Back on CB RADIO after 35 YEARS | Our new President McKinley & Gainmaster 5/8 Wave Vertical Antenna

[@christophersmith1155]

WELCOME BACK. I BEEN ON SINCE 1979. I STILL HAVE MY FIRST RADIO AT HOME AND A GALAXY IN MY OFFICE HERE IN MIDTOWN MANHATTAN,

[@rvcbuk]

Oh wow... a piece of history, I am sure you will never be parted with that by the sounds of it.

[@tomgraham7929]

Welcome back to cb bud. I been back on 2 years almost. Met some great people, and caught up with many old friends too.

[@rvcbuk]

That's great to hear Tom. Hopefully in time we can meet up with some nice CBers too.

[@KarlHobson]

Welcome back I also started out in the late 70s - 80s operating the same radio antenna setup...the McKinley works much better out mobile away from all the electrical noise S5 that most people seem to suffer from at home.....

[@rvcbuk]

Thanks Karl. We do plan to take the Mckinley out mobile soon. I might get a gutter / boot mount and try it out in my daily car with the Sirio 5000 mobile antenna we just bought. But ultimately it will go into our motorhome, but that won't be until April onwards.

[@PRODIGY5369]

@@rvcbuk I have only had time to watch this video on your channel. I'm curious how you got on with the 5000 on the roof of your camper, I'm thinking of putting one on my Sprinter day job vehicle. I'm a little confused about the height, although I am 99.8% motorway.

[@fecheverria]

i am back at it myself too... thinking to get this same radio. Thanks for the vid.

[@rvcbuk]

That is great news. I am glad the video helped.

[@thisisus.504]

Used CB with my Dad, mobile in car during the 80s. I met a load of good people. Presently taking FL course and for a well timed birthday pressie, received an ss6900n. That should keep me occupied for a bit!

[@rvcbuk]

1980s those good old days eh

[@toddstanley3619]

Radio sounds excellent with that gainmaster.

[@rvcbuk]

Thanks very much Todd

[@aquatekt1402]

Haven’t used the cb since the early 90’s when I got my ham licence, but my roots were with cb like many more my age. People seem to be returning to the radio but we need more truckers returning they seem to have abandoned the most useful tool in the box. I have just put a cb back in the car , so will listing for you

[@rvcbuk]

Thanks 😀👌 I do see a few reports of people coming back to CB radio, and of course I am one of them. There are one or two new people in my town from what I hear. I am glad I bought the new CB radio kit, it brings back so many memories. One thing I am glad no longer seems to exist though, is the constant disc jockeying on the 'breaking' channel as was a headache back in the 80s.

[@forddude1976]

Truckers aren't aloud to have CB's in the cb ( my boss told me no anyway) detraction lead to accidents. I'd love one in my truck.

[@rvcbuk]

@@forddude1976 I must say, I do admire that attitude to driver safety. I would imagine with such a policy, he does not telephone you whilst you are driving either.

[@mariomarchese8335]

Hello I am Mario from Trieste Italy the antenna operator has mounted the GAIN-MASTER for me today the stationaries are at most 1 and 2 almost on 400 channels I had it in the 80s this antenna was a fantastic thing bye and have a good day

[@rvcbuk]

That is good news. The SWR also set up fantastic on mine, first time after following the measurements in the instructions. Very easy.

[@timothyjones4950]

Channel 33 in Warwickshire/North Warwickshire South West Leicestershire, give us a shout. Recognisable voices coming back to you there🙂. Don't wish to preach, but you should use a lashing bracket on a chimney, as you may pull the bricks out!! Welcome back to CB Radio. Regards, Tim HT nuneaton

[@rvcbuk]

Hi there, not too far down the road then :-) I have not picked up anyone being on channel 33 as yet. I have heard a few from Burton and Swadlincote areas on channel 38. I will have a listen out. I will keep my eye on the chimney. It has had some really nice re-pointing work done in recent years, and is structurally very sound.

