What AMP should I get for a Power Source

[Marine92]

I have six CB that I been working with. I have decided that I would like to set a base station up. I have read all I could about base stations, however, I am not sure which AC DC power source I should buy. I bought all of my CBs second hand and therefore not sure what their Amps are.

I will be glad to give the brand and type of radio if you are willing to help me.

Thanks

[drdx]

Welcome. I'm not sure what you're trying to power. "a six cb" is a little unclear. Most cb radios need a 12 volt dc power supply in the 5 amp range. I'm not sure what you have, but regardless, a 5 amp supply will power a typical radio for receiving and transmitting.

Once you can power it, you will need an antenna. For a base, that means something that will help you raidiate a signal. This may be a small mobile antenna rigged to talk if you want short range, in the 1 mile range, or a real base antenna. Real base antennas are usually about 18 foot or more in length and mount on a pole outside at least 20 feet tall, ballpark. You will also need to connect the antenna to the radio with coaxial cable.

That's a basic picture of what you need. I apologize if you're past that point knowledge wise, so let us know where we go from here.

Let us know what you have if you're comfortable with sharing that information.


-drdx

[Marine92]

I have a quantity of six citizen Band radios. I am in the process of using one citizen band radio inside my house. I was not sure how many Amps a Citizen Band radio was.

I am aware of the antenna being 20 feet off the ground... I am going to to the local CB shop and see what they carry. I am not sure yet.

I am going to be repairing a few things on the CB but I will have the station up and running soon..

my handle is Marine92 located in Carlisle, Pa, usa...

Thanks and would like any comments or suggestions.

[drdx]

Sounds like you're on the way. Make sure to pick up some quality coax cable to feed it with. There are several options antenna wise to choose from. The most common good performing one that is simple, and plug and play, is the imax 2000. I think they run about $100 new and good coax is about a buck a foot, maybe a little higher. That 20 foot deal is a definite minimum and a more ideal height would be about 36 foot to the base of the antenna itself.

Power supply wise, a good name in power supplies is Astron.

-drdx

[puddlejumper]

Howdy Marine92 When you get that station up and talking get on ch 26 and ask for Put Put.He is a local and knows alot about this stuff.He and the Harisburg kicker club can help you out.
P.S. They dont like any bad talking they are all good guy's and will help you if you treat them with respect.

[ca2vmp]

get a 13.8volt 20 amp power supply or bigger is you want to run a single pill amplifier ,this one will do the job [Please login or register to view this link] , or a bigger one , when setting up a base station is good to add a backup battery and a float charger , preferably with an automatic commutting system between the battery and the power supply so if a blackout happens there will be no need to look for switches to start the station again .

[De_Wildfire]

It depends on the power you are going to run. I run 12 watts on SSB and I run my cb off a cheap regulated Radio Shack Power Supply I picked up at a garage sale for $3.00.

['Doc]

And the best advice is to get more than you think you will ever need. Because sooner of later, you'll wish you had it. 'Bigger' power supplies are always easier to re-sell than 'smaller' ones, if you want to.
- 'Doc

[Marine92]

Thanks everyone...I have a final idea of what I am looking for...i am going to go to the local CB shop and nose around. I am hoping to have it up shortlly after Thanksgiving....Well thanks everyone.

Before I sign off, are there any drivers that go through Carlisle, Pa htat is my home 20. Well if so, just like e-mail me or message me somehow....I am usually on Ch 19 or Ch 08 and my handle is Marine 92...thanks everyone....bye bye