Any CB experts here? CB & Motorcycle question

[NY Chief]

I'm using a Midland 75 822 with a Firestik NGP antenna on my bike to communicate with other riders in the group. Most are using the stock Harley Davidson CB rigs and seem to have decent range. With the Midland I receive fine but the transmit range sucks. I dialed the antenna in at approx 1:1 SWR but the meter shows me only pushing 2 watts. The HD set up is $1000 to put on my bike which I'd rather not spend.

Any thoughts on improving broadcast range / transmit power? Better radio? Better antenna?

[Smokin Tone]

I think your antenna is fine. If your getting the SWR @1:1 you will be getting maximum power output. If your meter is accurate then I wouldn't be surprised if that radio is only putting out 2 watts. Is that the regular hand held or the micro unit? You may be able to find someone to tune it up. If you could get a bit more power output and have the transmit audio peaked it would help. The more clean audio output you have the better you will be heard. Another option would be to try and find a 25-50W amp to put on it (illegal yes but it's just a small boost). I would prefer to find another radio myself if it could be mounted easy enough. A noise canceling power mic would be a nice addition too. From the factory most all audio circuits are turned down too low. Increasing your audio output would get you heard far more than adding 2-3 watts of power.

[NY Chief]

The unit is an all in one hand held unit like a walkie talkie. The rubber antenna is a bnc connector so I used an adapter to go from the bnc to RG-58 coax for the antenna and a combo jack that allows use of in helmet speakers and mic with a PTT switch. I've been searching the internet for ways to tweak the output. Apparently there are several trim pots that can be adjusted to increase output to the 4 watts max allowable but I haven't found any specifics yet. Been thinking of amp as well but I don't think a 45/100 will fit in the tour

[Smokin Tone]

Sidecar with a 45/100 and a full stack.

[NY Chief]

Sidecar with a 45/100 and a full stack.

THEN the boys will hear me for sure!!!!!

[jerrydyer]

will you and your sidecar be at the amp show

[NY Chief]

will you and your sidecar be at the amp show

Sure thing, Jerry!

Hey, you wanna look at resurrecting an old Blackface Bassman for me?

[mightymike]

Agreed your SWRs are excellent. It's definately your radio.

[NY Chief]

Hey, Mike! Is that you I saw on the CB Radio Talk forum?

[jerrydyer]

will you and your sidecar be at the amp show

Sure thing, Jerry!

Hey, you wanna look at resurrecting an old Blackface Bassman for me?

hell yeah. you trying to replace some htings and keep it as close as poss to original?

[mightymike]

Hey, Mike! Is that you I saw on the CB Radio Talk forum?

Yep that's me, though I forgot my password. I joined when I was looking to get a top notch radio. I originally got the Connex 4300-300 (the one with the built in linear amp that can be peaked up to 500watt) off Ebay, but the guy tried to sell me a used as new so I returned it. Good thing too, because I heard that it could of messed up the computer in the truck , and if the diagnostics showed it was from RF interference, I could have been on the hook for $2k for a new truck computer. In the end I got the Connex 3300. It has the bigger finals, built in echo, and puts out about 50 watts which is fine for me. From my research the Connex CB seem to be the most dependable. It cost me about $225, and then I got a Predator 10K antenna to go with it for $59

[NY Chief]

Is that a 10 meter radio tweaked ro run on the cb freq's?

[mightymike]

Bingo, and it's loud and proud