[@timothyjones4950]

Were commonly active between 11AM to around 1, and then again later in the afternoon, between 3:30 and around 5. And of course anytime in between. Paul is a guy local to you, he also has a gainmaster, speak to him from time to time, others local ish would be Joe, Chris from Kingsbury and Chris from Tamworth, mike, who gave you a radio report. Leicester tend to use 40 there's a group on 27.500 some evenings also plus the best of your local qrm permits. Delboyonline has a list of nets. Look forward to hearing you. Best regards Tim HT nuneaton.

[@timothyjones4950]

Were commonly active between 11AM to around 1, and then again later in the afternoon, between 3:30 and around 5. And of course anytime in between. Paul is a guy local to you, he also has a gainmaster, speak to him from time to time, others local ish would be Joe, Chris from Kingsbury and Chris from Tamworth, mike, who gave you a radio report. Leicester tend to use 40 there's a group on 27.500 some evenings also plus the best of your local qrm permits. Delboyonline has a list of nets. Look forward to hearing you. Best regards Tim HT nuneaton.

[@rvcbuk]

Thanks Tim. I will certainly listen out for the net. I have spoken with a few local guys, such as Mike, Chris, Nigel, Wess. On Thursday of this week I got my longest distance contact so far, which was on 27.515 mhz USB dropping into the East Midlands Free Band Net which operates 7pm - 11ish. I got an S8 R5 report from a station 8 miles west of Grimsby on the east coast. Of course I was chuffed to get that feedback. Thanks for the information Tim, it is appreciated.

[@rickd523]

I am currently awaiting, anxiously, my new Pres. McKinley. I will mate with the RM 503 HD and the McKinley is being tweaked and tuned just for that amp. All the reviews say this radio is excellent and shines on SSB. Congrats to you, Friend, for coming back to radio.

[@rvcbuk]

You will enjoy the Mckinley, its a nice little radio for sure.

[@UDX-21]

Thanks for getting back on, and showing this Radio, I hit all your buttons, and became a new channel Friend. Stop in sometime for a coffee/tea- lol Dirty Diaper 21 in S.C. Old Radio Night.

[@rvcbuk]

Thanks for the comments and sub, I will pop over to your channel 😀👌

[@UDX-21]

@@rvcbuk Be glad to see you

[@jackpinesavage1628]

Once upon a time, (three years ago) myself, age 65 and my friend, age 75 decided to install CB antennas for our CB radios. He had a good spot by his back porch and I had a spot right next to a tower for my outdoor light. We found neighbors who had unwanted television towers they wanted rid of. We measured the length of his tower, including the antenna before we hoisted it up, 45 feet (13.716 meters). We measured the height of my tower before we hoisted it up. 54 feet (16.4592 meters). We tried to lift it up, hand over hand, yet, that failed. We took an old manual crank handle boat winch off an old boat trailer I had. We tied guy ropes off on trees and under the eaves of my log cabin to support the old light tower. We tied the boat winch on the old tower about half-way up in the air. Our 2nd attempt to raise the antenna was successful! I lifted it up, while my friend cranked that boat winch like a man on a mission. I felt the tower go past the half-way point, then we got her upright. She was swaying in the breeze, back and forth. I'm yelling at my friend, "Clamp that #@$% down!" He managed to clamp it down to the old tower with a muffler clamp. If my tower had fallen and touched the mains, I'm certain we'd both look like one of those cartoon characters that look like skeletons when struck with high voltage. Good times.

[@rvcbuk]

Oh wow, that does sound quite an experience that you all had there lol. I am glad however that you all came out of the other side with no cuts bruises and electrocution scars 😀

[@pauljosephcanada171]

Welcome back ,CQ DX to Uk ! From Canada 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 Maybe some day l will here you on CB radio having a good chat ,73”s to you & family and everyone U K .

[@rvcbuk]

Thank you Paul. Best wishes to you and your family 👌😀

[@jerrypolverino6025]

Welcome back to CB my man. Welcome home.

[@rvcbuk]

Fun times 😀

[@zukispur5493]

Welcome back mate. 73 London

[@rvcbuk]

Cheers buddy, we have no regrets buying back into the hobby.

[@simonwinwood]

Hey John great video. Up the Staffs.

[@rvcbuk]

Thank you Simon

[@MattHill303]

Can you hear the bunch on ch38 from the Swadlincote area most evenings, I can just about hear and work stations in Tamworth from here.

