Installing And Tuning A CB Radio! Emergency Communication!

We add some emergency communication to our offroad vehicle in this episode! #CB #GMRS #preparedness #preperation
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[@kg4gav]

For GMRS, you only need 1 license that covers your entire family. You buy it form the FCC, much like a fishing license, no test needed. I have that same CB in my truck for when I am travelling around the state. If you put it on Local 1 or Local 2, it will cut out a lot of the distant chatter. You can also set the NOAA weather channel and put it on Alert. It will monitor CB, but if there is a weather alert, the radio will alarm and switch to weather. Also a handy feature.

[@TKCL]

Thanks for the info good to know.

[@AdamDeal-KF0PRI]

@@TKCL you need to apply for your FRN number first befor getting your license! that is free and takes about 24 hours or so to get!

[@greghesseltine2357]

@@TKCLand you probably have GMRS repeaters in your area

[@godlydevil1]

Hello, Yep I have a GMRS license. Good for the entire family. After you pay the $35.00 fee (right now anyways). It is good for 10 years and also good for your entire immediate family. Living with you and not. In most cases. I live in central OH and as far as I know there is not a reliable repearter network that connects central OH and FL however doesn't mean there couldn't be if somebody had money to spend. Crap your house would be a good place to put a repeater tower on top of to go over all them trees that interfere with both GMRS and CB signals. Radio in general for that matter.

[@godlydevil1]

If you need any help with the GMRS side hit me up.

[@mickwilson127]

Might think about knocking the corners of that antenna mount, don’t want catch a bicep on that as you walk past or stumble onto it as is.

[@pampilgrim2274]

Hi, Andrew! Believe it or not, I once had a CB radio. My handle was The Pilgrim. I was still in high school. It was around 1960-1961. See you at 7:00.

[@TKCL]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jeremiahs45]

Didn’t know about tuning a CB radio. Thanks for the info Andrew

[@TKCL]

Glad I shared something new. 5hanks for watching.

[@christopherclance475]

As someone who got their start in the radio hobby in CB Radio in the late 80’s early 90’s. It is cool. And more effective for traveling and traffic reports along interstates. Fmrs, gmrs, or ham radio would be a more reliable option for what your after. CB doesn’t require a license while the others do. But in an emergency situation anything works. Just make absolutely sure if you’re unlicensed it’s an emergency when you transmit. Licenses are easy to get for the others btw. I’m an amateur extra class licensed ham btw.

[@TKCL]

Thank you, I am getting my GMRS license.

[@jasondollmeyer5958]

For the noise feedback, I would recommend running power directly from the battery with a fuse and running the ground wire directly to a body ground. Did that with my ham radio and don't get noise interference from radio or on the radio. Also make sure those handhelds are programmed to the exact GMRS frequency to stay legal on gmrs, you can also program the frs frequencies as well and don't need a license for that. Also you can listen to the ham bands in your area as long as you don't transmit your good. But if there was a real emergency, you are allowed to transmit on the ham bands.

[@TKCL]

Thank you

[@calebsamuel2214]

Great video I love CB’s I’ve had them in all my trucks great for info from all the truckers when traveling you know stuff before the news it has died out a lot since the 90’s and yes you will shocked by the trash talking on a CB but a great tool over a cell phone. God bless

[@TKCL]

Very good point! God bless.

[@dailylife6432]

Your wave links travel in three foot intervals So from the tip of your antenna to the end of your coax needs to equal three foot intervals. And never bunch up your coax it will cause interference in the signal

[@ryanzynda5114]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@TKCL]

Thanks for watching!

[@m9ovich785]

CB radio, OH what memories from the 70.s... Licensed Ham now tho. 2 things to keep in mind, The Windshield frame is gonna effect the radiation pattern and SWR of the Antenna. Not much if any Ground plane for that Antenna... inserting and removing the Meter and Jumper from the Transmission line is gonna effect the tune. When I dealt with non-tunable Antennas, I tuned by the length of the Coax and leaving the meter in the ckt all the time. I have a lot of SWR Meters HAHAHAH... My best Mobile set up was a 102" Whip on a Spring at the front edge of an Aluminum topper on an 83 S-10 pickup. the whole top of the truck and topper was one big Ground plane. Boy could that thing talk on the stock 4 watts of the Radio. Thanks Andrew.... Mike M.

[@TKCL]

Thank you for the information. I'd imagine I'll eventually get into HAM one of these days.

[@luim0924]

Smart! Wise! Had to add that you really blessed my heart when you said this installation isn't only for your rescue but in case you can help others. Bless you for being ready to extend aid!

[@TKCL]

You never know who may need help

[@rongray4847]

Hi Andrew, another very good learning video. Interesting as usual. 👍👍❤️❤️🇨🇦

[@TKCL]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@milesharlan1]

Thank you for this video. I loved the tuning process of the CB.

