Community Forums

rmueller · 08-28-2017, 07:16 AM

Almost forgot how much fun CB's are, had several CB's back in the 70's. Truck driver conversations... probably not the best conversation to listen too around kids, and maybe a bit salty for some adults but nonetheless hilarious to listen too.

I got the itch to put a CB in the RV. I decided to start cheap and went with a $40 Midland 1001z from Amazon. This one works really well, probably should peak it as it only outputs around 3watts - should be 4watts. I went with a glass mount antenna just to try it (total waste, luckily it was only $11.00), probably shouldn't have wasted the time to get the ladder out to mount it, it ended up having about a 100yrd range; good SWR just no range.

So, I upgraded to the Firestik LG4M2-B 4 ft. Side Mount Antenna with Ngp Kit from Amazon for $45. Mounting it as directed, 2/3rds above the unit wasn't a problem. It fit nicely on the space between the front windshield and the drivers side window. Removed a couple of screws to take off a plastic cap and hid the cable in the wiring track.

As installed SWR was a bit high on channel 1, so had to lengthen the adjustment screw a bit...now 1.0:1 on 19, pretty happy with that.

The range is amazing, my guess is 5-8miles on a flat road maybe even more.

For now, I'm a passive listener really don't want to be distracted with a conversation requiring a hand that should be on the wheel. Maybe a handsfree mike once I get used to this all over again.

How many of you have CB's, and what do you do with them? Just curious if this was a stupid idea or if it has any utility.

ron

empty_nest · 08-28-2017, 07:30 AM

I've always had a CB in my P/U truck. Don't use it often, locally, but have it on when traveling. It's not like it used to be in "the good ole' days" but it can come in handy.

Funny thing, I just ordered the exact same set up for our MH as you described. Mine should arrive by the end of this week and will get installed promptly. Glad to hear it is working well for you.

rmueller · 08-28-2017, 06:28 PM

I kinda followed MojoRacing's method, worked really well. I went with the FireStick vs. the antenna he mentioned. The truck drivers I talked to were all running FireStick's...so seemed like the right choice.

Here is the link to MojoRacing's install. I think the trick is 2/3rds above the roof line, leaving plenty of antenna in clear air.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f107/cb-a...er-323333.html

ron

Rvlegaleagle · 08-29-2017, 09:03 PM

I am looking to get one in the rig and used to have one in the late 70's as well.

One of my question is how far above the roofline does the antenna have to go to get decent range? Is it higher than the A/C? Also will it interfere with the WiFi ranger or We-boost antennas? There is just so much stuff....lol

Eyephoto · 08-29-2017, 09:29 PM

We have three other rigs traveling with us. We use the CB as a quick way to communicate between us. Motorhomes in front, 5ers take up the rear. 5ers can get a better range going forward, because the rig hides the signal to the rear.

ByeTheWay · 08-29-2017, 09:54 PM

In general the higher the better. But you also must have a good ground plane. A ground plane is often over looked, and is as important as the antenna itself. A great transceiver with a poor antenna will not preform as well as a cheap radio with a great antenna. I am a ham and the 2 meter antenna I use on top of my coach cost less than $10. When mounting I made sure I was connecting to part of the coach frame. It works well.

rmueller · 08-30-2017, 06:39 AM

True, a large metallic surface and good grounding is the norm for good antenna mounting etc...and that's hard to find on an RV.

But, the ground plane isn't necessary if you use the antenna in the link below. It's specifically designed for no-ground-plane (NGP)...ie. the nonmetallic construction of an RV.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The physics is in the antenna and the coax (special coax comes with the kit) both are tuned specifically for an NGP application.

So, no metal = NoGroundPlane antenna...works great.

I have mine mounted so that about 2/3rds is above the roof line (48" antenna around 32" above and 16" below would be ideal, but I set it so the tip is just above the AC). There shouldn't be any interference with the other signals in the unit. You might (will) get noise from the alternator , but not necessarily WIFI.

ron

paddykern · 08-30-2017, 06:39 AM

Had much better luck on the eclipse weekend on the ham frequency 146.52.
Just using a handheld I got a response every time I put out a call.
Used twice to find information on the current traffic jams we encountered.
You will probably have better luck on the road with a CB but ham radio is an alternative.