CB Radio Cost

Typical costs:

• Mobile handheld CB radios generally cost $50-$100. These units offer short range operation of a mile or two and tend to operate more noisily than a higher end unit. An example of a basic mobile CB radio for use at home or in a vehicle is the Midland 75-820[1] mobile CB radio, which sells for $71 on Amazon.
• Mobile CB radios are larger than the handheld variety and are often installed in vehicles. Mobile CB radios typically cost $100-$200 and tend to have a broader range than mobile handheld units. For example, Cobra[2] , a leading manufacturer of mobile communications, sells a variety of mobile CB radios for $70-$190.
• Large CB radio base stations for use in home and offices typically cost $100-$400. The popular Galaxy DX-2547[3] is available from Amazon for $302 and offers a range of special features including a six-digit frequency counter, a talkback circuit, a front microphone jack and a noise filter for weaker signals.

• All CB radios are limited to 40 channels and 4 watts of output power; don't be tempted by any unit that promises more.
• A basic mobile CB radio will include a microphone with hanger, power cord and a mounting bracket and screws for installation in a vehicle. Standard CB radio features include a volume control, a dial for changing channels, a squelch control and RF gain.
• If a CB radio is to be used for short distance communication only, look for an ANL or noise reduction feature to eliminate unwanted reception noise.

• Perhaps the most important factor in the performance of a CB radio is the antenna used for transmission and reception. Antennas are sold separately and range in price from under $15 for a fiberglass antenna up to $125 for a magnetic mount antenna. HowStuffWorks[4] offers a guide to the role of the antenna in CB radio communication and Right Channel Radios[5] provides a guide to choosing the right antenna. Radio Shack[6] sells a variety of CB radio antennas from $20-$70, although many of the models are only available online.
• Antenna mounts are available for $5-$20 from retailers such as Radio Shack[7] and Amazon[8] . Alternately, many auto shops or national chains will handle the installation. Expect to pay $50- $100 depending on geographic location and the size and type of antenna.
• While even a basic CB radio will include a microphone, one may want to upgrade to a power microphone or noise-canceling mic. Expect to pay $30 to $100 for a noise-canceling microphone. Amazon sells a noise-cancelling mic[9] for $38.

• Right Channel Radios offers a guide to CB radio features[10] .
• Online retailers such as Amazon[11] stock a range of CB radios and provide handy user reviews. Also check prices at specialist online dealers such as CB Radios Plus[12] .
• If buying in person, some retailers such as Best Buy[13] and Radio Shack[14] stock a small number of the most popular CB radios, although there are often broader selections available online. In addition, a selection of units can be found in many local auto parts stores.

1.  www.amazon.com/Midland-75-822-Channel-CB-Way-Radio/dp/B00000K2YR/
2.  /www.cobra.com/category/mobile-cb-radios-2-2.cfm
3.  www.amazon.com/Galaxy-DX-2547-Station-Counter-Talkback/dp/B002LMIQQU/ref=sr_1_2?ie...
4.  electronics.howstuffworks.com/question490.htm
5.  www.rightchannelradios.com/choosing-the-best-cb-antenna
6.  www.radioshack.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2032098&allCount=26&fbc=1&f=PAD%2FP...
7.  www.radioshack.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=13384949&kw=cb%20radio%20antenna%20mou...
8.  www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_18?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=cb+radi...
9.  www.amazon.com/Noise-Canceling-POWER-Astatic-RD104E-4B/dp/B0002L2MMG/
10.  www.rightchannelradios.com/choosing-the-best-cb-radio
11.  www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=226183
12.  www.cbradiosplus.com
13.  www.bestbuy.com/site/Car-Audio/CB-Radios-Scanners/abcat0302011.c?id=abcat0302011
14.  www.radioshack.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2032070

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