2018 F350 CB Antenna Front Bumper Mount
2018 F350 CB Antenna Front Bumper Mount Photos Finally finished up installing my CB radio in our 2018 F350. Antenna location would have been a lot easier without the truck camper in the bed....
Forum Discussion
A standard off the shelf CB radio is capable of far more contrary to some beliefs.
If you're asking the question "Should I buy an amplifier?" then you've probably decided you need more power output, or someone you know has told you to buy one. Before we get into a discussion on buying an amplifier, first let's pose another question. Do you actually need an amplifier?
A standard CB radio is going to have an AM carrier (also know as deadkey) of around 3 to 4 watts. Once the carrier is modulated, output on the radio may reach 10-12 watts on average with some models hitting around 15-18 watts. Single Sideband models (SSB) will normally have output of 12 watts, with some models hitting around 18-20 watts after tuning. These output numbers are more than enough for basic local in-town communications if an operator has properly set up their antenna.
Getting on America's most wanted using a Linear..Laffin
If you use your amplifier wisely you most likely could be on the radio for 100 years and never have an issue with the FCC, but if you plan to be an idiot and play music through your 1000 watt amplifier you might just get a visit from the man.
So while adding an amplifier won't put you on America's Most Wanted it's best to be smart in how you operate and try not to cause problems for yourself or others. If you are still fuzzy on the legality you might read through my article Legal Mumbo Jumbo, or better yet read through the FCC rules on amplifiers.
Still want to add an amplifier? Okay...read on at your own risk.
2) Have you optimized your current setup?
This is the starting point for most CBer's and if you're reading this article I'm guessing you want an amplifier because you want to talk further. More power = more distance right? While this is definitely true you can also achieve more distance with a properly tuned radio and antenna system. If you currently have a wilson 3 ft fiberglass antenna on the bumper of your truck, you might easily gain a 30% improvement in performance and distance by moving to a longer antenna such as a Wilson 1000 or Wilson 5000 mounted in the center of the roof of your vehicle. Adding an amplifier might also give you a boost of 30% or more with your current system but what's the point of adding nitro to a station wagon? Get your current system set up correctly and if you still want to talk further...add the amplifier.
And yes,the RCVR on a Linear does work in bringing in reception,just nor as good as the output,atleast on the Linear I had.
If you're asking the question "Should I buy an amplifier?" then you've probably decided you need more power output, or someone you know has told you to buy one. Before we get into a discussion on buying an amplifier, first let's pose another question. Do you actually need an amplifier?
A standard CB radio is going to have an AM carrier (also know as deadkey) of around 3 to 4 watts. Once the carrier is modulated, output on the radio may reach 10-12 watts on average with some models hitting around 15-18 watts. Single Sideband models (SSB) will normally have output of 12 watts, with some models hitting around 18-20 watts after tuning. These output numbers are more than enough for basic local in-town communications if an operator has properly set up their antenna.
Getting on America's most wanted using a Linear..Laffin
If you use your amplifier wisely you most likely could be on the radio for 100 years and never have an issue with the FCC, but if you plan to be an idiot and play music through your 1000 watt amplifier you might just get a visit from the man.
So while adding an amplifier won't put you on America's Most Wanted it's best to be smart in how you operate and try not to cause problems for yourself or others. If you are still fuzzy on the legality you might read through my article Legal Mumbo Jumbo, or better yet read through the FCC rules on amplifiers.
Still want to add an amplifier? Okay...read on at your own risk.
2) Have you optimized your current setup?
This is the starting point for most CBer's and if you're reading this article I'm guessing you want an amplifier because you want to talk further. More power = more distance right? While this is definitely true you can also achieve more distance with a properly tuned radio and antenna system. If you currently have a wilson 3 ft fiberglass antenna on the bumper of your truck, you might easily gain a 30% improvement in performance and distance by moving to a longer antenna such as a Wilson 1000 or Wilson 5000 mounted in the center of the roof of your vehicle. Adding an amplifier might also give you a boost of 30% or more with your current system but what's the point of adding nitro to a station wagon? Get your current system set up correctly and if you still want to talk further...add the amplifier.
And yes,the RCVR on a Linear does work in bringing in reception,just nor as good as the output,atleast on the Linear I had.
