/r/cbradio

Photograph via snooOG

A place to talk about CB radio: how to use them, how to install them, and how to get them working their best. Drop in to rag chew or just come check the mail. Either way drop by and say hi. That's a big 10-4, good buddy!!!

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The CB Radio Reddit

For everything CB and Public Radio whatever the band may be!

We have an IRC channel where you can arrange skeds and nets or have a chat, details are :

irc.freenode.net #redditcb

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Related Subs

/r/AmateurRadio - Everything HAM.

/r/Jeep - For all your Jeep needs.

/r/GMRS - Info on the GMRS radio service

/r/VEDC - For talking about the things we keep in our vehicles. From first aid kits to firearms.

/r/Truckers - A sub for the asphalt cowboys.

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CB Radio F.A.Q.


  • Where should I buy my radio from?

Check out your local CB Shop for new items, as well as garage sales. Of course Amazon and Ebay can be very helpful.


  • Why can't I hear anyone/anyone hear me?

Make sure that your antenna is fully plugged in and that your radio is receiving power. If you just installed your radio, you will want to make sure that your antenna is tuned properly to the location that it is installed in. This helps reduce the standing wave ratio (SWR) to proper levels.

An SWR of 1:1 is perfect and almost impossible to achieve outside of a lab.

1.1-1.5:1 is considered perfect under real world conditions.

1.6-2.0:1 is Average with room for improvement.

2.1-2.9:1 means you need to tune your antenna some more.

3.0:1 and above is dangerous for your radio and could lead to damaging the radios internals.


  • How do I know what my SWR is?

You can use one of two methods to check your SWR: an antenna analyzer or a stand alone SWR meter.

Both are acceptable, but the antenna analyzer is the best method, giving more accurate results. Any good CB shop will have one.


Please check out the sidebar for frequently asked questions.

/r/cbradio

18,059 Subscribers

16

big radio

Whats everyone's opinion on this unit?

34 Comments
2024/11/16
00:45 UTC

3

Radio shops near Gainesville fl?

Ingot an old rci 2950 id like to have checked and tuned anywhere near Gainesville worth going to or should I send it out ?

5 Comments
2024/11/15
23:21 UTC

17

Got this sexy cobra soundtracker with a slight issue

When plugged in, the harness for power from the back is old and creaky and it only works if you hold the cord in one way, it’s got a 70’s looking screw on the plug, I don’t know if I should take it off or not because who knows if it’ll go back together, I’ve got minor experience in CB radio, intermediate experience in electrical, willing to splice a new connecter if I can find one but don’t know where to look

13 Comments
2024/11/15
05:00 UTC

1

Question

I have a Stryker 955HP and I want to put a kicker behind it. How big of a kicker can I put behind it without messing up the ECM on my 2016 volvo. Thanks

12 Comments
2024/11/14
22:10 UTC

3

Uniden Uh015sx

Is the mike wiring in the screw in type plug a standard type Can I use a old ssb midland mike on the uniden As they have the same plug

9 Comments
2024/11/14
10:43 UTC

1

Magnum S-680

Buddy of mine is selling his 680. Thinking of buying it but wanted to see if anybody could give me any feedback on the radio and roughly how much it’s worth?

5 Comments
2024/11/14
05:24 UTC

4

tuning up an old cobra 18 wx version 1

i know these arnt really the best radios but im trying to help an older neighbor get his sorted out. 1.3 swr and a 2 watt deadkey with no noticeable swing when speaking into the mic on the watt meter. the transmit sounds very quiet and muffled even from like 30 feet away. i was going to try and boost modulation some but i cant find a service manual for this radio anywhere. i have found a bunch for version 2 but the boards are totally different and i dont want to just start turning random pots on something that isnt mine. could this just be a bad mic? i dont have a spare on hand to test against his.

4 Comments
2024/11/14
02:28 UTC

4

Antenna

So I'm gonna buy my first antenna, this is mostly for my car so, do I get the Stryker SR-A10 or Wilson 5000?

