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Newb in need of suggestions.

J

jflynn4__3

Member
Apr 2, 2012
5
0
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I've read through the forum trying to figure out what I need to buy to get the results I want, but after a lot of confusion on my part I need to just ask.

Looking for recommendations on which CB to buy in order to add an amplifier. Also recommendations on the amplifier I would need.

It would be an emergency only setup and am just really in the dark as to what needs to be purchased. Any help would be appreciated and sorry for my ignorance.

Thanks
 

Hello, And welcome to the site!!!

Before answering any questions, we will need some more info.

1) Are you a HAM operator (licensed amateur radio)or plan to become one?
2) when you say emergency only, do you need it to be portable so you can take it with you? or will this be in a fixed position?
3) Even though this is intended to be emergency only, do you plan to talk occasionally on the setup?
4) The most important question, How much money do you plan to spend??

The more information you can provide us the better.
 
1) Are you a HAM operator (licensed amateur radio)or plan to become one?

_ No

2) when you say emergency only, do you need it to be portable so you can
take it with you? or will this be in a fixed position?

_Fixed position. A base setup, if thats the way to describe?

3) Even though this is intended to be emergency only, do you plan to talk occasionally on the setup?

_Other than a test, no. Do not plan to talk on. Although I understand the amount of watts the FCC allows is limited. And may want to use the CB normally with a range of around a mile. If it is used it will be minus the amp.

4) The most important question, How much money do you plan to spend??

I'm not on a budget but need my purchases to be good ones. I would say system in total I want to spend less than 500. But I dont know a lot and understand if I need to spend more. Any good links for all the newb info so I can read and learn myself is also appreciated
 
In regards to your portability question. Are there 2 way radios meant to operate on the cb channel. If not is it a doable mod to make it happen.

Thanks
 
jflynn4__3 said:
In regards to your portability question. Are there 2 way radios meant to operate on the cb channel. If not is it a doable mod to make it happen.

Thanks
Click to expand...

When you say 2 way radio, do you mean a hand held walkie talkie? Then yes, there are quite a few walkie talkie cb radios. Some even have ssb and FM, although not technically a cb radio, they can be used on CB.
 
jflynn4__3 said:
1) Are you a HAM operator (licensed amateur radio)or plan to become one?

_ No

2) when you say emergency only, do you need it to be portable so you can
take it with you? or will this be in a fixed position?

_Fixed position. A base setup, if thats the way to describe?

3) Even though this is intended to be emergency only, do you plan to talk occasionally on the setup?

_Other than a test, no. Do not plan to talk on. Although I understand the amount of watts the FCC allows is limited. And may want to use the CB normally with a range of around a mile. If it is used it will be minus the amp.

4) The most important question, How much money do you plan to spend??

I'm not on a budget but need my purchases to be good ones. I would say system in total I want to spend less than 500. But I dont know a lot and understand if I need to spend more. Any good links for all the newb info so I can read and learn myself is also appreciated
Click to expand...

Your on one of the best sites to learn about the radio hobby.

Ok, now that we have a good starting point. I have yet one more question. You say you want reliable emergency communication. Is there someone who will always be listening that you intend to speak to at a certain location? Or is it a situation of calling anyone who happens to be listening and hope for the best?
 
I think you'll find that "for emergency use only" is a very much overrated and misunderstood thingy. There is no 'simple' or cheap way of going about it, and would in most cases would do you very little good at all. There's no guaranty that it would be usable/reliable, that anyone else would have the same capability, and that they would even care about what you had to say (they would be in the same boat too). Emergency use means a huge amount or preparation, and NOT just on your part. Sorry Charley, there just ain't no one size fit's all for that sort of thing. I would honestly suggest that you contact any local Emergency management organization to fins out what's available in your area before sinking any time/money into it. Just jumping off into it is like having an emergency extrication tool, but keeping it in the trunk...
- 'Doc
 
Just go out to Radio Shack and buy a set of FRS radios. That's all you'll need for your "doomsday" challenge. Good luck with that by the way.
 
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An "emergency" radio won't do a bit of good if it isn't strong enough to transmit several, if not dozens of miles.
 
If the power grid is down, you won't have all that extra interference, or power. At which point FCC won't care either. They're looking out for themselves, too. December ain't too far away.
 
For what you are talking I don't think you really need an amplifier.
1) Cobra 25 used and tuned up.....40 bucks
2) Antron 99 antenna and 50 feet of coax.....110 bucks
3) 10 amp power supply.............45 bucks
4) 20 feet of mast pype.............30 bucks

This is just off the top of my head as far as prices and what stuff I suggested. How you planning on running the power supply if there will be no power? Also keep in mind there are dozens of radio's that will do what you want.

The problem is when you start out by saying "emergency radio" that's makes me think you want one of those crappy road hazard I have a flat tire mini radio's in a plastic emergency box you keep in the trunk of your car. And those are hardly better then two dixie cups with kite string.
 
I should have been more specific. What I mean by emergency radio is just a method to communicate with people who would have the same setup. Effective range would need to be around 15 to 20 miles. And as far as the having power to operate I have a generator and all that in place.
 
first welcome to the fourm and radio. for a few miles the gmrs radios are decent
the name brand ones cobra, uniden. the same name brand frs radios are ok but
only for about a mile. now if ya want more then a good base cb antenna and cb
radio will be needed. for about 50.00 bucks u can get a cobra 19 ultra , and a trip-lite
pr-3 power supply for 30.00 dollars. then a average antenna will be the a-99
for around 60.00 i think. and get some mini 8 or 8x coax 50 feet is good to start
all this can be seen at copper.com.for a beginner just starting out i highly reccommend
NOT using a amp cause its not as simple as just hooking it up theres more to it .
besides anyone on here that knows radio will tell ya its all in your antenna and coax setup
more so then power
 
jflynn4__3 said:
Is copper.com the best place to buy?
Click to expand...

NO, buy your radio from a place that is actually a cb shop and has a tech that knows what they are doling. Crapper is a bargain basement wholesale place with morons that they call "techs". The only time you buy a radio from them is if you have a trusted local tech that you plan on having tune the radio.


Any of the below shops are light years better then Crapper or H & Y for the radio purchase.

Bob's cb
DTB Radio....and forum member
Custom cb Radio
Sparky's cb Shack
 

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