Date:         Tue, 17 Nov 1998 02:34:13 EST
Reply-To:     Oxroad@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Jeffrey R <Oxroad@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Selecting a CB& antenna Quest.?
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

In a message dated 98-11-16 12:21:35 EST, you write:

> What makes one CB better?

I am a new CBer with advice and a question. I don't know the specifics of what
makes one unit better than another. But I recently mounted a simple-to-use and
easy to stow unit.

I bought the updated version of the Cobra CB Ron (Coyote) recommends at
Vanagon.com. This unit has all the controls in the CB handset and is hooked
into a cigarette pack-sized box that can be mounted under the dash. It's
convienient and doesn't take up dash space. It's got that noise blocking
feature called "Soundtracker" which is supposed to block interference. I've
seen it in the Camping World catalogue for $139. (normal disclaimers apply
here. I don't own or work for Camping World.)

I mounted the fixed cigarette pack sized box in the empty battery box under
and behind the drivers seat. I like the fact that the CB doesn't clutter my
dash or the space between the front seats.

I use a through-the-glass window mounted antenna that looks like a cell phone
antenna--but is a bit longer. My guess is this is the draw back of my system.
The CB doesn't seem to have all that much range and the static is pretty
annoying. Maybe all CBs have that much static? I don't know. I'm new to this.
I'd appreciate a veteran CBer straightening out this problem for me.

Will a better antenna cut the static as well as improve the range? And is
there an antenna mounting spot, like the rear bumper that will save me
drilling into the body and leave enough room to open the rear door? A
suggestion for a specific antenna would be greatly appreciated.

Also, have I made a mistake not hooking up the electrical connection to the
fuse that powers my car stereo? Is there some kind of static resister I have
missed by not powering off the stereo fuse? (although I hear the CB static
even with the engine off)

Any advice including "stay single" is always appreciated

Jeff
83.5 Westy
NYC