solid state amplifier????

[Vee]

I got a couple old cb's from my wife's grandfather, and 1 was connected with a Palomar Electronics Corp. TX 50 Broadband 3-30MHz Solid State Amplifier. anyone know what this is for? Is it to boost the cb's signal? if so, isn't that illegal? I can't post pics yet, but it's just a 4" cube w/ cooling fins, input & output ports, power and ground wires, on/off switch

I did a search online and came up empty

 

[TerryD]

Its for boosting the signal. Its illegal. A word of warning, if you use it, make sure your SWR's are REALLY good (below 1.5:1) or you can cook your CB.
Go here, ask around. These are some smart dudes when it comes to radio communications.
www.cbradioforum.com

 

[Vee]

thanks for the link and info.

 

[TerryD]

No problem!

 

[pauly383]

I wouldn't even bother with it .

1. Its illegal

2. It doesn't contain enough good parts , real amps are really heavy and have good filtering , and actual knobs on huge capacitors to tune it everytime you switch bands .

3. Its going to be dirty on the air , lots of splatter , see # 2 above .

And in all reality , a good antenna and a decent radio would be much better for you in a rig .

Amps are for longer distance , but won't do a lick of good outside the proper time of day , and without some sunspots . Why do you think CB is truly popular every 11 years , because the radio waves will go farther with NO amp when the sunspots comeback .

If you want to talk to the world , get a ham license and real radio with bands that can used after sundown AND during the day when there are no sunspots .

If you want a decent trail setup , sell the amp , and spend it on a good antenna .