newbie amp help!!!

[jp196400]

hey all, I'm new to this hole CB radio thing,

I currently run a cobra 148 gtl (older model) and am thinking of running an amp, the X-FORCE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL 500 to be exact, theres one for sale localy and its a good deal, the only thing I'm worried about is frying the amp or the radio?
I've been reading and seen alot of comments about over powering the amp and blowing it but I'm not sure how this is done?

I'd just like to know if this amp is a good brand and if it will be compatible with my radio?

Thanks
J-P

 

[dudmuck]

They're talking about using an export/10-meter radio on an amplifier with its own driver stage.

The 148 you're talkinbout is a barefoot CB, so its not an issue.

However, the amplifier you mention is a 4 x 1446 which might be under-driven with a barefoot CB.
Those amps can take up to 15 deadkey and swing to 50 watts input max.

 

[jp196400]

hey, ok I understand what your talking about but I'm not sure what you mean by under-driven with a barefoot CB and 15 deadkey and swing to 50 watts input max.

Thanks for the help, this is all new to me.

They're talking about using an export/10-meter radio on an amplifier with its own driver stage.

The 148 you're talkinbout is a barefoot CB, so its not an issue.

However, the amplifier you mention is a 4 x 1446 which might be under-driven with a barefoot CB.
Those amps can take up to 15 deadkey and swing to 50 watts input max.

 

[EDUK8TR]

hey, ok I understand what your talking about but I'm not sure what you mean by under-driven with a barefoot CB and 15 deadkey and swing to 50 watts input max.

Thanks for the help, this is all new to me.

"under-driven" Not enough output from your CB to make the amp do its thing.

 

[jp196400]

ok so how would I get the right power to drive the amp from my radio?

 

[EDUK8TR]

Choose an amp that already has a driver stage in it. Like the Midnight Special 700. Be advised that when you install something like this you need to make sure your vehicles alternator can provide enough amperage to for the RF Amp to work without starving the amperage your vehicle needs.

 

[jp196400]

Choose an amp that already has a driver stage in it. Like the Midnight Special 700. Be advised that when you install something like this you need to make sure your vehicles alternator can provide enough amperage to for the RF Amp to work without starving the amperage your vehicle needs.

That my alternator my other concern,
I cant realy spend to much money but I need something with quite a bit of power so it looks like I'm stuck for now,
just so I know, what is the driver stage for exactly?
is it like a pre amp or something?

thanks
J-P

 

[EDUK8TR]

The driver stage provides the needed wattage for the amp to get its rated full output. Kind'a like two amps in one. Some people actually use two amps. One small amp that can be driven by their radio and then that amp drives the larger amp.

 

[Wire Weasel]

There will be little discernible different on the end of the person you're talking to between 300 or 700 watts. Any jump up into the 250-400 watt range will give you the kick you're looking for. So I'd get a smaller amp rather than a bigger one, and will be less cost for you, and your vehicle's alternator will be able to handle it without doing anything extra.

That is, unless you have some little cheapie 4 cylinder cheapo car. These don't come with big alternators. If you have anything with a V8 or maybe a 6, you should be okay.

 

[Moleculo]

Do you use the SSB modes on your radio? If so, I wouldn't recommend any of those amps. If you don't use SSB, you might consider selling that 148gtl and purchasing an AM only rig that has had the power turned up. That will drive the amp you're thinking about better. The older 148gtl should bring good money if it's not beat up or hacked up.

 

[jp196400]

Do you use the SSB modes on your radio? If so, I wouldn't recommend any of those amps. If you don't use SSB, you might consider selling that 148gtl and purchasing an AM only rig that has had the power turned up. That will drive the amp you're thinking about better. The older 148gtl should bring good money if it's not beat up or hacked up.

yes I do use the ssb modes, why would those apms be no good for that??

also I"m running it in a dodge ram with a V8.

 

[Moleculo]

I'm pretty sure those amps are all Class C biased amps, which means trash on SSB. On SSB, you'll sound terrible and will also produce a very dirty signal.

 

[jp196400]

I'm pretty sure those amps are all Class C biased amps, which means trash on SSB. On SSB, you'll sound terrible and will also produce a very dirty signal.

ok, sorry for all the questions but this is all new to me,
so what amp should I run then?

 

[jp196400]

one more question,
what is an SSB DELAY SWITCH??

thanks

 

[9C1Driver]

The Midnight Special is better then anything palomar or Boomer make. They are class C with auto SSB delay, class B or AB would be better if you use SSB. They do get good reports though even being class C.

That said I would check into this new line of amplifiers made by X-Force. http://www.xforceamps.com/shop/?cart=349760&cat=35

You could run most any of the first few models. You have what is considered a low power radio. The TnT 100,250,350,400, or T800 would all work. On SSB you can run full tilt, on AM you will have to make sure your radio's dead key is set right for the amp you choose.

Another decent line of class AB amplifiers is the bulletproof line which are here. Loading...