| Author |
Message |
    
Brett
| | Posted on Thursday, February 20, 2003 - 8:29 am: | 
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I'm new to the radio world and need help. I bought a cb to put in my truck (state snow plow) so I could talk to the other guys on the plow routes. I'm only getting a few miles range and would like to get a lot more. I don't even know what is possible with cb radios, but I was told I should get 15 miles with my set up (cobra 29 with a wilson 1000 antenna. Am I expecting too much?? What do I need to do to get the 15 mile range? What is sideband and what are the advantages? What is a 10 meter radio? The radio I have has been a big help during some nasty weather, but I would be willing to purchase new equipment if I need to. I wish I knew of this forum before I purchased anything. Any help appreciated. |
Ironmask
| | Posted on Thursday, February 20, 2003 - 12:47 pm: |
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Brett,
Conditions are a great factor in range as well as equipment and instalation.
There is nothing wrong with the equipment. I think the 15 mile figure is stretched somewhat.
Do you drive the same vehicle all the time? How is the antenna mounted and where?
Sideband is clearer and permits more power but is only good if the person you are trying to talk to has sideband as well.
A 10 meter radio is for the use of licienced Ham Operators. Many CB'ers have them modified to run on the 11 meter band because of there power out put and frequency options.
Where are you located?
Hope this gives you a start. Don't hesitate to ask questions. That's what this forum is all about. |
Alsworld
| | Posted on Thursday, February 20, 2003 - 1:47 pm: |
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Brett,
are you only getting a few miles during the day when all the skip is rolling? That is what usually happens, just so much noise coming from all over.
I bet if you were to try out some distance checks at night time, once "the world" has quieted down (i.e. the skip has died off for the day and the radio is quieter), you will find a much better range.
A Cobra 29 with the Wilson 1000 is perfect for beginners or those that have been around a while. So to answer your question, yes your radio can do more than that unless something is really wrong. I don't suspect anything wrong though, just being stomped on by skip. A famous saying about CB radios goes something like this:
"CB radio is the absolute best and absolute worst, somedays you can talk all over the world on 4 watts, but cannot even talk down the street".
Welcome to the forum, but I have to get back to work now so maybe someone else can answer your other questions. Keep asking.
Alsworld |
Tinman
| | Posted on Thursday, February 20, 2003 - 4:52 pm: |
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Brett you didnt mention this so im gonna throw it out to you...you did have your SWR's set didnt you? |
Brett
| | Posted on Thursday, February 20, 2003 - 6:08 pm: |
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Thank you all for your responses. Guess I didn't give all the info. I did have the SWR's set, although I'm still learning what that means. I have used the radio with the Wilson antenna magnet mounted to the top of the cab of the plow truck. I have moved it on the cab to see if one loacation is better than another. I see no difference when moving it. I have used the radio at night mostly (7:30PM to 7:30AM) and I do notice less noise, however, I am still limited in range. I'm located in central Illinois (Bloomington) where it's pretty flat. As a precaution, I today took the radio to the man that set it up for me. He's checking it to make sure everything is working properly. |
707
| | Posted on Friday, February 21, 2003 - 2:06 am: |
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A snow plow truck needs a good 102" whip and big spring ;-) Match it up good and it should get out better than 10 miles. |
Ceaz
| | Posted on Friday, February 21, 2003 - 12:23 pm: |
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brett,
I agree with 707 on this one. A good 102 steel whip and spring will help. Im running a 102 with a cobra 25ltd-nw in my truck and it works and sounds great. I know during the day i am limited to range but at night I can get out furhter than 10 miles.My swrs are 1.3 to 1 across all 40 channels. Hope this helps. I just wanted to share my luck with the 102.
CEAZ
Chris in AZ |
Aggitator
| | Posted on Friday, February 21, 2003 - 12:47 pm: |
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i agree with 707. A plow truck is big and bulky therefor you need an anntenna that matches the vehicle. I drive a ford areostar and i use a 102" whip on a tripod magnet. thats just me though. I found that if u use the 102 with a cobra 25, 29, 148 the match or SWR (standing wave Ratio). If you have any more questions just ask anybody or instant message me at aggitator2002 through yahoo IM good luck |
Buck
| | Posted on Friday, February 21, 2003 - 3:33 pm: |
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You cant be too awful far from Tech 808. He could get you set up great |
Brett
| | Posted on Friday, February 21, 2003 - 9:30 pm: |
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Thanks again to all for their info. I have the radio at the shop to have it checked (I think it is tech 808 that is doing the work.)
I did find out something very interesting. I bought the radio new at a local truck stop. I found out from the tech that the radio was not new and had been worked on. (there was no seal on the back) He is checking it.......haven't heard yet what may be wrong. |
Tech808
| | Posted on Friday, February 21, 2003 - 9:44 pm: |
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Brett,
Should have your problem figured out in the morning.
Call me around 9 or 9:30 in Morning.
Checking on Radio and Antenna after I check the rest of the Post's.
Lon
Tech808 |
Tech808
| | Posted on Friday, February 21, 2003 - 9:58 pm: |
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Brett,
OOPS! sorry I forgot.
WELCOME TO THE COPPER FORUM! 
And Yes I am Tech808
Lon
Tech808 |
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