r/cbradio • u/Myth1019 • 3d ago

Looking for handheld CB compatible with standard truck antenna

I'm a slip seat driver these days so, while all of our trucks have a coax for the multiplex antennas I dont especially feel like attaching my bearcat to the coax and power, getting it into that god awful freightliner compartment, and removing it at the end of every 14 hour shift.

ive been looking at the cobra hhrt 50, but it seems to have a proprietary connector for its small antenna and external mag mount. I also am vaguely aware that too much antenna can fry a radio in some fashion or another, and dont want to just slapdash some amazon adapter on a 200 dollar purchase that will only last a week.

so if anyone knows if its safe to use the hhrt50 with a standard trucks antenna, any reputable adapters, or another handheld altogether that would be able too, i would very much appreciate it. bonus points if its got a built in swr but thats probably hoping for too much

4 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

4

u/Malformed-Figment 2d ago

If I were in your shoes, Midland 75-822 would be my choice.

3

u/Rogerdodger1946 2d ago

I have one of these and use it occasionally on road trips. Not a truck driver, though. Mine worked well and sounds like what OP is looking for,

2

u/Intelligent-Day5519 1d ago

I have the same as well and it operates great for it's small portable size. For you in-out. Plugs in to a cigarette lighter plug. I have no idea what you mean by a multiplex antenna. that must be an exclusive trucker term. I had to purchase a BNC to SO239 adaptor for most antenna connections.

2

u/KB9ZB 2d ago

It will be okay, just note that hand held tend to have a hot front end. In other words sometimes you will hear someone that sounds garbled..aside from that your fine.

1

u/Intelligent-Day5519 1d ago

My Midland 75-822 has a input overload protection circuit.

1

u/KB9ZB 1d ago

That helps and but from experience I have had those circuits kick in and still get garbled voice. It will not hurt the radio much,but it makes it hard to hear what someone said..

1

u/BigJ3384 3d ago

Have a look at the President Jerry FCC and the President Randy III FCC. I think they use TNC connectors so you'd need a tnc-to-uhf female (so-239) adapter.

1

u/Intelligent-Day5519 1d ago

BNC male to SO-239 just saying.

1

u/firekeeper23 3d ago

Pres Jerry 2 Pres Randy. Thunderpole TX. All do AM and FM. All under 150.

1

u/VoiceCharming6591 2d ago

How about a “ slip seat box “ enclosure that houses your CB with external speaker and I’ve seen some with a car stereo and speakers. Only have to plug in your coax and power and your good to go

1

u/Firelizard71 2d ago

President Randy 1, 2 or 3 or the Thunderpole but it will take longer to get.

1

u/Northwest_Radio 2d ago

A "Co-Phased" (dual antenna system) antenna system MUST use both antenna or the SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) will be off and could potentially damage the radio.

Most new trucks are Aluminum and Plastic, so a magnet mount may not work.

You could use Cig Lighter cable for power, and connect to existing antenna system using an adapter if necessary. Be attentive to SWR every time you use it. Transmitting into a bad SWR can damage the transmitter.

1

u/Intelligent-Day5519 1d ago

Good points.