CB Radios

cdnav8r · March 2, 2002

I'm looking for a CB "compact" unit. What brands and models would you recommend?

I wanted to have a PA switch too, so the units I am tending towards are

Cobra 19DX3:

- Digital Display

- Signal\Receive LED Meter

- Instant Emergency Channel 9

- Front Panel Mike

- Squelch

- PA Switch

Uniden Pro-520XL:

- Compact Size

- Full 40 Channel Operation

- PA/CB Switch

- RF Gain

- ANL Switch

- S/RF Meter

- Instant Channel 9

- 4 Watts output

Are there any other brands and models people would recommend?

Polaris Man · March 2, 2002

I have a Uniden similar to the one you posted, it doesnt have PA and might be a little smaller. It works great and gets out good, no problems.

chevy4x4trucks · March 2, 2002

I've got the cobra CB that you posted, it's a nice unit and works great, price isn't too bad either.

My only complaint is the bulkiness of the mic that comes w/ it, but I guess it can be replaced cheaply. I haven't hooked up a PA to it yet.

Badger · March 3, 2002

Any problems with the unit moving around in the CD compartment? Did you hard wire it? Thanks

firecadet613 · March 3, 2002

What prices have you seen for those two?

chevy4x4trucks · March 4, 2002

Badger: Had to cut open the back of the CD holder to get it to fit, so unless you want to permanently modify your console I don't recommend it, but no problems w/ it rattling a nice tight fit. It actually fits perfect where the remote tape or cd deck is above the cd holder. I have it hardwired into the MBEC so it only operates while the truck is on and then there's no risk of forgetting it and draining the battery.

Joe: I got mine at a yahoo shop and it was the best price I had seen for it at any online shop. I think it was under 50 bucks and the 21" glass mount antenna wasn't too expensive either. I'll try to find the link for you tomorrow when I get a few free minutes.

cdnav8r · March 4, 2002

What prices have you seen for those two?

Cheapest I've found so far are

Cobra 19DX3: $42 USD

Uniden Pro520XL: $49 USD

CMNTMXR81 · March 4, 2002

I've had Cobra's myself. I think I've had both the 20+ and 19+. Currently the 19+ is in the Tahoe. I have a K40 50" whip up on the roof.

Kansas Kid · March 4, 2002

Hmmm, I guess my last post didn't show up. ???

But what I wanted to know is, what is the approximate size of those two CB's? I would like to put one in my truck, but there is not really a good spot, and space is limited.

chevy4x4trucks · March 4, 2002

http://www.electronicsoutpost.com/

^Here's where I got mine from ($42.00)

Kyle, here's the dimensions on it:

Unit Dimensions: 6" D x 4"W x 1-3/4" H

And here's the glass mount antenna that I got:

CB27
Glass Mount CB Antenna High Tech cellular look features a 21' collinear whip and coupler box pre-wired with 15' of RG58 cable

Price: $19.00

chevy4x4trucks · March 4, 2002

Kyle, if you're really worried about space check this one out:

http://www.electronicsoutpost.com/75wxst.htm

It's essentially just a mic w/ everything built into it so you can mount the box hidden behind the dash or under the seat.

CMNTMXR81 · March 4, 2002

I had the glass mount like Jon posted on my Bravada and it actually worked REALLY good for it's size and load weight. Still not as good as a huge whip, but if space outside is an issue or you don't wnat a big whip antenna, this may be the trick.

Kansas Kid · March 4, 2002

Kyle, here's the dimensions on it:

Unit Dimensions: 6" D x 4"W x 1-3/4" H

Well, I shouldn't have a problem finding space for that little of a radio. I had no idea they were that small. LOL

cdnav8r · March 5, 2002

And here's the glass mount antenna that I got:

chevy4x4trucks

For the antenna, I know I asked you about the cable length in another post, but I have another question.

I am thinking of mounting this on the back SIDE window. I was wondering if you can tell me how secure the antenna is. I am asking since I am concerned that branches may rip off the antenna if I mount it on the side of the truck rather than the rear of the truck.

chevy4x4trucks · March 5, 2002

Yeah, it's very secure, mines on my back window, but I think it would take quite a bit to yank it off and if you're going through somewhere were you know it will be put in jeapordy (like a car wash) the antenna spins off the base. I'd highly recommend it. I get the same reception as all of my friends do and they've got really big whips on there cars.