[@TKCL]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ryanzynda5114]

Love the channel. Great video. 😊

[@jcf1978]

As you expand you may consider using HAM radio which has great range as well. I wouldnt be suprised if we saw you setting up your own repeater here in the future (either Ham or GMRS).

[@TKCL]

I'll eventually get into that.

[@Thetromboneman09]

You should h ear the things said on the radio up near chicago. That's one of the craziest places I've ever been on the radio.

[@TKCL]

It's quite crazy here as well, I guess I'm getting the interstate noise.

[@byronholmes2496]

Good day to all.

[@TKCL]

Good afternoon

[@brucemitchell5637]

Great idea , Andrew! That Mihandra looks li,e a really capable off road vehicle!

[@TKCL]

We absolutely love it! Already put thousands of miles on it.

[@sixshooter4570]

They do make anti-noise devices for the nois you're talking about. Of course there may be other and better alternatives. Only one of you need to have a GMRS license because that's all you need for you and your family.

[@TKCL]

Thank you

[@markfletcher4933]

Andrew I need a video on expanding WiFi over my property. I depend on your opinions on a lot of things so I’m patiently waiting. 😂

[@TKCL]

Noted!

[@HalfPintsStumpGrinding]

A vhf radio is good too, as close to the coast as we are and alot of dog hunters use vhf

[@TKCL]

Dog hunters still use CB here as well in the areas we ride. But a lot have switched to GMRS

[@radmilamiljanic5977]

He has always sent you cool toys ( misspelling again:)))

[@TKCL]

He's extremely generous!

[@RogerH-gy2gd6il8t]

I believe they make noise filters for the interference you are getting on your speakers. Very easy to install.

[@TKCL]

Once I disconnected the meter and routed cables, I no longer hear it.

[@wseamon1000]

CB is a good start for emergency comms. But like many have said it will leave you much to be desired. I have invested in commercial radio gear (cheap on eBay) and have it programmed for ham and GMRS. Range is MUCH better and audio intelligibility if far superior. It also gives you the option to program in your local fire/police frequencies for situational awareness. If you ever need help just reach out!

[@TKCL]

I like the idea of the local emergency channels.

[@bigchew3149]

I Have ben into Cb For 35-40 Years I am also a Licensed Ham radio Operator /Armature Radio as well as A GMRS License Holder I Think it is Pretty Safe To say I have ran About Ever Radio you could Imagine & a Ton of Stuff Ya Cant ! CB is Pretty Much Dead & if you could find help if ya need it you would be doing Good ! GMRS Is WAY Better it only Cost 35$ for 10 Years & Covers Your Entire Family & You Can Use The GMRS Repeaters & Cover A Way Bigger Area For Cheep !! BUT It It Is Not Hard At All To Get a Armature Radio License Either & Then You Can Use The Repeater System & Just about Cover The entire State & Even The World With The Right Stuff ! ! Side Note I Recommend To Keep Your SWR at a 1.5 Or Less & You will Never Have a Problem But The Lower The Better !If ya Interested in any more Info on GMRS Or Amateur Radio Or Even CB Just ask & I will be glad to help or at least point ya in the right Direction !

[@TKCL]

Thank you very much

[@mikemiller5139]

Tech Ham license is not hard to get. Need to look into it. CB is not very well monitored around some areas. Look into technician license. If you want communication when SHTF go ham 73'S KO4GED

[@LorenTedford]

Yeah its a common compromise setup. Remember the bulk of your RF is coming out of the base of the antenna the rest of the antenna is needed to match the wavelength that your transmitting at. As far as grounding it will affect your reception big time. Only one of you need to get licensed for GMRS if your married. However if your not legally married its safer to both get the license I think its like 60 dollars every 10 years or something I should probably take a look and see when mine expires although I rarely use my gmrs license. I am on the ham bands moreless. Ferrite beads cable insulation and grounding will help with removing the hum out of that amp. Also make sure your amp is grounded up very well including the radio and the speaker housing etc. Propper vehicle antenna placement helps some so your not dumping RF energy into the housing of the vehicle. Again its all a compromise because of the frequency that CB band is in. a propper J pole for the CB band is like 17 feet long so your compacting a lot of coil in that antenna basically its a radiating dummy load. That's why RF is pushing its way into your amp and speakers system. They do cover a small portion of RFI and RF interference grounding etc in the Motorola Handbook Manual I sent you awhile back Motorola R56 Manual i think it is.

[@TKCL]

Thank you very much, great information.

[@HalfPintsStumpGrinding]

Breaker Breaker 1-9

[@larrykusler5294]

I think you have everything covered. With Cell ph9nes and two different types of radios you should never be out of touch. Hopefully you will never have to use it for an emergency. But like so many other things better to have it and not need it than the other way around.

[@TKCL]

Agreed!

[@dhamps10]

Very interesting video. How far will that CB reach?

[@TKCL]

Not sure yet, we have a lot of thick trees here.

