We need at least 4 Items for our system:	Tools:
CB Radio (12VDC) mobile Coax Cable (preferably RG8AU or, RG mini 8 as it is called) Note: We will cover cable types in another section. Antenna Bracket Assembly Antenna	Simple hand tools, such as a knife or wire cutters, and wrenches, etc. Mounting screws (if needed)

 

General CB Radio Cost and Brands

First off, deciding your need is important. For this write up we are going to make a few assumptions for overall use. We will assume the general need will be for general off road use, and maybe travel traffic conditions, etc. For most of us, that will be the case.

With this in mind, a simple and inexpensive set up is typically just fine. There are several good quality CB radio manufacturers on the market that offer a radio with simple features, such as we are after. Typically these radios can be bought brand new for around $50, often less. A couple of decent and popular brand names might be Uniden, Midland and Cobra. Typically the model will represent nothing more than simple added features (goodies), such as weather band button, microphone gain, and the like. We'll stay out of that for now and just focus on the basic radio itself and some things to look for prior to purchase.

CB Mounting Locations

Often this detail is overlooked when purchasing or shopping for a new CB mobile radio. I'd recommend thinking of where you might mount the CB, prior to purchase…especially if you plan on mounting the radio permanently. It is important that you have access to your CB buttons, knobs, and microphone without too much hassle. It is also important to be able to hear the internal speaker. However, most CB radios are equipped with an external speaker jack located in back of the chassis of the radio. I would recommend checking the radio you are interested in purchasing to make sure that is present. It may not even be needed, but if you need it, or decide to relocate later, it's available. Not all radios will have external speaker jacks. The lower end radios often will delete normally standard features like this for advertised CB radios.

Finally, take a few estimated measurements of room, and perhaps restrictions…such as rear seat access, legroom, etc. Some folks will use quick disconnect electrical connections and Velcro the radio to there desired location. There are even special brackets available for the Jeep TJ to mount by the transfer case selector lever on the driver's side. Whatever you decide will work best for you, we'll attempt to hopefully help cover some basics to make it simple and easy, and help keep the cost affordable for most folks.

 

CB Radio Selection

Selecting the radio is fairly simple. For me being I drive a convertible Jeep, the likelihood of my CB being stolen is very good. Therefore I tend to lean toward cheaper priced units for my Jeep. They are usually slim in design, and very good quality on the electronics and able to take some abuse (bumps, jars, hits, etc.) during my off road adventures. But let's quickly take a look at some pros and cons to all in one (and hand held units) vs. standard units.

Handheld or All in one units:
Pros: Controls and speaker are located in the hand held unit, quickly removed for security.
Cons: Typically high priced, non-modifiable, often heavy (compared to a microphone), aren't often large hand friendly, more likely to sustain damage as they are dropped often, and are sometimes hard to hear out of (without an external speaker).

Standard mounted CB's:
Pros: Many more models available, less costly, can be worked on (i.e. tuned and aligned), etc.
Cons: Take up more room (in some cases).

For this write up I will use the inexpensive Uniden Pro510 CB, which is probably one of the least expensive radios on the market, and typically runs around $50 brand new. It has only 3 knobs (On/Off-Volume control, Squelch, and Channel Selection). It has one added feature called ANL, which is nothing more than an automatic noise limit switch and helps tone down raspy electrical or voice noise some. Very simple and straight forward radio. Nothing fancy, just functional, easy to operate, and reasonably inexpensive. Perfect for my off road and general traffic use.