CB Radios

[ols1932]

Am interested in purchasing a different CB Radio. Presently have a defunct (my second one in three years) Radio Shack TRC-446 40-Channel radio. I don't want another one like that. Both of them were taken in for repairs and were said to be unrepairable: parts unavailable. I queried Radio Shack Corp. to see what they say about their product being faulty.

Orv

[virgil47]

Orv,
Today I have a Cobra 25 that is in it's second truck. Sorta hard to beat for $135 for the base radio, another $50 for a noise cancelling power mike.

[exav8tr]

Orv, I, too, am looking into CB's. I suppose I will end up going with a Cobra or possibly a Midland. Not sure how much I will use it so cost may creep into the equation also.

[lawrenceb42106]

I have run a Cobra for the last 6 years. It has been a good radio. It is a 40 channel radio. Radio Shack handles them down south.

[richfaa]

http://www.uniden.com/index/home.cfm Check out this site......

[Montana Sky]

Here is a link for the Cobra radio I run in my truck.
http://www.cobra.com/index.php?page=...1193c945d81c66
It has a front mounted speaker and fit perfectly into the lower cubby hole in my dash. Have had it over 2 years now, works great.

[ols1932]

Thanks for the info. It looks like Uniden makes the TRC-446 that Radio Shack sells. It's the one I've been having all the misfortunes with. Will take a serious look at the Cobra.

Orv

[JimF]

By and large, Radio Shack brand products are pretty well junk. Go with any NAME brand and it should serve you well. Uniden is NOT a name brand for anything. I have 2 Midlands that are old, old, old, one is an old 23 channel, the other one of the first 40 channel, they still both are good.

[firetrucker]

I have a Cobra 18 WX ST II, which is still available for about $70. It has the weather channels and is fairly low profile. I've had it for aobut three years and have no problems with it.

The 75 WX ST has all the functions in the microphone so the box can be hidden away, but that might be a bit more of a distraction. In fact, a number of states are looking at laws to outlaw most all kinds of 2-way radios as a driving distraction!!

Bob

[Emmel]

My cb of about 12 years just bit the dust a month ago, twas a Cobra. Yep, I purchased another Cobra for $49 from Wal-Mart. I figure if the last one went for 12 years, I'll take a chance on another one! I have to admit I won't put a lot of dollars into something hanging under my dash that only takes a thief about 2 seconds to remove!

[Cat320]

I have two CBs, but have not put either in the new truck. The owner's manual talks about all the electonics and interference, XM radio, etc...as do the Prodigy instructions. Does anybody have any electrical interference problems with their CBs?

[Montana Sky]

Bert,
I have not had any issues with my XM, Onstar, cell phone, Tekonsha brake controller, dvd player, GPS, or AM & FM radio reception. As stated earlier, have been running my CB over the past 2 years. When the time comes to pick up a new truck, I will install a CB in that as well.

[DonandJudy_12]

An old timer CB repairman told me to add ground straps from antennae mount to vehicle frame, from vehicle frame to vehicle body, and from radio to vehicle frame. It works to reduce static, etc. It also helps to have the radio tuned by a compentent radio tech. Don

[firetrucker]

Ground straps are a must with any type of transmitter installation, but that's not the only thing to watch for. Usually vehicle manufacturers recommend running a separate power lead from the battery away from sensitive electronics and locating the antenna on a surface that helps shield the electronics from the energy. High quality coaxial cable is important too, because the energy can leak from second-rate cable. Damaged cable and loose connectors can cause problems, too.

These problems are not as critical for a low power CB or cell phone as they are for a much higher power ham radio, but RF energy can seem magical at times, even at low power.

A lot of vehicles run high-power transmitters, though, so it can be done safely. I know that GM, Ford, and Chrysler have technical bulletins that describe how to do the installations, so getting a copy could save you some grief when you have to take your vehicle back to the dealer for service.

Bob

[Hemlockusa]

I picked the Cobra - that has everything in the mike, speaker, channel selector, volume and squelch. It also can get all the weather channels, I picked it because of the great reputation it has as far as being trouble free, It doesn't take up near the space as a standard CB, because everything is in the mic. It was also recommemded by several MOC"ers. It puts out a true 4 watts and is very handy AND SAFE as you don't have to glance down on the dash to change anything. Just keep you eye on the road and bring the mike up to that level the change your settings. I picked mine up from a reputable seller on E Bay for AROUND $90.00 and shipping. Hope this helps. John

[richfaa]

Hummm... http://www.uniden.com/index/home.cfm... Uniden is a global corporation I have a couple units that say "uniden" on them my bearcat 300 channel trunk tracker 12 band radio scanner. Has the Uniden brand name..what am I missing here???

[ols1932]

quote:Originally posted by Hemlockusa

I picked the Cobra - that has everything in the mike, speaker, channel selector, volume and squelch. It also can get all the weather channels, I picked it because of the great reputation it has as far as being trouble free, It doesn't take up near the space as a standard CB, because everything is in the mic. It was also recommemded by several MOC"ers.

John,
What model Cobra do you have?
Orv

[Hemlockusa]

The Cobra model is the 75-wxst if you go to www.cobra.com you will see it and all the spec's Then check E bay. watch out there is one seller that is selling refurbished units. I got mile from a reputable seller under $100.00 and I think that included shipping. Camper world sells this model and I think they sell it for around 150 plus shipping, but with your experience you know that Camper World even with President Club is pretty pricey... You will love this Cobra. Later John

[virgil47]

Rich,
Most people who are "into" CB radios consider Uniden as entry level. Cobra and Midland are more popular and are probably the best bang for the buck.

After Cobra, they become more expensive quickly going up in quality with Ranger and Galaxy.

[richfaa]

Had the first Cb radio I think in the very early 70's..Hallicrafter 23 chan. Had Cobra's, Midlands, Radio Shack, GE, Presidents. We have a Uniden PC 78LTW and I am thinking it is the best one we have ever had in terms of performance..of course I am no expert.