In spite of the fact that there are much more efficient forms of communications being used for off-road driving, the CB (Citizen Band) radio still remains the most popular two-way radio medium on 4x4 trails.
Although this isn't an all-inclusive guide for CB radios, the following are amongst the more popular units used by off-road enthusiasts today.
I've listed the various units in order of ascending price. [Note: The indicated prices are "street prices" (not MSRP).]
It should also be noted that in addition to the purchase of the CB radio itself, the buyer will also have to purchase an antenna, an antenna mount, antenna coax cable and any necessary hardware and/or electrical connections for in-vehicle installation.
Mobile CB Radios
Midland 1001Z - $27.95
• 4 watts AM RF power output The maximum allowed by law.
• Instant Channel 9 Easy access to an emergency channel.
• LED display Displays receive and transmit strength.
• PA speaker jack Allows you to add an external PA speaker.
Uniden PRO510XL - $44.95
• 40 channel operation Full 40 citizen band channel operation.
• Front mounted mic Allows CB unit to mount flush in dash.
• ANL switch Reduces engine noise and background interference.
• TX LED light Indicates when unit is transmitting.
• Squelch control Adjusts the threshold of the receiver to eliminate any background noise.
• Quickview S/RF meter instantly determines signal strength and output power.
Cobra 19DX - $49.95
• Stylized Design Reflecting the trends in new vehicle designs, sculpted features and muted graphics which give it a dynamic look that will compliment any of today's vehicles.
• Compact Design Easily installed into most cars and trucks.
• Illuminated LCD Display Allows high visibility of display.
• RF Gain Adjusts receiver sensitivity to match incoming signal. Allows you to decrease sensitivity for strong signals and increase sensitivity for weak ones.
• Electronic Tuning Precisely tunes all 40 CB channels.
• Instant Channel 9/19 Instant access from any channel to Emergency Channel 9 and Information Channel 19.
• Combination S/RF Meter Indicates incoming signal strength and output RF power output.
• CB/PA Switch Selects CB operation or public address (PA) operation for communication outside of the vehicle with PA horn (not supplied, see PH5P at the right).
• 4 Pin Screw-On Mic Connector Convenient removal of mic for storage and easy reach from anywhere inside the vehicle.
• Heavy-Duty Dynamic Microphone with 9 Foot Cord Contoured microphone with dynamic voice response circuitry.
• Power On/Off and volume control.
• Squelch Control Eliminates background noise in the absence of a signal.
Radio Shack TRC-503 - $59.95
• Compact size makes this CB easy to install, even in smaller vehicles.
• Full legal power output for maximum range.
• Built-in ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) cuts noise and ignition interference dramatically.
• 2-digit LED display (green) lets you easily see what channel you are currently on.
(It should be noted that depending upon the model, Radio Shack brand CB radios are manufactured by either Uniden, Cobra or Midland.)
Midland 5001Z - $64.95
• 40-Channel Digital Tuner with X-Tra Talk Microphone Control
• Large LED Channel Indicator and Illuminated S/RF Meter
• Front Panel Locking Mic Connector
• CB/PA Switch and Dimmer Switch
• 4 Watts AM RF Output Power
• Instant Channel 9
• RF Gain
• Switchable Noise Blanker
• Automatic Noise Limiter Squelch Control
• External Speaker and PA Speaker Jacks
Uniden PRO538W - $69.95
• PA/CB Switch One switch allows you to instantly select either PA or normal CB Operation.
• Front Fire Speaker Allows for clear audio output regardless of installation even in dash.
• TX/RX Indicator LED indication of the mode of operation red for transmission and green for reception.
• S/RF Meter An accurate multi-segment LED meter shows the signal strength of the receiver and transmitter.
• Squelch Control Adjust the threshold of the receiver to eliminate background noise whenever a transmission is not being received.
• RF Gain Control Adjust the sensitivity of the receiver to help reduce distortion from varying signal strengths.
• 3 Instant Weather Channels Receive immediate, up to the minute NOAA weather and highway information 24 hours a day.
