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View Full Version : Installing a PRIDE 100w linear....need advice.



Red75
07-07-2016, 06:56 PM
I'm running a Cobra 29Ltd Classic with a Astatic Road Devil D104 Mic and a Firestik II 4' antenna. I'm wanting to install my first linear and would like some advice on doing it properly. Thanks!

222FL
07-09-2016, 07:24 PM
Before adding a linear I would look into getting a taller antenna and also making sure you have the best antenna setup possible as well as a good match and such before you add an amp. JMHO.


I'm just a CB'er, what do I know???

Red75
07-09-2016, 07:58 PM
Thinking of a full whip.

222FL
07-10-2016, 04:40 AM
Anything taller will work better than the 4ft antenna.
There are several antennas to consider.
The 108" whip.
102" whip with spring.
Sirio makes some nice mobile antennas as well. Look into the Sirio performer 5000 models.
Also a good hard mount on the roof will help a bunch. Breedlove mounts are damn good mounts. The 3" single hole mounts are sweet and the Sirio performer 5000 works well with them. Also this antenna is almost 7ft tall, making it a contender to the 102" whip. Which is what you truly are looking at height wise for a good antenna. Something closer to the 102"- 108" area or 8-9ft of antenna.
Then like I said, a good mount, not a magnet mount either. A good hard mount. Yes this will cost more. But it's well worth the money. You will notice a large increase in rx and tx range.
Next is bonding. Bond all body parts to frame. Use 1/2"-1" flat braid ground strap.
I will say this. I can use a stock uniden 980 SSB radio that puts out 8-10 watts of pep on SSB. With a Sirio performer 5000 and using the Breedlove mount, all being used on a ford e350 work van, I talk out to 30-35 miles consistently with no other power. 8-10 watts on SSB. So you see it doesn't take much power to talk pretty far. Now add the amp in line and I would have made it probably another 15 miles or so before dropping out. Not bad for a mobile locally talking.
And yes I could work DX with it. No amp.
But at any rate, get your antenna setup correct and you'll see a large improvement there. Then think about the amp and whether you will even need it. Again, JMHO's.
If you are truly set on installing the amp then I will help as much as I can with that, but I first suggest you look into a better antenna system before adding any more power. Have a good day.


I'm just a CB'er, what do I know???

Red75
07-10-2016, 04:37 PM
Thanks, I'm looking at them now. I'll definitely need the help, lol.

Red75
07-10-2016, 04:40 PM
Great advice by the way!

222FL
07-10-2016, 05:49 PM
No worries. I will pass anything I know that is worth a hoot along. It's the least I can do as it's the way I got where I am!! Just have fun and be safe! That is what it's all about.
73 and God Bless,
222 Daytona Beach, FL.
Sean.


I'm just a CB'er, what do I know???

Red75
07-10-2016, 05:53 PM
Good advice is priceless! I prefer experience to someone that's read a lot, lol.

222FL
07-11-2016, 06:05 AM
There are many myths and snake oil out there!! And crappy techs as well!! Best thing to do with a radio is to leave it stock!! Or send it to a good tech and have a tune and alignment done. One radio that comes to mind that doesn't need much done to make it a great radio got just over $100 shipped. The uniden 980. While not a 50w radio, it will drive most any amp and not over drive them, and they are dead on freq out of the box on SSB. Also they are clean and clear radios.
If you want to spend your money, don't waste it on export radios, just save up and get an HF or what some call a ham radio. Kenwood, Yaseu, and Icom all make some sweet radios that aren't priced to bad compared to some exports.
Anyways, for now focus on the antenna system. This means, antenna, mount, coax, connectors. And a good install. As well as bonding of body panels. This will ensure the best possible ERP out of the antenna, where it counts!!! JMHO. Just research what I am speaking of and you'll see that a good antenna system is the heart of any good radio setup.
Again, be safe and have a good one.


I'm just a CB'er, what do I know???

Red75
07-11-2016, 06:32 AM
I picked up a new Uniden Bearcat 980SSB yesterday morning, lol. I sure did. I'm really enjoying that side band. That little radio can talk! Well the dx was really good yesterday too. Much more of what I was wanting at the moment.

