calling all Cb experts. 150 80-10 mtr

[MuddinK5]

i have 1 exactly like this i found it in a old car i bought awhile ago i have searched a bit to find out what it is and ive come to the conclusion its some kind of amp. can i just hook this up to my cheapo walmart cobra? how does it work and whats all the switches on it do? thanks guys

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380224709539

 

[Russell]

We refer to those as foot warmers, but it is actually called a linear amplifier. I can't comment on US regulations, but in Canada it is illegal to operate a linear amp on a CB radio. The max CB is supposed to be operated at is 5 watts, IIRC

 

[NorCal_Chris]

Yeah it is 4 watts here reg'd by the FAA.

The FCC does not authorize the use of CB Amplifiers in the US, so many are sold as 10 meter amplifiers not as CB or 11 meter amplifiers

Most amplifiers are Class AB or Class C. Class AB is typically less than 60 percent efficient. So in order to amplify your signal, it takes more input power than what you receive in output. So, a 100 watt amplifier may require 14 amps or more, when running a 12 volt DC power supply. 14 amps times 12 volts equal approx 168 watts of input power supply wattage, to generate 100 watts out.

There is No "Ham", Business, or other License that will allow you to run higher Power, use "extra" channels, buy/sell CB amps or modified Amateur Rigs in the 11M 26/27Mhz CB Radio Band.

So.. Use at your own risk haha

 

[TerryD]

Usually if you are caught, the FCC will slap you on the wrist and take your setup the 1st time. Now, this is usually and there's always the chance you could be made an example out of.

I don't exactly know why you'd want to use it anyways. I've talked almost 20 miles off the weak side of my Cherokee using just a stock plastic box Cobra 18WXSTII. If your setup is tuned properly and you take the time to make things right, you'll talk as far as you need to. I rarely talk over a mile when using it on the interstate, too much noise/chatter to really talk any further mobile.