[@rvcbuk]

Fantastic. I have spoken to the guys on Ch38 for the first time tonight, they seem a great bunch of guys.

[@MattHill303]

@@rvcbuk I'm off air at the moment while moving antennas around but should be back on in the new year.

[@rvcbuk]

@@MattHill303 Good luck with your antenna move, ready for 2022. Stay safe off ladders in the wet and icy conditions.

[@Andy-sh9eq]

That self amalgamating tape works best if you stretch it a bit when you wrap it around.

[@rvcbuk]

Yes, I agree, I have found that too. We have also used it on some plastic plumbing pipe fixings in our motorhome, to try and prevent possible looseness due to on the road vibrations.

[@jimscruggs5400]

After 42 years off the CB, I'm gettingback on

[@rvcbuk]

That is really good news.

[@M6JKW]

That is a beast of an antenna 😂👍

[@rvcbuk]

It is doing the job, I have just reinstalled it after being off air for 12 months.

[@peterfong2241]

Hi guys, I really need someone to start making back the hr2510, I really think it's one of the best radio ever made !!

[@rvcbuk]

I dont know this radio, but have just seen converted the HR2510 can have coverage from 24.800 - 29.999 MHz which is similar to the President Mckinley. Perhaps then where the Mckinley grew up from?

[@pauljosephcanada171]

Yes I had HR 2510 it was the best CB radio I ever had for my mobile 🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@peterfong2241]

@@pauljosephcanada171 Blessed love my brother, great radios, watching from Jamaica west Indies !!

[@davidg4081]

I.just bought one last week.Great radio at a good price .Thanks for the video.

[@rvcbuk]

Thanks David. We are still really enjoying the radio. It was a good choice for sure.

[@markwilliams6084]

Love one. Just can't afford it. Have to put up with watching YT videos of the McKinley instead. Sad I know. Great video too.

[@rvcbuk]

Aww thanks Mark. Hopefully one day you will be in a position to get yourself one. Take care.

[@Superfandangoo]

Hi John, on the PSU theres a little pot at the end of the terminals, turn it up to voltage 13.4 to 13.8 for the radio. Subbed, Richard CT4275, M7LTR 73

[@rvcbuk]

Hi Richard. Yes, I saw it when I wired it up. I recall that the pot was sealed over. I may have another look at it over the weekend and see how easy / difficult it is to remove the sealing compound. If successful we may make a video of the modification. Thanks for the sub, and support.

[@johnward7894]

Simple but detailed thank you bloody marvelous

[@rvcbuk]

Thank you for your kind words :-)

[@davidbanner9001]

Great video. I have also recently been looking into getting back into CB etc. Back in the day my Brother had a Cobra 148GTLDX (fully modded, cough, cough) and a hundred others rigs, burner, preamps etc. Of course as his little brother I used to use them also.

[@rvcbuk]

I had a Cobra 148 GTL DX back in the day, nice radios.

[@geraldscott4302]

I still use them, but a bit more responsibly now. I figure if it is ok for me to use 100 watts on the 20 and 40 meter amateur bands without causing any interference, it's ok on 11 meters as well. In todays digital world, high frequency RF (which should actually be called low frequency now that almost all commercial stuff in in the 1200Mhz and above range) really doesn't cause interference anymore.

[@24nov67]

i would never drill into a chimney stack you should have used a proper lashing kit but good to see more people coming back on

[@rvcbuk]

The chimney structure is very solid.

[@ZommBleed]

Here in the States my McKinley front panel is differentthan yours. I guess you guys run a little different frequencies and modes than us. I believe you operate a lot on FM, too, if I'm not mistaken. I noticed right away the knob layout is different than the one I run in my car. Enjoy your "new" hobby and "new" yank-mobile. Ha ha. Cheers, mate.

[@rvcbuk]

Yes, I did notice a lot of the labelling on the switches and buttons are different to the UK spec radios. FM was the first legalised mode here in the UK, which started in 1981. There is quite a following for the FM mode here.

