I would like to put a CB in my F350. I don't really like the idea of a large whip antenna beating on everything I drive under and the space savings inside the cab appeal to me. I am thinking of buying a handheld CB. What are the significant differences between a handheld model and a permanently installed model. My uneducated guess is that it would be reception only? How much do the magnetic antennas add to reception range? What else should I know? Cost seems to be very close and would not be a factor.

Hand-held radios work pretty good. I have a Bearcat Pro340. I dont know how old it is. My dad bought it at a garage sale several years ago. I dont really know how far it got out,or how far it was able to pull in,but I was able to talk to guys on our trips to Arkansas for the Hollidays,etc. Im guessing they are good for few miles,depending on the radio traffic,and weather.

Mostly you are going to see a shorter transmit range. This is due to the location and elevation of the antenna. If you have 6 feet of whip antenna on your roof you have a better starting point than a one foot antenna inside the cab. Mostly they are the same basic radio.

Most handheld CB's come with two power options. You can either use a cord that plugs into a cigarette lighter, or you can insert a pile of AA batteries. The AA batteries only have about a 6 to 8 hour functional life, so it is only a temporary solution.

I have two models of handheld CB radios. First is a Cobra model HH-36. It is a perfectly good ratio and takes 10 AA batteries. You can get an adapter to plug this model into a standard external magnetic mount antenna for a slightly more powerful installation. Second is a GE model that I can't find a model number of. It takes 8 AA batteries and also works quite well.

I've been reading on the internet since I first posted. What I am finding is that the handheld can be easily moved from vehicle to vehicle. They are portable, but may not have all the functions as larger model will have. They don't have the range of a cab mounted CB, this is the function of the antenna. Both have the same power which is limited at 4 watts. Special antenna adaptor can be use to attach any antenna. By doing to so you will get the range of other types of CBs. I am specifically looking at a Cobra HH 38 WX ST and the Midland 75-822 using a Wilson W-5000 antenna. I may get a speaker and a Mic also. Has anyone use these models and what do you think of them?

been following this thread and it sounds interesting. Do you have a website that you're looking at for those?

http://www.cobra.com/index.php?page=...uct_id=97&id=1

http://www.midlandradio.com/comersus...idProduct=3108



http://www.wilsonantenna.com/w5000.htm

http://www.midlandradio.com/comersus...idProduct=5471

These are only some of the accessories available, there are others.

Of course can find them much cheaper at various websits. Just do a search for CBs and you will find many.

Well, they work... but you probably won't be satisfied with the range at all. There is an *enormous* difference between that portable mounted short antenna and a well-mounted outside antenna. Try to use an outside antenna if at all possible, even a magnetic mount if you have to . A side-by-side comparison of reception *and* transmission with both a portable-mounted antenna --- and check this INSIDE the F350 --- compared to an outside antenna --- will show you instantly that there's no comparison.

It's all about the antenna!