CB Radio

I'm guessing it's an issue with cable/antennas. Especially if the antennas were stock.

Once it's hooked up, and you're around somewhere with people on it, simply ask for a radio check.

FWIW. The kenworths mounts are on the mirrors and are notoriously bad at connecting. One of my stock ones broke and I replaced them both with 4' firesticks. It's a good idea to make sure both are the same brand, size and shape. Also if I recall correctly, isn't it supposed to be 18' of coax between the two and the radio?

I have that same radio, works well. I leave mine on all the time, most of the communication is civil, some isn't. Very useful for hazards and weather ahead. Be courteous and civil, don't engage in the bad conversations.

Know what mile marker you're at, so you can warn others heading the opposite direction. For instance. You see a wreck and back up westbound while your heading eastbound. "Hey westbound, you have a wreck at the ( insert mile marker). Back it down. Left lane is closed." You can be saving someone's bacon, especially in hilly terrain where they may not have line of sight on traffic. I have routinely been helped by it and helped others.

I rarely get in a long conversation as well. Also some customers use the CB for communication. Look for a sign at the gate.

Also fwiw, when I was a kid, we had to have a license back then for the CB. Also 5 and 10 meter. My dad was a HAM op. W6IXP.

Wonder if Ryan has any updates ?!?!?

As a matter of fact, I do have an update. I was already planning on posting it here once I parked for the night. So, I have God to thank in allowing things to work out just right where I had another load coming out of MA, but this time going to Saxonburg, PA. The time of the delivery is not until 02:00 on Sunday. So, without going out of my way, I was able to come across on I-80 and park at the Flying J in Brookville, PA. I am just 11 minutes away from Bob's CB shop. I will go to sleep here in a little bit and complete my 8 hour sleeper berth need for the 2nd half of my split, then I will PC to Bob's for my personal errand.

I want to put a CB in my truck.

It looks like there was already one installed because all the wiring is in place and there's an antenna mount.

I don't know what antenna or radio to buy.... Does any antenna work for the radio?

What do you guys recommend?

I like my Uniden Bearcat 880. It has dedicated weather channels, as well as the 40 standard channels. All of the various options for having dedicated day and night displays are nice.

I have heard good things about the Cobra 29s and 25s.

I will be asking whomever I speak with at Bob's about an antenna and what to look for. I will post on here the information provided to me.

I had a 880 and liked it until it started dying after about a year. Display started slowly going out and it started to get staticy. Switched to a Cobra 29 which has been pretty good so far.

I've been looking at cobras because they also have antennas. I'll pass by the shop and find out how long it would take to install if the wiring is bad. It looks like they did it already because all of the wiring is under the trimming. Maybe I'll get lucky and the tech that did it is still here.

Got the CB radio issue corrected. The problem was that the CB antenna was not connected. The tech who was checking everything out first told me that he would look to see if the factory antenna is connected and then go from there. He told me that if I decide that a new antenna is necessary, the best thing would be one that mounts above the the driver side door. Tech didn't get into specifics about the specs of said antenna. I forgot to ask once buying an antenna was ruled out as necessary. If I have any further radio issues or when this radio eventually needs to be replaced, I will probably go to Bob's CB shop.

There is a company called President that has made in the USA CB radios. I have heard some pretty good things about them. One of their models might be my next CB. We shall see.

I've never had a CB go bad or wear out, only the microphone cords. I ran a Cobra 25 from the 80s in several vehicles until a few years ago. The only reason I don't have it on the trucks now is the mic runs from the side, so it won't fit into the overhead factory compartment. The CB before that one was a Realistic 23 channel from Radio Shack. The current one is a Cobra 29 LTD Chrome model peaked, tuned, and hyped up with amplification. If I key the microphone for more than a minute, my antennas will start to glow orange, red, and light blue at the tips.

I have a clock I bought overseas that plays the Islamic "Call To Prayer". Sometimes I'll broadcast this at a truckstop if the Radio Rambos are on channel 19 spreading hate and discontent. This always causes a stir.

I'm guessing it's an issue with cable/antennas. Especially if the antennas were stock.

Once it's hooked up, and you're around somewhere with people on it, simply ask for a radio check.

FWIW. The kenworths mounts are on the mirrors and are notoriously bad at connecting. One of my stock ones broke and I replaced them both with 4' firesticks. It's a good idea to make sure both are the same brand, size and shape. Also if I recall correctly, isn't it supposed to be 18' of coax between the two and the radio?

I have that same radio, works well. I leave mine on all the time, most of the communication is civil, some isn't. Very useful for hazards and weather ahead. Be courteous and civil, don't engage in the bad conversations.

Know what mile marker you're at, so you can warn others heading the opposite direction. For instance. You see a wreck and back up westbound while your heading eastbound. "Hey westbound, you have a wreck at the ( insert mile marker). Back it down. Left lane is closed." You can be saving someone's bacon, especially in hilly terrain where they may not have line of sight on traffic. I have routinely been helped by it and helped others.

I rarely get in a long conversation as well. Also some customers use the CB for communication. Look for a sign at the gate.

Also fwiw, when I was a kid, we had to have a license back then for the CB. Also 5 and 10 meter. My dad was a HAM op. W6IXP.

Davy;

Excellent info, re: the MM's. Customers as well. Sure saves time! Many of Tom's ask you to switch to channel " xx " ... and it's SO much easier than walking, or waiting on the 'golf cart dude' to give you a number.

This saved HIS time . . . times ten; at the Shelly Company ~ Asphalt Plant. I'd just giggle as we'd roll on in. Well, ya know?

My oldest son in FL is a licensed HAM op., also. He put up this HUGE, unsightly antenna tower in our backyard, for when he (rarely) visits! To me, it's a lightning pole, or a climbing challenge (but I'm afraid of heights!)

Ryan;

Glad you got it worked out, good sir! Reminds me of the new kid in here (SNI guy?) ... who's bunk heater wasn't hooked up!! That was hilarious, yet an easy oversight; would be for me, too!! The underbunk was a void. I laughed....so hard....as I've got no business doing!

Be well, all ~ keep your ears on!

~ Anne ~

ps: ~ .... Tom's getting a new CB for his 'new' job .. (and sadly, we're still not sure whom with! Scary stuff ..)