[@williambowman7244]

Give it time fcc passed fm on cb recently to legal level I have used fm limited here in states no experience in dc on fm just up to 15 mi but the use is very good contacts once freq use is agreed on all my experience been on ssb rigs with ful 10+ kc tunability FM tunes just as far so need to agree on freq of contact my ,99v 2 gets 3 kc away and loses the sig very tight sometimes on am I don't even know ssb on same channel

[@fnordist]

If you use self Ganjalmalgating Tape, keep in mind to add some UV Resistant shrink tubes above the tape. PTFE on top is ideal.

[@rvcbuk]

Okay, thanks for the feedback. Our antenna is up now though, but thanks for the feedback.

[@26TM205]

Nice set up John, Glad to see your Bro drilling into the brick and not into the cement between the bricks. You can also use Self-amalgamating tape on the end of the rawl bolts that helps to stop water seeping into the brick and then freezing in winter and splitting the brickwork. One tip you may not be aware of and that is to stretch the amalgamating tape as you wrap it, it then gives a much tighter seal on the joints, that is how it is designed to work from the manufacturer. Anyway welcome back on the air hope to speak soon. TM205 Mark Stoke-on-Trent.

[@rvcbuk]

Thanks Mark. That's a good idea using it on the bolt heads, I had not thought of that. Yes, I sort of found that stretching the tape a little works better, but that was on a job I did on some plastic pipework in our motorhome project (to avoid vibration loosening) after the antenna was already installed. Really good stuff that tape, the first impression putting it on is that it won't work, but it really does, it sticks well.

[@unclequack5445]

I was off for a while but I have a damn nice station set up now I have Galaxy 33 and 2 president Richard radios with various Amplifiers up to 2.2 KW and an A/B biased amp for ssb cant believe I waited so long to set back up.

[@kisho2679]

is there a bluetooth adapter for the President McKinley to connect with smartphone?

[@rvcbuk]

Thats a great question. But I have no idea.

[@td2691]

Is this the first youtube video you've ever made? Excellent work

[@rvcbuk]

It is the first one for this new CB Radio channel. We do have a KZbin channel where we video our rebuilding of an American RV, so we have made videos for KZbin before. Thank you.

[@2m0rot]

Welcome back to the hobby mate :) You're just in time for the new solar cycle ramping up the DX.

[@rvcbuk]

Hope so, thank you, I am looking forward to it.

[@jesperga]

Looks like you're squared away good luck 73S JP771

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Welcome back

[@rvcbuk]

Thanks Fred :-)

[@shackwishprice6924]

My favourite radio apart from hf sets

[@rvcbuk]

Yes, they are nice radios, work very well.

[@geraldscott4302]

The President McKinley is a decent radio. It works as good or better than the Galaxy DX-2547, and can be used as a mobile radio if desired. One of it's best features is the ability to turn the RF power output down. I'm using mine with an RM Italy 203P amp and an Antron 99 antenna (similar to what you have) and am powering them both with a Jetstream 30 amp power supply (I paid under $150 for it, and also use it to power my Icom 718 HF amateur radio) I use it almost exclusively on SSB. I only use AM in my vehicle while on the interstates The only people in the U.S. who use AM anymore are truckers (who mostly talk about how hard their jobs are and how little they make, which is mostly true, but it's not something you want to listen to very long) and teenagers who use high powered amplifiers, overmodulated power mics, echo boards, and all kinds of annoying sound effects. They have no interest in communicating, just trying to see how annoying they can be. I am in the Southwestern U.S. (Arizona) and frequently make contacts in Australia and New Zealand. You British chaps are a lot more polite on the radio than most Americans are.

[@rvcbuk]

Thanks for the feedback, we do like the radio, and are happy we bought it. We plan to use this radio in our American RV which we are going to use to tour around the UK.

[@xprs1257]

Fantastic!! I’m just looking to gain information on up to date CB here in the UK. I had a Uniden 100 27/81 in 1982 . Is FM still the mainstream ? Is AM now the mainstream?? Looking to get back into CB

[@rvcbuk]

Great news. Yes, FM is still the channel for day to day CB radio. However SSB is also strong here in the UK too, in fact I use SSB a lot.

[@xprs1257]

@@rvcbuk Fantastic!! Really looking forward to getting my rig and back on .. Thank You ..

