Waterproof cb help

[vanguard]

Ok, I know this is an expedition forum and you guys don't typically deal with open cabs like I have in my buggy but I need a hand. I've been looking all over for a waterproof CB that won't fry the first time it rains on me.

My first thought was to check out the marine world but all the marine radios I see transmit/receive on marine channels. I can't seem to find anything that uses land AM cb fequencies. (If you can I'll be forever gratefull. I'll even declare that you're a God in my sig file for a week. :) )

My second thought was the check out the world of motorcycle CB radios. However, I think I'll be in for about $500 after I pay for a $300 radio, antenna, auto style mic, shipping, etc. That's a lot for a cb.

Does anybody know where I can find a reasonably priced waterproof CB? BTW, this is the rig that I'm buying it for.

http://www.just4fun.org/images/buggy/buggy_9-4-06/DCP_3697.jpg

[BajaTaco]

How about just using a cheap CB, but mount it inside of a watertight tight box with a flip-open lid at the end where the controls are? You could seal the openings for the wiring harness and mic with rubber grommets or silicone. Just an idea

[vanguard]

That's a good thought but I'm having a hard time giving up on the idea of a nice CB with readable displays and accessible controls mounted in my dash. I have an ammo box that I could mount it inside of but that just doesn't seem as nice as having something like this in my dash.

Another idea is a handheld CB, it's easier to find them in waterproof versions. But again, I'd really like something mounted.

http://radioproshop.com/unidenmarine/images/SOLARA.jpg

[mountainpete]

I agree with Baja - sealing the CB into a box is probably the best. It's easy to then get a cheap, water resistant external speaker.

Another option would be to purchase a model designed for use on a motorbike. Those units are quite weatherproof as they live on the handlebars. You might have mounting issues in the truck though...

Peter

[cruiseroutfit]

I'd go with the Cobra 74WXST, its the "built" into the mic. unit. The control box can be mounted in a watertight area and the mic can be removed when not in use. Not sure if that fits your needs?

I've run a basic Uniden model in my FJ40 for a couple years now... its been rained on, snowed on, mud, dust, etc. Never been a problem. Its mounted under the dash so it doesn't take a bath but CB's seem to be fairly resiliant.

[asteffes]

Even the marine radios aren't totally water-tight. Once the speaker gets really wet moisture is bound to seep into the electronics. Also, the switches will get fouled with gunk and the thing will just end up pretty nasty.

How about a portable unit that you can tuck into the glovebox, with an external microphone coming out the side through a grommet?

[Dave]

I'd go with the Cobra 74WXST, its the "built" into the mic. unit. The control box can be mounted in a watertight area and the mic can be removed when not in use. Not sure if that fits your needs?

I'm probably wrong here, but it's always been my impression that the box in that unit was just a junction box to connect to the antenna and power to the radio. I've never opened one up, but judging from the weight of the hand unit, it feels like the "meat" of the radio is in the hand unit.

[cruiseroutfit]

I'm probably wrong here, but it's always been my impression that the box in that unit was just a junction box to connect to the antenna and power to the radio. I've never opened one up, but judging from the weight of the hand unit, it feels like the "meat" of the radio is in the hand unit.

It is just a "junction" box... I kind've worded that goofy. Everything is built into the mic, and the junction box is very easy to mount out of the way in a water tight area if you prefer.

[vanguard]

With regards to the 75WXST, I have that radio in my tacoma and I wouldn't buy for off roading again. I like that I can tuck it into the glove compartment and not have a CB in the dash for my daily driver but while off roading it's a challenge. I tend to mess up the controls when I sit the mic in my lap or even use it for keying. Since the buggy is exclusively for bouncy terrain I'd like something mounted in the dash and I'd like a nice place to hang the mic so that I can grab it without really looking for it. Also, the speaker is lousy so it pretty much needs an external speaker. I have that but it's still not great.

As an update, I ran across this radio for the austrialian market: http://www.gme.net.au/land/transceivers/gx300_cb.php

I did a little research and found that they use the same fequencies as the US for AM CB. http://www.cbtricks.com/members/kd6tas/cbfaq2.htm

So that's my most promising lead so far.

[mountainpete]

Ok - this might be your answer:

http://www.fleamarket.nu/817/cb1.jpg

It's the Radio Shack TRC-442. It's not on Radio Shack's website anymore, but would fit the bill. It's a water resistant CB.

Best part is there is one on eBay right now at $10

http://cgi.ebay.com/RADIO-SHACK-MOBILE-CB-RADIO-FULL-POWER-40-CHANNEL_W0QQitemZ150029817532QQihZ005QQcategoryZ15 01QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

:jump:

[mountainpete]

To add:

Here is the instruction manual for that radio:

http://support.radioshack.com/support_electronics/doc62/62208.pdf#search=%22%22water%20resistant%20cb%22%2 2

[vanguard]

You guys are awesome, I looked on ebay too but I couldn't find anything. Still, I decided to go with the GME unit because I got sucked in by the flush mount option and this review wasn't very kind to it. The part about it being to quiet and not accepting a speaker got to me. http://www.4x4wire.com/reviews/rs-cb99/

A flush mount like this: http://www.gme.net.au/images/gx300_flush_sm.jpg

would be pretty cool just to the right of my winch controller. Thanks again for the help and effort everybody.

http://www.just4fun.org/images/buggy/buggy_9-4-06/DCP_3699.jpg

[DaveInDenver]

The GME GX300 looks like an interesting radio, but how to get one in the US? AFAIK there is no one importing them.

[vanguard]

This web site took my order so I'm hoping they just ship it to me.

http://www.chsmith.com.au/cgi-bin/hex4.pl?Display=249

[k6uk]

They apparently make it in black too.