6 Comments
2024/11/13
18:51 UTC

3

Question about the Alan 42 DS car adapter

I'm pretty new to CB radio and wanted to know if when if when I use the car adapter on my CB radio I have to connect an antenna to that adapter or if I can still use the antenna on the CB radio itself, thanks in advance for your answers

8 Comments
2024/11/13
14:46 UTC

28

Qt 60 Radioddity setup

This might not be the best way to get started, but I found a brand-new radio for $80. I initially planned to use it in my car, but I'm quickly realizing that might not be the best setup. I could really use some help, as I’m not sure how to connect it to power or what type of antenna to use. Are there any power adapters available for this radio? I'd prefer to use it at my desk before trying to set it up in my vehicle.

Could you share some links or recommendations for what I need to power it on and get it on air?

11 Comments
2024/11/13
05:40 UTC

9

Dumb question

What's the difference between am and fm on cb, and do I need both or am I good with an only am radio

16 Comments
2024/11/13
03:12 UTC

5

Cobra hand held

I have a cobra 4 watt handheld and want to get back running. Has a BNC antenna. What’s the best car antenna should I use for a cross country ride

4 Comments
2024/11/12
22:53 UTC

6

Question

Does swr meter have to stay connected all The time? What to install a mobile cb In my 4runner. Thanks

5 Comments
2024/11/12
19:27 UTC

1

Cb radio

Hey guy Im setting up a cb in my truck cobra 25 I was wondering if I can run a 54 inch open coil whip off of my toolbox mount

3 Comments
2024/11/12
07:31 UTC

3

FM Operation

New to CB and I have a question. I'm experimenting with operating on FM, and is it normal to be able to hear people operating on AM and SSB on the same channel I'm on? I can hear them, but the signal is very loud and distorted (overload?). I can confirm that that is what it is, because if I switch over to AM I can hear them. President Randy II FCC, stock rubber ducky antenna. Thanks in advance for your help.

13 Comments
2024/11/12
02:03 UTC

7

Cb not broadcasting correctly

I have a basic uniden PRO510XL in my dump truck. Been there for years. Just recently have had trouble with the scale house hearing me at the local pits. Scale house is in line of site and maybe 100 ft away. However when I get into the pit the loader operator can hear me just fine 50-60ft

Any ideas of what to inspect and test to see if it’s my cb or a coax or antenna?

Thanks guys

10 Comments
2024/11/12
01:44 UTC

44

Stryker radio

Radio was fine on Friday, this morning (Monday) my radio is displaying this code (SS=755YQ) where it usually displays the swr and power meters. Never did this before and guy at a cb shop recommended replacing the whole front bezel. Can’t find anything about this online. I also did the reset on it. anything I’m missing?

13 Comments
2024/11/12
01:08 UTC

3

Wall Mount Brackets for Solarcon Antron A-99

I have a 1.25 mast about 5ft and these are the brackets I want to buy, but want some pros here to let me know if two of these are fine for the install. Thanks!

https://a.co/d/7khDELH

10 Comments
2024/11/11
14:09 UTC

10

Best car cb radio?

As the title says I'm looking for the best cb radio transceiver for a car that I can easily mount it install

27 Comments
2024/11/11
04:46 UTC

9

Metra WM-CB70 antenna

Hey guys - I just ordered this antenna. Why WalMart? Because I've been eyeing a Uniden Bearcat BC355N for a while and happened across a deal bundled with an external speaker.

This is the first CB antenna I've ordered. It's supposedly new and even had what appeared to be factory seals on the box.

But this is used, right? Not only is male end broken but there are signs of oxidation on the copper.

16 Comments
2024/11/10
15:57 UTC

10

New Jersey Folks

I am thinking of getting back into CB after a LONG time. Channel 21 used to be my spot. Gonna keep it legal on 4 watts with a mag mount on the family sedan. Hope to see ya out there.

17 Comments
2024/11/10
02:20 UTC

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