Yahoo Message Number: 63349 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/63349)
I am considering installing a CB radio in my MH. Do many of the group members use them? Can you give me some pointers on mounting the antenna? Did you use a non ground plane type? Where did you locate it? Do any of you use a SSB radio? What kind of range can I expect?
Thanks
Darwin Pugmire
2008 Magna
6874
Yahoo Message Number: 63352 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/63352)
My unshielded enunciator (computer) has so much interference, renders CB radio communications useless. CC techs had no idea what FCC meant when I asked them.
Mine uses a non ground plane antenna. You would have to put up a flat plate on the roof to get any sort of decent ground plane if I remember from my old CB days.
Jon
Yahoo Message Number: 63355 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/63355)
Jon,
I would check your grounds, as most of these items are designed to be shielded - a faulty ground may cause RF interference. If it is a really old one (probably have to go back to the 1950s - you did not indicate) it may not be shielded, but you can help it by simply enclosing the offending electronics in some sort of grounded conductive material. Lots of extra RF may also indicate a component failing, something to keep an eye on.
Nearly all the issues with electronics in my CC were due to poor grounding, and just removing it and reinstalling it cured my problems. Usually anyway, keeping my fingers crossed.
Good luck with that.
Jack Nichols, 2003 Intrigue 11527, KA5IFU
Yahoo Message Number: 63357 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/63357)
I believe all CC's have a ground plane under the fiberglass roof. About 10' square.
Dave
aka Billy Byte (trusty hound)
2000 Allure #30443
Yahoo Message Number: 63361 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/63361)
The ground plane is about 10" square not 10 Feet!The best bet for a CB antenna is to install one on the side of the coach, up above the driver's window. You should be able to find a steel beam there and tap into it for mounting and then the whole coach will become a ground plane.
No need for a SSB radio as most truckers do not use them. Range will be 5 miles at best line of sight. 5 watts will go a long way but the limiting factor is the receiver.
Don
'02 Intrigue #11427
Yahoo Message Number: 63374 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/63374)
Thanks everyone for your responses.
Yahoo Message Number: 63381 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/63381)
Hi:
I have a CB. Installed by CC factory at time of order. CB is great for getting information from truckers. You cannot phone them. Truckers can be helpful. I would not worry about how many CC owners you can communicate with. It can be helpful at a rally. My antenna is on the roof. The radio under the dash. It works great. I feel comfortable with the CB. It works well as a support tool with my cell phone. I do not use either as a toy.
Bob
2007, Allure 470