• Instant Channel 9 Immediately access emergency channel 9.
Cobra 18WXSTII - $79.95
• Scan Activates scan, all 40 channels.
• DW (Dual Watch) Monitors 2 pre-selected channels simultaneously.
• 10 Weather Channels Receive immediate, up to the minute weather information 24 hours a day.
• Instant Channel 9 and 19 Instant access to Emergency Channel 9 and 19.
• SoundTracker System Activates SoundTracker Noise Reduction System.
• Last Channel Retention Saves last channel used in Memory.
• Heavy-Duty Dynamic Microphone with 9 Foot Cord Contoured microphone with dynamic voice response circuitry.
• Electronic Tuning Quick, accurate tuning of all 40 CR Channels and 10 Weather Channels.
• RX Indicator Indicates receiver is on stand-by.
• TX Indicator Shows red when CR is in transmit mode (TX).
• WX Indicator Illuminates when in weather receive mode.
• 4 Pin Screw-On Mic Connector Convenient removal of mic for storage and easy reach from anywhere inside the vehicle
• Power On/Off and volume control
• Squelch Control Eliminates background noise in the absence of a signal.
• LED Signal Strength Meter Indicates incoming signal strength and output power..
• Front Mounted Speaker Designed to give you clear reception of incoming calls regardless of installation or ambient noise.
• Large LED Channel Display For greater readability.
Uniden PRO 68XL - $99.95
• Ergonomic Pistol Grip Mic High quality microphone included.
• 40 Channel Operation Full 40 Citizen Band channel operation.
• Dynamic Squelch Control Fully dynamic squelch control allows for greater clarity of communications.
• 7 Weather Channels Find local weather conditions across the U.S. at the flip of a switch.
• Weather Alert Instant tone and alert for severe weather conditions even when weather channels not in use.
• Analog S/RF meter Built in Power meter.
• Backlit Control Knobs Night-time reading was never easier than this.
• RF Gain Control Pull in distant signals with RF Gain, fully controlled gain gives you greater range of communications.
• Mic Gain Control Boost your transmission strength with mic gain. Allows for more powerful transmission.
• Nine Foot Mic Cord: Mount your CB in a comfortable spot with greater range microphone.
• Channel Indicator Instant readout of which channel you are broadcasting on.
• Instant Channel 9 Switch controlled instant emergency channel.
• PA/CB Switch External PA controls provided, flip a switch to gain Public Announcement.
Cobra 25NW Classic - $99.95
• NightWatchTM Illuminated Front Panel Ideal for switch and control recognition day or night.
• Variable Dimmer Control Adjusts brightness of the front panel, channel display and signal strength meter.
• 40 Channel Operation Full 40 Citizen Band channel operation
• Front Panel Mic Connector with 9’ Cord Allows convenient installation to be in dash or under dash.
• 4 Watts AM RF Power Output The maximum allowed by law.
• RF Gain Adjusts receiver sensitivity to match incoming signal. Allows you to decrease sensitivity for strong signals and increase sensitivity for weak ones.
• Electronic Tuning Precisely tunes all 40 CB channels
• Instant Channel 9/19 Instant access from any channel to Emergency Channel 9 and Information Channel 19.
• Combination S/RF Meter Indicates incoming signal strength and output RF power output.
• CB/PA Switch Selects CB operation or public address (PA) operation for communication outside of the vehicle with PA horn (not supplied, see PH5P at the right).
• 4 Pin Screw-On Mic Connector Convenient removal of mic for storage and easy reach from anywhere inside the vehicle
• Power On/Off and volume control.
• Squelch Control Eliminates background noise in the absence of a signal.
Cobra 75-WX-ST - $109.95
• 40 Channel Operation Full 40 Citizen Band channel operation.
• 10 NOAA Weather Channels 10 National Weather Channels (7 NOAA and 3 International) provide full coverage to keep you informed of weather conditions anywhere you go.
• Remote Mount System Remote installation box installs out of sight under your dash and the quick disconnect allows removal of the hand-piece for security or use in other vehicles.
