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7,839 Posts
Copy that. Setup looks good then, buddy
CB Radio Info - PBR
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4,605 Posts
1. The Cobra 75 WXST is a good choice for an Xterra.
2. You might consider something like a Bracketron air-vent mount for your Cobra CB. It will put the CB where you can see it easily while driving and won't require drilling any holes in your dash for a conventional microphone mount. I modified a Bracketron mount for mine. It is similar to this one:
3. Measure your coax run before you order to be sure 13.5' is enough.
4. Ignore any comments that you need 18' of coax to properly tune your antenna. That is urban myth. http://www.stu-offroad.com/misc/myth-1.htm
5. Consider a Firestik Firefly antenna (either 3' or 4') with a medium duty spring rather than a 4' Firestik II with heavy duty spring. The Firefly is more compliant and will survive hits by tree branches and low overheads better than the stiffer Firestik II. Also, it is important that the spring be properly matched - too heavy and your antenna won't give when it needs to. See http://www.wearecb.com/cb-antenna-springs.html
6. Buy an SWR meter to properly tune your antenna. They are inexpensive. It is a common misconception that tuning a CB antenna is a "set it and forget it" endeavor. The tune should be checked periodically, particularly if you remove your antenna in town or for a low clearance garage and reinstall it for offroading.
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417 Posts
I put my CB (Midland 1001LWX) to the meter this morning and got an SWR of 1.4 on Channel 1 and SWR of 1.5 on Channels 19 and 40. Should I be happy with this, or adjust the 4 ft. adjustable Firefly?
Then I checked the output wattage and discovered it is only putting out 2.5 watts. Is there any way to adjust up for the full 4w the radio is supposed to put out?
Then I checked the output wattage and discovered it is only putting out 2.5 watts. Is there any way to adjust up for the full 4w the radio is supposed to put out?
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396 Posts
Hey guys, anyone tried a power Mic on their CB? I have a Uniden Pro510XL and need a new Mic but these are electret condenser type so would like to know if any of you has another one installed instead of the OEM.
I was looking into a Cobra HG M75 or an Astactic Road devil. Anybody has one of these?
I was looking into a Cobra HG M75 or an Astactic Road devil. Anybody has one of these?
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22,516 Posts
That whole tray just pops out. And that's just a face plate FYI not a full body.
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44 Posts
I was hoping to mount my radio from the dash (above) ... not the tray.
This is mine, I did it all in vehicle. Mocked it up where I wanted it, marked where the bracket was, removed the cb from the bracket and marked the holes, then used a ratcheting bit driver and pressure to get the screws in. The hard part, for me, was getting the hole in the lower piece for the antenna cable through but if you are an automatic you can mount the radio further out.
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44 Posts
Thanks Snowtrout. I ended up doing something similar, after getting my hand behind the dash , far enough to hold a PalNut to the screws. As for the antenna cable, I used a 90 degree bend, off the back of the radio. The face only protrudes a bit, beyond the dash.
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705 Posts
Midland hand held CB. Haven't run the wire yet to the antenna but the reception is good with the mobile antenna it brings so the reception is going to be great with the 3' antenna. Got the supplies from a local radio specialty shop, CB radio, CB mic clips, and antenna mount kit including wire $147 total. I screwed in the clip just above the hazards button. Yes I screwed into the panel and made holes not sure if you would want to do that but I didn't care lol and just noticed the antenna mount is backwards lol the coax connector has to face the opposite way gotta switch it when i run the wire.
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25 Posts
Looking to set up a cheap CB Radio in the Xterra.
This CB:
https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-40-Ch...=UTF8&qid=1483042596&sr=1-4&keywords=cb+radio
With this Antenna:
https://www.amazon.com/TRAM-703-HC-...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=4SRZNX2WAZ1A19STEQ90
Or, I'm thinking a 3' Firestik with a hood mount.
This CB:
https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-40-Ch...=UTF8&qid=1483042596&sr=1-4&keywords=cb+radio
With this Antenna:
https://www.amazon.com/TRAM-703-HC-...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=4SRZNX2WAZ1A19STEQ90
Or, I'm thinking a 3' Firestik with a hood mount.
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4,605 Posts
If you want a Uniden, my recommendation would be the Pro510XL or Pro520XL for just a few dollars more.
Tram antennas are OK, but just OK.
The CB antenna is actually more important than the radio in terms of transmission/reception quality. If you want to use a magnetic mount you might consider the Wilson "Little Wil" or the K30 instead of a Tram.
https://www.rightchannelradios.com/collections/magnet-mount-cb-antennas
[There is nothing wrong with using a quality mag mount antenna for occasional CB use. A rooftop mount works better in theory, but the cost/benefit/convenience analysis sometimes favors the simplist solution.]
Note: Whether hard mount or magnetic mount, every CB antenna needs to be tuned.
Tram antennas are OK, but just OK.
The CB antenna is actually more important than the radio in terms of transmission/reception quality. If you want to use a magnetic mount you might consider the Wilson "Little Wil" or the K30 instead of a Tram.
https://www.rightchannelradios.com/collections/magnet-mount-cb-antennas
[There is nothing wrong with using a quality mag mount antenna for occasional CB use. A rooftop mount works better in theory, but the cost/benefit/convenience analysis sometimes favors the simplist solution.]
Note: Whether hard mount or magnetic mount, every CB antenna needs to be tuned.
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25 Posts
Right. I'll look into the magnetic mounts. I'd rather have a firestik on the hood and not add the extra height than have a magnetic mount on the roof plus 2-3 feet. I've heard great reviews on the firestik too.
Now I need to look up how to tune the antenna.
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4,605 Posts
A rooftop antenna will outperform a hood mount. You want as much of the antenna above the roof line as possible.
Here are two links for tuning a CB antenna:
https://www.rightchannelradios.com/blogs/installation-guides/18330687-cb-antenna-tuning-instructions
How to Tune a CB Antenna | CB World
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22,516 Posts
If you get the Uniden 520XL it will fit in the center console if you want a clean stealth install.
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25 Posts
^^^ Thank you guys for the info. I'll probably pay a bit extra for the better CB model.
As for the rooftop antenna, what are the chances of damaging the antenna on low clearances. I have certain places I drive through at no faster than 15 mph that have low clearance. How bad is it on the antenna or would I have to remove and replace the antenna every time I go somewhere that might make contact with it?
As for the rooftop antenna, what are the chances of damaging the antenna on low clearances. I have certain places I drive through at no faster than 15 mph that have low clearance. How bad is it on the antenna or would I have to remove and replace the antenna every time I go somewhere that might make contact with it?
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4,605 Posts
All hard mounted antennas should have a spring to prevent damage when encountering a hard object such as a tree branch, garage door header, drive through overhang, etc.
A mag mount antenna will simply tip over. Chances of damage at low speeds are minimal.
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86 Posts
A Wilson lil Wil will bend over 90° less than 6" from the magmount and still hold.
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