cb radio range

i have a 110 dollar cb radio i just got with50 dollar twin cb whips and my signal strenght is horrible. it only sounds good 1/4 of the time unless im litterlly right by them. what could it be? and how do i fix it? i want twin whips still.
would i need to get a better unitor antenna?

You need to have your SWR's checked and then set, optimum setting is between 0.5 and 1.5. Also, the FCC limits the output of a C.B to be no more than 4 watts. All radios are more powerful,but are tuned down to meet FCC guidlines. A good radio shop can tune it back up in minutes. How much it will turn up depends on what radio you have,for example a Cobra 25,or Uniden 68 can easily be set up to 15-25 watts, a Cobra 29,and Unidel 78 (with a GOOD radio guy) can push 35-40 WATTS. I also recommend a good microphone such as an Astatic, or a Road King noise cancelling mic. If you would like,you can send me a message and I'll send you my email and I can talk you through setting your SWR's

2009-01-27 15:06:37 by hopping not

We did a short comparison of audio quality between a LEGAL CB Radio (4 watts) and a standard mobile HAM radio (on 2Meters). We also included a ...

I have a cb radio with an 8 ft antenna. I have run a coaxial cable which plugs directly into the antenna and into the male fitting on the cb radio. However, the range on the unit is less than half a mile seemingly wherever I am. Are there any know signal amplifiers or remidies which one may have for this situation.

amplifiers are illegal.

half a mile is very common when the bands are noisy.

check the SWR of the antenna. if the swr is high, he transmitter folds back to prevent damage to the transmitter.

Good SWR is anything under 3:1 standing wave ratio. Lower the better, but 3:1 IS acceptable.

Your antenna should be 9 feet, at 27MHz, 1/4wave is 108 inches.

2008-05-28 10:24:22 by bucs2002

Price: $99.95 $60.00

High/low power switch reduces power consumption
40 CB channels
10 weather channels
Sound tracker system cuts noise up to 90 percent
Range of up to 4 miles

I've recently bought a cb radio and 3 foot antenna from walmart (which is probly why i'm havin trouble) but my range to transmit is only like 50 yards. Is there a way to fix it so i get a further range?

Purchase a quality antenna.

2009-02-18 20:35:21 by DJ G

Price: $69.99

Full 40-Channel Pll
Handheld CB radio with 40 CB channels and maximum-allowed four watts output power
ANL (automatic noise limiter) and squelch control for improving reception/eliminating noise
High/Low Power Switch Reduces Power Consumption
Power with nine AA batteries or included cigarette lighter adapter for mobile use

I have a Realistic TRC-208 CB radio, and I want to improve the range on it by doing some electrical stuff, not just standing on a hill or away from power lines or something. I want to amplify the transmission, or tweak something on the inside.

Is there anything that can be done without having to necessarily purchase anything?

Thanks.

Your previous answer saying that modifying the radio for more power being illegal is 100% rite !

The radio was designed for a certain amount of power output , and then tuned to provide that......adjusting the settings in the radio will MORE THAN LIKELY REDUCE YOUR POWER OUTPUT.

Not only that , but it will likely then cause more interference to neighbours TV and radio sets , this will in turn get you reported to the FCC , and then they will come and fine your ass off.

So , if you like that idea , then feel free to 'tweak'.

However , if you would like to increase your range dramatically and do so legally , then do so with a good antenna.

The difference between say a car whip and a 5/8 vertical is light years apart.



PS , FCC violations often incur heavy fines and may result in a federal police record , one that never goes away - use your brains.

2008-04-23 17:47:18 by IIDeMoNII

What can I install to boost my 4 watt cb range, Im gettng only about 2 miles out with a 3 ft Diesel fiberglass stick?

Links to equipment or advice please

That's about it right now with all the sunspots activity and CMEs from the sun.

To boost your range, you need to buy a Linear amplifier. They have a flat frequency response to about 30 MHz - just right for the 27MHz of the CB band. You need a good 50 Watt output unit.

2007-06-04 16:29:59 by couponjohn