• Dual Watch Allows simultaneous monitoring of any two pres-elected channels.
• Full Channel Scan Allows you to scan all 40 channels just like a scanner!
• Instant Channel 19 Instant access to information Channel 19 with a single switch of a button.
• Full-Featured LCD Display Panel All the information you need is provided from this LCD display panel. Choose normal CB channel readout or five digit frequency display.
• Speaker / Microphone The 75WXST has a built-in speaker and microphone all in a handheld design, essentially a microphone with a built in CB and speaker!
Cobra 25WXNWST - $114.95
• 7 NOAA Weather Channels Instant access to 7 National Weather Channels, 24 hours a day, in all 50 states.
• Emergency Weather Alert Alerts you if threatening weather is nearby with an alert tone even when CB is turned off.
• SoundTracker Dramatically improves the sound quality of the transmission and reception of CB signals.
• NightWatchTM Illuminated Front Panel Ideal for switch and control recognition day or night.
• Variable Dimmer Control Adjusts brightness of the front panel, channel display and signal strength meter.
• 40 Channel Operation Full 40 Citizen Band channel operation.
• Front Panel Mic Connector with 9' Cord Allows convenient installation to be in dash or under dash.
• 4 Watts AM RF Power Output The maximum allowed by law.
• RF Gain Adjusts receiver sensitivity to match incoming signal. Allows you to decrease sensitivity for strong signals and increase sensitivity for weak ones.
• Electronic Tuning Precisely tunes all 40 CB channels.
• Instant Channel 9/19 Instant access from any channel to Emergency Channel 9 and Information Channel 19.
• Combination S/RF Meter Indicates incoming signal strength and output RF power output.
• CB/PA Switch Selects CB operation or public address (PA) operation for communication outside of the vehicle with PA horn (not supplied, see PH5P at the right).
• 4 Pin Screw-On Mic Connector Convenient removal of mic for storage and easy reach from anywhere inside the vehicle.
• Power On/Off and volume control.
• Squelch Control Eliminates background noise in the absence of a signal.
Uniden PC78 ELITE - $129.95
• Enhanced Night Vision Faceplate Illumination.
• Antenna Warning Light LED on front of radio to alert you to antenna system failure.
• Ergonomic Pistol Grip Mic High quality microphone included.
• 40 Channel Operation Full 40 Citizen Band channel operation.
• Dynamic Squelch Control Fully dynamic squelch control allows for greater clarity of communications.
• 7 Weather Channels Find local weather conditions across the U.S. at the flip of a switch.
• Weather Alert Instant tone and alert for severe weather conditions even when weather channels not in use.
• Analog S/RF/SWR meter Built in SWR & Power meter.
• Backlit Control Knobs Night-time reading was never easier than this.
• RF Gain Control Pull in distant signals with RF Gain, fully controlled gain gives you greater range of communications.
• Mic Gain Control Boost your transmission strength with mic gain. Allows for more powerful transmission.
• Nine foot long Mic Cord Mount your CB in a comfortable spot with greater range microphone.
• Channel Indicator Instant readout of which channel you are broadcasting on.
• Instant Channel 9 Switch controlled instant emergency channel.
• PA/CB Switch External PA controls provided, flip a switch to gain Public Announcement.
Radio Shack TRC-447 - $129.95
• Receives all 7 NOAA Weather Radio frequencies.
• Weather alert sounds when local weather station transmits a severe weather warning.
• Priority switch for easy access to channels 9 and 19.
• Dual watch: regularly checks channel 9 for emergencies while monitoring another channel.
(It should be noted that depending upon the model, Radio Shack brand CB radios are manufactured by Uniden, Cobra or Midland.)
Cobra 29LTDBT - $149.95
• Bluetooth® Wireless Technology Allows you to make and receive phone calls through the CB radio with most Bluetooth phones.
• One-Touch Bluetooth Operation Allows answering and terminating call with a push of a button.
• Loud and Clear Incoming Audio Phone calls are heard through the 5 watt CB speaker.
• Noise Canceling Microphone Allows crystal clear communication in a noisy environment.