222FL
07-11-2016, 06:51 AM
Now that is funny. Seriously though, for the money there isn't a radio that compares to it for CB/SSB use. Yes there are radios that will do more power on AM and SSB, but most drift like heck. That 980 is a rock solid radio on SSB and doesn't drift. And they are a clean and clear radio. You can always add an amp after you get the rest of your setup complete and working at its best.
Like I said, the 980 is a great radio to start your system out with. Now get a good antenna setup and you'll really be hooked LOL! Have a good one. And have fun DX'ing. Haven't been on in a while. Guess I need to turn my radio on more often!!!


I'm just a CB'er, what do I know???

Red75
07-11-2016, 07:02 AM
Trying to post a pic....kinda tricky from my phone lol.

Red75
07-11-2016, 07:03 AM
2023 there it is...maybe.

Gas can
07-12-2016, 03:10 AM
Hello Red75. 222FL has great advice! I keep a POWER SWR MODULATION meter between my shoes and my antenna. I've heard the case on both sides doing this, I've always had good luck. I use a red devil as well, I keep the gain about 20%. Those mikes are powerful and don't need much gain. When tuning your system, move to an open area. You may not get a reliable SWR reading around buildings or overhead transmission lines. Sean is right, stock equipment correctly installed usualy delivers your expectations, but there is nothing like new shoes! Gas can said it

222FL
07-12-2016, 05:09 AM
Thx Gas can. Just passing along anything that will help. I always try to help others!! Makes for more people overall still using CB/SSB radios!!
I am no expert by any means, just go by what I have experienced and researched myself as well as being a retired cell site technician. But anyways thx for the flowers man!! Much appreciated!! As always, have a great one.
Sean.


I'm just a CB'er, what do I know???

Red75
07-12-2016, 06:42 AM
Thanks for the advice! Checking out Predator 10k antennas and the Breedlove puck mount. Or the full whip and a ball mount. Decisions, lol.

Gas can
07-12-2016, 10:35 AM
Hello 222FL. I know the good feeling you get when helping a fellow operator. I've always enjoyed the entertainment value of the two way besides it being helpful and at times life saving on those long hauls! Knowing you're part of the radio system being set up the right way and giving the operator a great radio experience is self rewarding. I got the helper bug way way back when a super good friend "New comer" (on am) Sacramento Ca would help anybody and everybody with their radio systems. This great guy started at Pacific Bell as a lineman. He self-taught everything electronics and over 30 years later retired as Engineer. I used to watch him light up with a big smile anytime he was helping an operator, young or old, new to radio or experienced. His signal was something of envy and he always ran barefoot! You reminded me of my good friend when you said in a previous post, a well tuned system doesn't need shoes! I've gotten good info and tips from some of your posts and it goes to show ya that even an old goat like me can still learn new tricks! Sean keep making radio sound good with your info and tips! John. Gas can said it

Red75
07-12-2016, 11:08 AM
Yeah man, that RD will squeal if it's over 25% on me.

Gas can
07-12-2016, 11:19 AM
Hello Red75. Nice antenna choice, I've heard good reports. This might be helpful if you don't already know. No skimping on the coax and proper lengths for jumpers and antenna lead is important. Check with 222FL, the type of business he was in might yield you some good info. I've found that playing around with the lengths of jumpers and antenna lead when I changed antennas or shoes would help when my SWRs changed from moving gear in and out. The best advise I've ever received is, when it works QUIT changing gear around! Ahhhh....something about old dogs......, i don't know. If you decide to operate with PRIDE, two thoughts if you don't already know, first start with 1 watt and adjust carefully not to overdrive your shoe and second always add a fan to your shoe, heatsinks are minimum at best for moving heat away. Shoes can get quite warm, that's ok but shoes don't like to be hot! When shoes get hot they usually won't perform well and sometimes will burn up! I'm a back yard operator at best and only speak of my own experiences, hope some of this helps. Gas can said it

Tallman
07-24-2016, 11:15 PM
I'm just a CB'er, what do I know???

A hellava lot more than you let on!

222FL
07-25-2016, 04:16 AM
LOL!! You caught that did ya!! Thought it was funny. But I guess you have to know me personally. How goes it my friend. Having fun with the new toy? You mounting that in your mobile? Or just something to tinker with? Anyhow, tell the lovely wife hello and hope all is well there. I'm back on studying. Be safe and good day.


I'm just a CB'er, what do I know???

tmcdougal
01-04-2017, 11:41 PM
That little Bearcat is a nice radio, I have one in my truck and it works great. I'm a bit old school, but for the money that is a good starting rig along with a good antenna.