Hi there,

If you want a decent radio, go with a Tait unit. you can pick them up on ebay second hand for about $400.
It may sound dear, but they are 25Watt output, can be remote head, the main control sits in back of dash, remote head on dash. these units are around $1500 new. The un it i have was $2000 new (latest model)
basic specs - 100 channels, 25 Watt output, etc. 450- 520Mhz range
My unit - 1500 channels, trunking unit, scanner etc 450 -530 mhz range.

As for Ariel, I use RFI ariel's. I live in Kempsey and can talk to people in Armidale through a repeater, 100k's as the crow flies, crystal clear.

as they say, you get what you pay for. I will post pics of mine soon

Regards Michael

Green Patrol Club Member #6
Non White Patrol Club Member #6

 

Ok I can see that some confusion is going to arise from my post. What I meant to say is that an aquaintance is hoping to sell his CB to me. So I am trying to gather information as to how best to hook it up in terms of the external speaker

 

G'day,
For external speakers you can go to Dick Smith, Tandy or a radio place. Most CB / UHF radios have a socket plug for an external speaker to be plugged into. I dont think they're much more than about $40 Dont know about using stereo speakers, I guess it's a question of getting the right sort of speaker and the right socket.

Best get the right aerial.

Have a look at this site and get some ideas as to what's right for your radio.
http://www.prestigecom.net.au/default.asp?category=UHF+CB+Radios&subcat=Value+Bundle+Packs

I'm assuming your talking about a UHF radio ?

Seeya

 

what type/model of radio are we talking about?

 

G'day websavages,

In answer to your questions.

1) Yes a car stereo system can be used as an external speaker for a CB. Takes a bit of fiddley wiring so I would suggest just buying a separate external speaker with the right plug for the CB or solder one up if you are that way inclined.

2) Aerials have already been mentioned here on a few threads. They are the life blood, ears and mouth of your radio. An average performing radio with a well tuned aerial will outperform a top line radio with an averagely tuned aerial. Aerial brand is not particularly important in many ways except for personal preferences. Once you have your radio and aerial go and see your local amateur radio operator. He will have lots of information on how to tune your aerial to your radio and probably do it for a couple of beers if not for free.

Good luck. Enjoy being on the air.

 

what type/model of radio are we talking about?

No idea, bu will let you know when I know.

Cheers ws

 

Hi all.

Yesterday I went to Woolworth and bought a 'wannabe' version of an fm transmitter for an Ipod for $20.
I had an old extention cable that I could plug into the back of the uhf (ext speaker), and then I pluged the extention cable into the fm transmitter (which require 12v) after that it is just a matter of choosing a frequency on the fm transmitter, and then tune in your car radio for that frequency and BOBS YOUR UNCLE

The bad side: I am pretty sure that the uhf is only sending out in mono, and not stereo. That means that you will only (mostly) get the speakers in one side of your truck to send out sound. And in my case that is of cause SWMBO's side. And guess what, she is not as interested in talking in UHF as I am (turn it down I want to sleep ).

Anyway, I haven't really tested it yet, but I going to on sunday. But it works, and sitting with my handheld in the truck talking to myself, it sounded like it was much better sound quality using the car radio instead of the buildin speaker in the UHF

Good luck with it

 

thats a good trick, the UHF will be mono, so you should really use a mono plug so that all speakers work, and you'll haer everthng

 

Jonas,

What an inspired solution. Meets all my specs for a solution. No visible wires and no modifications to trim required.

Cheers ws

 

THIS IS A GREAT SITE FOR INFO ON AERIALS. READ THROUGH IT AND IT EXPLAINS A LOT.

http://www.mobileone.com.au/antennas/default.htm

I DRIVE TRUCKS AND WE USE THEM ALL DAY LONG, AND MOST OF US JUST USE THE ELEVATED FEED WITH A STAINLESS WHIP. LOOK AT TRUCKS ON THE ROAD AND YOU WILL SEE MOST HAVE THIS TYPE. SIMPLE AND THEY WORK WELL. IF YOU BREAK IT (OR GETS FLOGGED) THEY ARE CHEAP TO REPLACE. YOU DONT NEED A 40 FOOT AERIAL.

 

Firewall??

Howdy all,

Can I ask "where do you run the aerial cable through the firewall on a '99 GU Patrol? I have just bought mine and it has never had a cb radio fitted. When I looked at where to run the aerial cable through the firewall I couldn't see anything obvious - or I am blind.

Any help would be appreciated thanks.

Paul

 

Large grommit on passenger side

 

the stereo idea is okay until you want to actually listen to music and have the uhf on scanning or something aswell.
Easiest option would be to get a exteral speaker. they arent every expensive, no more than a fm transmitter and cable tie it to your steering column (the part that doesnt turn) under the dash and run the cable back to your radio which only will be 50cm away