• Auto Redial One-touch redial of last phone number dialed.
• SWR Calibration Allows calibration of antenna system for maximum performance.
• RF Gain Adjusts receive gain in weak and strong signal areas.
• 9 Foot Microphone Cord For easy reach within any area of the vehicle.
• Front Microphone Connector Allows convenient installation to be in dash or under dash.
• Adjustable Dynamike Boost Dynamically boosts microphone for increased voice clarity.
• Tactile Controls Allows you to actually feel where the dial is in it's rotation without taking your eyes off the road.
• PA Capability Use CB radio as a Public Address System with PA speaker. Receive signals can also be monitored through PA.
• Switchable Noise Blanker For increased noise reduction.
• Dimmer Control Adjusts brightness of the front panel, channel display and signal strength meter.
• 4 Watts AM RF Power Output The maximum allowed by law.
• Antenna Warning Indicator Illuminates when antenna needs checking.
• Instant Channel 9 Instant access to emergency channel 9.
• Delta Tune Used to clarify incoming signals.
• Talk Back This control is used to adjust the desired amount of modulation talk back that is present at the speaker during transmit.
Hand-Held CB Radios
Midland 75-785 - $74.95
• 7-watt input and FCC maximum allowable 4-watt output.
• Low battery indicator and high/low power switch help save battery life.
• Bright LED channel display helps you see information in dark places.
• Automatic noise control provides noise reduction under any condition.
• Built-in Electrostat electronic microphone delivers clear, crisp talk power.
• Accessory jacks allow you to use external antenna, speaker mic, or headphones for versatility.
Cobra HH38-WX-ST - $79.95
• 40 Channel Operation Full 40 Citizen Band channel operation.
• 10 NOAA Weather Channels 10 National Weather Channels (7 NOAA and 3 International) provide full coverage to keep you informed of weather conditions anywhere you go.
• SoundTracker System Cuts noise up to 90%...and only Cobra has it.
• Dual Watch Allows simultaneous monitoring of any two pre-selected channels.
• Full Channel Scan Allows you to scan all 40 channels just like a scanner!
• Instant Channel 19 Instant access to information Channel 19 with a single switch of a button.
• Compact design For maximum portability.
• 4 Watts Power Output The maximum allowed by law.
• High/Low Power Control Reduces power consumption by up to 75% to extend battery life.
• Low Battery Indicator Special LED illuminates to let you know when batteries are getting low.
• Battery or DC Operation For in-vehicle use... plugs into vehicle's cigarette lighter.
• High Efficiency Flexible Antenna Provides maximum range and bends without breaking.
• Uses 9 AA Batteries.
• Charging Jack Allows charging of Ni-Cad batteries in unit with AC wall charger.
• Speaker/Microphone Jack Allows use with combination speaker/microphone accessory.
Midland 75-822 - $99.95
• Vehicle adapter Allows you to draw power from a cigarette plug and use an external antenna.
• AC wall adapter Charge your batteries at home.
• NOAA weather capable Monitor NOAA weather stations to alert you on hazardous conditions.
• Compact design Easily portable and lightweight.
• Dual watch Allows you to monitor two channels.
• Instant channel 9/19 Easily switch to an emergency channel or the popular channel 19.
For further information, details and specifications, please visit:
Uniden | A World Without Wires
Cobra
Midland Radio - Communication Solutions For Your World
Galaxy DX Radios -- Product Line
Walcott CB - CB Radios, Mobile Electronics and Communications Superstore, in stock products with same-day shipping - - Electronics Superstore WalcottCB.com
http://www.radioshack.com/home/index.jsp.]
Here are some threads that illustrate various CB radio installation procedures:
BANDI MOUNT ANTENNA CABLE: Routing inst. w/ pics
COBRA 19DX IV CB & 4' FIRESTIK: Installation w/ pics
COBRA 75WXST CB: Installation w/ Bandi Mount
FULL-SIZE CB: Placement and installation
MIRROR-MOUNTED CB: Simple installation
CB Radio Buyers / Comparison Guide
Linear Mode
