Try doing that with a CB.

    Apprx 100 miles

    2 meter for trail use. Aprs for realtime tracking of my location by others. And yes to be able to communicate in an emergency.

    plus ham is another expensive hobby of mine.
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    Default Re: cb antenna choices your input please



    I have a Firestick I'd sell cheap. I did have to solder a connector on it as the male end threads stripped.

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    Default Re: cb antenna choices your input please



    CB World online is a good resource.

    I have a Firestick that is fender mounted. I think this mounting gave me the best ground plane and lowest SWR.
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    Default Re: cb antenna choices your input please



    I have an XJ, I'm thinking hood would be best?

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    Default Re: cb antenna choices your input please



    If you get a firestick, get the heavy duty cb antenna spring.

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    Default Re: cb antenna choices your input please



    4x4JeePmaNthINg previously posted:
    "I have an XJ, I'm thinking hood would be best?"

    Couldn’t tell by your avatar pic. (Just ribbing you)

    You shouldn’t have any problem with ground plane, just stay as clear of the vertical surfaces as you can. I second using the spring.
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    Default Re: cb antenna choices your input please



    Radio service center on Sheridan.
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    Default Re: cb antenna choices your input please



    Jim,

    The CB Shop has moved to 879 North Greeley Ave, Johnston, CO 970-663-7617. The building was sold at the Loveland location, they are at this address until they find another building to move to. More detail on there facebook page https://www.facebook.com/cbshopandmore/

    This is Dad and Daughter business, Good Folks, give the a call if needed.

  13. The Following 2 Members Say Thanks to SOS-1999TJ For This Post:

    Jim (June 25th, 2018),newracer (June 25th, 2018)

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    Default Re: cb antenna choices your input please



    I just spoke with Paul @ CB Shop but had question with regard to the phone number listed above...

    Nice guy to chat with. His daughter was in the background commenting on our call at the same time. The 663-7617 phone number (with a non-descriptive outgoing message) is the business line. The facebook listed phone number 222-8324 also works but is not the business line - but is listed to use. Direct to Paul???

    Their facebook listed web site url lapsed and was registered out from under them / is no longer active.

    It seems like they're going to stay at their home office of 879 North Greeley Ave, Johnstown.

    I'm going to visit them tomorrow. I'll post up some info thereafter.

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    Default Re: cb antenna choices your input please



    Another vote for fire stick. Proven, dependable and easy to tune.

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    Default Re: cb antenna choices your input please



    Just came back from The CB Shop with Paul & ?April?. A nice time - we spent more time talking as they did their work quickly.

    My issue was that folks could not understand me - garbage - but I could hear others well enough. They tested and adjusted the connection from the CB cable coax back and adjusted the antenna. Paul made adjustments as ?April? called out the stats. Vehicle wiring tended the CB went to his desk for testing - and it was working well for him (no need to open it up or trash it). He did open and clean the mic and make a comment to not talk into the mic but rather hold it to the side of my mouth and talk "past" it.

    I purchased a U.S.A. manufactured quick disconnect for the antenna (too tall for the garage / don't want tools hassle) and in the end he was going to charge $15 for labor and balked at taking a tip.

    So, if anyone has issue with hearing me on the trail - holler - and should an issue arise, I'll head right back for more work (perhaps change the radio). Good folks / recommended.

    EDIT: I should add - He asked a time or two what my intended use for the setup was. (short distance / less than a mile / perhaps a hill in the way) There was no "sell" to buy stuff. Focus was to have a working system and if the system presented to them would do the job, then it would do the job / no upsell. Easy going.

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