[@kisho2679]

which portable antenna is recommended for it to use SSB?

[@rvcbuk]

We have not yet used it mobile.

[@ManyFunAdventures]

LOL! What are the chances of this happening?? Unreal. I have just bought a Thunderpole T-600 CB for our motorhome and going to get it set up this week. So I thought I'd just see what's on KZbin about this unit and I come across YOU! lol. Really is a small world isn't it?

[@JohnCarverUK]

Lol ... nice one Andy 🙂... If you need any help advice, you know where I can be found 🙂... Good luck with the new CB set up, we will have to try to make a contact, which should not be a problem.

[@Patrickjdee66]

Hi there , I have had the McKinley for a couple of days and have noticed a humming noise coming from the speaker, kind of static, I’m sure it isn’t normal on zero volume, maybe it is normal which would surprise me, does your McKinley make any noise on zero volume ? Thanks for your help.

[@rvcbuk]

Hi there. I am pretty sure mine has no hum, but I will check later this afternoon and will let you know.

[@Patrickjdee66]

@@rvcbuk thanks for that, it kind of sounds like a computer fan noise

[@rvcbuk]

@@Patrickjdee66 I have just switched it on and there is no humming noise from the speaker. Are you using a regulated power supply to run the radio?

[@Patrickjdee66]

@@rvcbuk Hi there , it’s a Sharman SM-10, I have another radio connected which is the President Richard, no noise issues with that one.

[@Patrickjdee66]

It’s a 13.8v regulated

[@DeltaXray444]

I use the Gainmaster 5/8 th wave as my main antenna ive worked the world on it.. also have a McKinley they are an excellent radio.

[@rvcbuk]

Fantastic to hear ! I must say I was chuffed to have those couple of radio S meter reports read back to me (mentioned in the latest video). Although the two stations were not a great distance from me, they were reporting great audio quality from me. So, the Mckinley and 5/8 Gainmaster do seem to be doing okay this end. That day I do get a signal confirmed across the water once more will be history in the making :-)

[@Patrickjdee66]

Hi there , good video , my McKinley is turning up on Wednesday , is it a good CB ?

[@rvcbuk]

Fantastic ! ... I hope you have great fun with it. I certainly have no regrets buying one, it's a good radio.

[@Patrickjdee66]

@@rvcbuk that’s great, thanks so much

[@wallywo7392]

Hi enjoyed this can I ask you CB come with FM and am on it, I have read the reviews on Amazon and some customers have said there was no FM, thanks very much

[@rvcbuk]

Yes they do, certainly mine has FM on it. In the UK they are known as 'Export' radios. Take a look at the Knights CB Radio website based in the UK, they have the specs listed on that website.

[@johnbolt806]

Hi. How do you swr it

[@rvcbuk]

It has SWR built in, really easy to use, no external meter needed.

[@brianbrown4965]

mine gets a bit hot during conversations

[@rvcbuk]

They do get warm. I believe it is due to the radio being quite powerful, all packed within a small case.

[@brianbrown4965]

@@rvcbuk hi cheers m8 73 take care

[@WILDDAGGERTV]

Hello John 👋

[@rvcbuk]

Hello there 👍

[@digitalanaloguehamradio]

Nice radio

[@rvcbuk]

Thank you very much :-)

[@BananaJSSI]

Nice set up! Merry Christmas. I have been orking DX since 1977, lots of coming in today. Cheers & 73's 9 AU 791

[@rvcbuk]

Thank you very much :-) We hope that you are having a lovely Christmas. 73's.

[@BananaJSSI]

@@rvcbuk Merry Christmas Cheers & 73's

[@MrRichard57000]

Did you expand the channels or is it stock?? Mine is expanded from 24.715.to 30.000 mhz but the band selector starts at a. 26665 to 27.405 than b 27415 to 27855 than c drops to 26.???.... Not so happy with that

[@rvcbuk]

I bought it new and asked the supplier to expand it. It ranges from 24.715 mhz to 30.105 mhz. Plus the UK FM block. The way the blocks are set up is odd, not in any real order, which apparently is a President thing. I am going to paper table mine so I have a hard copy of the block ranges on the desk.

