Newbie looking to get started

[Kobbekid]

Hey guys

I'm looking to get started with a base CB unit. My friends and I all have them in our trucks but I'd like to get a base unit so I can reach a little further. I have no real understanding of how the base units work for equipment. I was wondering if you guys could give me points on all of it. I'm not looking to spend a lot of money. I've been looking at used equipment. I am struggling with understanding the whole antenna mess. Do you guys have any equipment that you would be willing to part ways with and help me get rolling that would be great. I am willing to spend some money if you guys can line me up and get me pointed in the right direction. I will take any advice and help I can gain in the field. Mobile units are also something I'll take pointers on. I do have an old antenna chord and 2 old fiberglass whips that I took off my truck but that's all I have for equipment as of now.

Thank you
Kobbekid

 

[M0GVZ]

OK lets get started with the basics as this is a whole can of worms you're opening.

First of all we need answers to the following as it massively alters certain aspects:

1) What do you want to use it mostly for, to talk to people locally or across the world?

2) What restrictions do you have to putting up antennas, i.e HOA restrictions, the size of your lot, nearby overhead power and phone lines etc...

3) Budget.

The stuff you took off your truck isn't likely to be of much use.

 

[Kobbekid]

I'm looking at about $100 total but I could reach 150. I am unsure of regulations but I am a ranch kid so space and getting away from lines is not to hard. I am looking to talk to my friends. So mostly locally I'd like to be ale to reach about 50 miles but from what I've read they can't do that really. I would be happy with about 30 miles too. I didn't think the stuff from my truck would be much help but I thought I should include what I had as of now so you guys would be able to give me a little help.

Thanks for the help.

 

[2RT307]

To keep your costs down, I'd use the rig in your truck as the base unit if possible. I'm assuming since you guys are all in trucks that you use AM primarily? SSB would be a lot better for the distance you want to talk. You're going to need a good antenna, and put it up as high as you can. Do you have any trees on your ranch? Or perhaps a windmill?

73,
RT307

 

[GnG8d]

I'd look at mobile with power supply before a base. It's cheaper and more flexible. I started with base radios and went back to mobiles and a good power supply. So there is that, and then there's the antenna. Some will say IMAX 2000, others Maco v58. I'd go with the Maco but either will work.

Now that budget ...... that's gonna be tough but if you comb Craigslist regularly it can be done.

 

[Kobbekid]

I can definitely use one from a truck. I was looking a buying a second used for a spare anyways. How would I go about hooking it up as a base station style set up though? Yes we do have trees and some gate posts that are about 15 feet in the air I could work with too. I like the mobile hooked up in that style way. I do need to be able to reach another Mobile to about 18-20 miles fairly regularly so would it be able to do that?

 

[Kobbekid]

I'd look at mobile with power supply before a base. It's cheaper and more flexible. I started with base radios and went back to mobiles and a good power supply. So there is that, and then there's the antenna. Some will say IMAX 2000, others Maco v58. I'd go with the Maco but either will work.

Now that budget ...... that's gonna be tough but if you comb Craigslist regularly it can be done.

I comb craigslist about everyday as well as eBay. So I can always keep an eye out as I go

 

[2RT307]

I can definitely use one from a truck. I was looking a buying a second used for a spare anyways. How would I go about hooking it up as a base station style set up though? Yes we do have trees and some gate posts that are about 15 feet in the air I could work with too. I like the mobile hooked up in that style way. I do need to be able to reach another Mobile to about 18-20 miles fairly regularly so would it be able to do that?

Your budget is pretty tight for what you want to do. To hook up as a base, you need a power supply. There are plenty on Ebay and Amazon that work well and are inexpensive. You could use a 12 volt battery if you have a good one laying around. Just keep it away from you and your operating position, because of the gases and possible explosion. Then the problem is having to run such a long DC wire to it. Power supply is better option. You're going to need a vertical antenna to talk to mobiles, so as mentioned, the Maco or Imax would work well, but to get a new one will eat up your budget. You can put up a verticle dipole, which is cheap to make. Lots of info here on the forum on how to do that. Then you need coax to hook it up. Not cheap either, expecially if it's a long run. Keep hitting Craigslist, and ask your friends if they have any coax or an old antenna laying around. Sometimes you get lucky!

73,
RT307

 

[Unit 194]

As far as a base antenna goes I would recommend the affordable Antron 99. You might be able to pick up a used one on eBay for an affordable price to help you stay within your budget.

 

[Bundy]

My old base was a used Antron 99, used astron 20a power supply, used Magnum S9, used coax on a few sections of used Rohn tower. Made contacts to Ireland, France, Jamaica, all over the US and unfortunately the locals too. With patience it can be done on a budget, good luck with it Kobbekid.

 

[Unit 194]

In my opinion the Antron 99 makes a great "starter" antenna.

 

[M0GVZ]

Seconded. Depending on the terrain if you can get it up 30ft or more it should do 40-50 miles over flat terrain if things are in your favour. A lot does depend to some extent on what the person at the other end is using as well. If they've got a poor antenna install and/or electrical interference then you may struggle.

You can go into directional antennas which help more but that is going to cost a lot more than you're wanting to spend at the moment and given you're in a rural area you may do OK with a simple vertical antenna.

 

[psycho]

If your budget is only $100- $150 then forget it. Antenna, push up pole, radio, power supply, and coax will push the cost way over your budget.
A push up pole will run $100 by itself.

 

[Kobbekid]

Can you guys tell me an idea of what you think it would take to get all set up with a base unit? Could buy things slowly used? I think I will start with geting an extra mobile first. I would like to ultimately get a base though. I guess I am still trying to wrap my head around it all as of this point. I have found another mobile unit that I just got. I do have an old set of truck antennas and one antenna chord (I think you guys have a fancy name for it?) could I use those to get started with using the mobile?

 

[Kobbekid]

If your budget is only $100- $150 then forget it. Antenna, push up pole, radio, power supply, and coax will push the cost way over your budget.
A push up pole will run $100 by itself.

Chill out dude. I am trying to figure this all out. I am capable of getting things over time. I would enjoy being able to be part of your guys group here and gaining knowlege about it.