[@mikeanslave1797]

Andrew CB is ok but if u get ur ham radio license it’s much better u can operate on vhf/uhf if there is any repeaters in ur area after any disaster the local clubs and usually the EOC monitor and have a emergency net.

[@TKCL]

I do have future plans for HAM. Right now CB and GMRS are a good start.

[@mikeanslave1797]

@@TKCL most of us that r ham operators we started on the ole CB radios hey u have to crawl before u can walk.

[@5150cash]

Breaker 19 🤘🏽

[@TKCL]

Rubber ducky

[@hrlee1141]

Morning cash. Are you going to make the livestream today?

[@5150cash]

Hopefully. No work today 100+ degrees out here 🥵

[@TKCL]

108 here right now with the index, it's miserable!

[@hrlee1141]

97 & cloudy this morning. Supposed to get to 101 by this afternoon.

[@nancyniewoehner7881]

I never had to do all that when I used a CB. And may I ask where your speaker is?

[@TKCL]

Speaker is in the mic, you can add an external speaker.

[@TDMayday]

Whatever happened to just having two cans together with a long string? And a clothes hanger antenna? Lol

[@TKCL]

Lol been about 35 years ago for me.

[@someguy4476]

LOL! Russia water. 😂

[@jp34604]

Breaker, breaker ... If your SWR reading is higher on channel 40 than it is on channel 1, lower something on your antenna. If channel 1 is higher than 40, raise something on your antenna. If channels 1 and 40 are approximately the same, and your lowest reading is on channel 20, then you are optimized. Coax Length: 18 feet of coax is optimal even if you don't need that much. If you use a length that is shorter or longer, you risk achieving ideal SWR readings. Properly store any excess coax in a figure 8 configuration approximately one foot in length and bound in the middle - it should look like a long, skinny 8. Do not store your excess coax where there is any loop upon itself nor bound in a coil. Doing so is basically creating another antenna which will skew or falsify your SWR readings. Improper coax routing is the top reason for high SWR readings. + Re: GMRS: A single $35 fee covers the licensee and their immediate family members and is valid for 10 years. :)

[@TKCL]

Thank you for the excellent information. I also wasn't aware of the single license covering family, that's great to know.

[@LatitudeSky]

​@TKCL GMRS radios are also extremely affordable. Like a two-pack of handheld for under $50 and it would h ave more range than the CB. But it truly depends on what others in your area actually use. Does no good to have GMRS if nobody else is using it.

[@jp34604]

@@TKCL The reason 18ft is SO very significant for the coax lenght is due to the wavelength of the 27 megahertz carrier wave - it is exactly one half of a wavelength - half for TX & half for RX equals a full wavelength which equates to Optimal loading on the transmit amplifier. This is why the whip antenna at 102 inches in length is best for mobile applications. 18 ft of coax is equal to two 1/4 wave whip antennas. 102in x 2 = 204 ÷ 12 = 17ft + one Ohm for the connectors = 1/2 wavelength. One full wavelength = ~36ft at 27Mhz. Also FRS channels 1 through 7 overlap with GMRS and can be used to communicate with GMRS radios. If you need to talk only to other FRS radios, use channels 8 through 14 to avoid possible interference with low band GMRS users The Antennas are everything, the radios are all the same except for receiving sensitivity ... CB antenna: ASIN B081LDRSHH GMRS antenna: ASIN ‎B00KC4PWQQ As far as reaching someone in an emergency you have nothing in the world to worry about since you are in CENTCOM's backyard and just a short run from MacDill. All you have to say (on any freq) is there are a bunch of ET's in a big shiny Tic Tac in a hole and you will get MedeVaced out in black choppers ASAP! Lol 😆 🤣 😂

[@markb.1259]

Why stop with GMRS... get a satellite radio!! 🙂

[@JimmyHensley36]

Not a fan of that coax , get you some lmr 400 coax for the antenna . Remember has to be 3 ft lengths for correct swr .. Not sure where you got the info on coiling up coax but we’ve been doing that for years and never had an issue . Nice job on the install . Wilson is my favorite mobile antenna .. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@AdamDeal-KF0PRI]

yeah coil it into a 4in diam. coil about 6 or 8 turns and zip tie it then place it outof the way!

[@TKCL]

If I remember correctly it was a Wilson video from the company that discussed not coiling up.

[@JimmyHensley36]

@@AdamDeal-KF0PRI I would just buy me a 3 ft jumper of lmr 400 50 ohm coax . No coiling needed then in this case of such a short run . I bet the swr will drop to . My mobile is flat 1.1 all the way .

[@AdamDeal-KF0PRI]

@@JimmyHensley36 lol way to big of coax! he would have to drill a hole! rg8x works well! better shielding then rg58! he could use the rg8x and still run a shirt line! lmr400 is good for long runs and higher power! not rated at 10,000 watts! lol