[@MrRichard57000]

@@rvcbuk yes that's what I see here to.... Think it s poisible to program that but I'm not sure....I used bigger cables from the pcb board to the DC connector because they were very thin and started to melt!! Other than that great reception, audio is good(great?) power output 20 watts if you want but you can adjust it by push the mike(tx) than hit the mem key (f starts flashing ) press 1x menu button (RF power is flashing) and then counterclockwise turn the power down, you see the RF power bar dropping confirm by pushing on menu button.... Key the mike from start to finish...

[@rvcbuk]

@@MrRichard57000 Thank you for that. I had not figured out how to adjust the RF power output. I have just tried your advice and it works fine :-)

[@MrRichard57000]

@@rvcbuk yes oké good to hear!!! If you hold the menu button there are some other features like SWR testing, dynamic or electric Mike, coulours display, but these are obvious....

[@rvcbuk]

@@MrRichard57000 Yes, thank you. I did have a 'play' with the menu controls when I bought the radio, and I have found the other items that you mention, but thank you anyway. It was a tough decision with the screen colours, but have chosen a blue screen for now :-)

[@ra8620]

I think people should keep cb radio and increase base station too and also radio station should also keep co ordination with CB . because of global disaster level is increasing.

[@rvcbuk]

Sounds a plan.

[@mattcurtis3019]

I enjoyed that 👍

[@rvcbuk]

Thank you Matt 😀👍

[@dktr2]

This power supply introduces a lot of background noise. You can judge for yourself by powering the radio from the battery.

[@rvcbuk]

I did, it made no difference.

[@Superfandangoo]

I have two of these psu's both 30amp and no added QRM found from 3.5MHz to 470MHz

[@buddhistsympathizer1136]

I was just about to say the same thing, but amazed that others are saying that it creates no noticeable QRM whatsoever. VERY surprising - They must have very good filters on both the input and output. I'll look into getting one myself.

[@leewoodward9147]

Join the Delta Rome DX group, a great bunch of guys.

[@rvcbuk]

Thank you for the tip. I will search for it online and take a look at what they do.

[@luish19779]

New sub here!!

[@rvcbuk]

Thank you :-)

[@petermajor4599]

💎

[@panaras]

For me the president Lincoln it's the best CB radio and the combra but I don't remember the brand maybe the same

[@rvcbuk]

The Lincoln is a President brand yes.

[@mariomarchese8335]

Hello My name is Mario, and I live in Trieste Italy. I have your same radio and also your same antenna, which apples will mount on December 20 on the roof. I wanted to ask you for the SWR have you had any problems? i will use a rg8 mini cable i will have calibration problems with this cable. Thank you and have a nice day (I beg your pardon I don't know English I used the translator I hope you will understand what I wrote again Many thanks)

[@rvcbuk]

Hello Mario thanks for coming to the channel. We obtained a 1:1 SWR throughout the 26 to 27 mhz range. The cable we use to achieve this is RG213 coax. I hope that you are able to tune your antenna. Please do let us know how you get on.

[@madjack8893]

New sub.

[@rvcbuk]

Thank you for the support Jack.

[@mariomarchese8335]

😁OK

[@rvcbuk]

😀👌🎄 Merry Christmas.

[@barryinn1778]

Can't hear ya

[@rvcbuk]

Turn the volume control clockwise 😀👍👌

[@PEDERSTEENBERG-nv2id]

huum

[@rvcbuk]

I thought so too lol

[@PEDERSTEENBERG-nv2id]

@@rvcbuk Funkar bara på Landsbygden

[@rvcbuk]

@@PEDERSTEENBERG-nv2id Lol.. I am not sure about that

[@rvcbuk]

"Only works in the countryside"

[@mattpace5982]

You should have gotten a a rci 2950dx mobile or a Stryker 955hp both are good radios the president McKinley is not a good radio 73s

[@rvcbuk]

The President Mckinley is recommended by a lot of CB radio users.

[@mattpace5982]

@@rvcbuk well they recommend it wrong just saying

[@rvcbuk]

@@mattpace5982 Those radios are not generally as easily available here in the UK as the Mckinley is. Plus, the Stryker 955hp is in a much higher price bracket than the Mckinley.