Hello,

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a high-quality portable cb setup, including both the unit and a compatible, removable antenna. My preference is for something that is inconspicuous to passers-by when not in service, but very functional (e.g., transmits and receives for several miles) when deployed.

As always, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

GT

COBRA has always been the stand by brand in CBs.Have seen what you are looking for in many truck stop plazas....


BOATMAN
John

Cobra or Midland universal radio has a cobra portable with or without mag antenna here.
Universal radio
Also try Amazon and Walmart.

Lee

hook up the power via a cigarette lighter plug so you get a good voltage source and wiring for max current, and ground...if you get a radio from a dedicated mom and pop CB store (there are still some around) you can probably get its power "peaked up" ... a good base loaded magnetic mount antenna is critical for good automobile range... and I get only about 3 miles with reliability....if you are using it only on your private vehicle, have the shop determine the location on the roof that gets the best SWR (standing wave ratio)... and the ground plane on the auto will be directional... with a cigarette plug and magnetic antenna mount the radio proper can be placed in most any container or bag of your choice...I use a RadioShack because it has a NOAA WX option...

I recommend the Midland 75-822. Can be used as a handheld with the included battery pack, or slide off the battery pack and slide-on the included vehicle adapter that has a cigarette-lighter plug and a standard PL-259 CB antenna connector to go to an outside antenna. This is much more comfortable to use while driving than other models that make you connect the external antenna to the top of the unit (with a BNC adapter to the antenna, which affects the signal) and another wire coming off the side to the cigarette lighter.

If you've got to go with a removable magnetic-mount antenna, your top choices are K40 and Wilson, and my CB guy (who sells both) recommended the K40 at about 1/2 to 1/3 the price of the Wilson.

This setup worked great for me until I got the Jeep. Still works great as my loaner or when convoying with family.

Any suggestions for a good, simple, affordable base station antenna??

Blake

www.outdoorquest.blogspot.com

it's been 30 years, but I had good luck with a Shakespeare 1/2 wave Big Stick....at the time I had a 4' copper ground rod that made a difference... borrow a SWR meter to get a good match when you get ready to put it up...it is a fiberglass two piece vertical omni directional antenna, and not that noticeable if that is a concern...the directional Yagi beam antennas will give you more distance...

If you can still find them, they make replacement battery packs that hold 6 AA Alkaline and others that hold 8 AA NiCad. I have two of the NiCad packs and use eneloop NiMH in them.

I've had several hand helds over the years. All have been good. All known names. Never a problem.

Amazon has the Midland 75-822.