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CB Radios???

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Old 02-07-2004 | 07:52 AM
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I want to get a CB radio in my 1991 S-10 truck. But a friend of mine told me that a CB puts out a signal that the amps in my system will amplify and play over the speakers. Is this true or just another of those stupid myths.

For the record I have a 300.4 Kicker and a 600.2 Kicker. Clarion HU and 4X6 Kicker for front stage and 6X9 Kicker 3 way for the rear fill.
2 12" Rockford Fosgate DVC Subs and a Stinger cap.


All in a Reg cab how very tight LOL

Anyways will I be able to get a CB without compramising my music????

Thank you in advance to all that reply or try
Old 02-07-2004 | 05:56 PM
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Not the case in my Toyota.

I use a radio shack CB ( a real cheap one at that) along with 3 different amps and have not had any problems with the CB coming over the stereo system.

The only way I could forsee a problem is with a weak radio chanell.

I use to be able to transmit my CB over the stereo system at a local bar, but I also run a 400 watt linear booster on the CB and had a great match of 1.3 to 1 with the antennae.
Old 02-07-2004 | 06:00 PM
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Can you explain that 1.3 to 1??? and what to look for in a CB?? I'm really new at this but know I want one! I would really appreciate it.
Old 02-08-2004 | 12:13 AM
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The 1.3 to 1 is how the antennae is matched to the CB. The lower the number the better. So a 5.6 to 1 match cant receive or transmit as good as a 1.2 to1 match.

To do the matching you need to find something called an SWR meter or SWR/power meter and an extra length of co ax cable.

The meter is vasically a dial sweep needle and a **** or 2 depending on how fancy the model you buy is. You start by setting the CB co ax into the back of the meter and another coax from the meter to your antennae.

Set the CB to ch1 and key the mic. Read the reading on the meter. Then do the same with chanell 40 and read the meter. Now go to chanel 20 and do the same. Take the ch1 and ch 40 reading and try to even those 2 readings in chanell 20 for the best match.

Kinda hard to explain here. But to get a good match requires trimming the length of your antennae. Very tricky cause if you shorten it to much your going to need a new antennae. a minimum of 3 to 1 match is acceptable in most people.

A good CB should have a bright LED readout. Be 40chanell. An external PA (speaker) hookup is nice but not needed. Volume/on off, and a squelch button is all that is needed. A good antennae.
You can get away with 90$ and go upwards of $500 for a premium setup.

If your new to this, get a good shop to set it up for you. Too bad you werent closer. We could get you setup in an hour.
Old 02-08-2004 | 06:54 AM
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thanx for all the info. so if I understand thisright you actualy have to cut the antena? and I thought I was going to be able to do it all myslef. I might have to get a shop for me. If I get a x watts CB how do I extend the "range" and what can I expect in range per watt? or is that possible to figure out?? thank you again for all your help.
Old 02-09-2004 | 03:42 AM
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You can do the whole thing yourself. It is pretty easy to do. Do a search on Radio Shacks site and see if they still carry this item, the catalog number is 21-534 same unit i use to match mobile and base sations.

found a link http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...%5Fid=21%2D534

I bought mine for $19.99 on a blowout deal. You will need to buy extra coax to hook it all up.

Another good link http://www.citizensband.radiouk.com/basics/anttune.php and a link on antennae`s http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs/choosing.htm

Hope this helps you out.
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