SUPER SMALL AnyTone Smart CB Radio : 11-Meter Conversion Write-Up

RodCyn · Aug 15, 2017

Thanks Eddie for the info on this radio. Since I like to have matching equipment, I can use two of these, one for CB and the other to replace my Ham radio.

As inexpensive as these are, I won't have to worry about them getting broken or stolen.

In addition, after researching this radio, I found that there is a "Front Panel Mounting Bracket" for $16.95 and "AT-5888UV Head Separation Cable" for $9.95, that will house only the front (removable) panel to make its footprint even more minuscule.

notnalc68 · Aug 15, 2017

RodCyn said:
Thanks Eddie for the info on this radio. Since I like to have matching equipment, I can use two of these, one for CB and the other to replace my Ham radio.

As inexpensive as these are, I won't have to worry about them getting broken or stolen.

In addition, after researching this radio, I found that there is a "Front Panel Mounting Bracket" for $16.95 and "AT-5888UV Head Separation Cable" for $9.95, that will house only the front (removable) panel to make its footprint even more minuscule.

Do a lot of googling. You may be able to use the same radio for both.

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Samuelh3 · Aug 16, 2017

I'm looking to give this a try. This will be my first CB. What other components do you recommend for a proper setup?

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notnalc68 · Aug 16, 2017

Samuelh3 said:
I'm looking to give this a try. This will be my first CB. What other components do you recommend for a proper setup?

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A good antenna, like a Firestik, properly grounded, and an SWR meter.

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Samuelh3 · Aug 16, 2017

So something like this: 4' Firestik(R) II FS Series Tunable Tip CB Antenna - 900 Watts Red FS-4RD? Does the length matter?

How often would I use the SWR meter? Wondering if it's just best to borrow one.

Also should I get the stainless steel spring or will that affect the quality?

Last question (for now) assuming I also need to buy cable to run it to the rear of the rig correct.

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notnalc68 · Aug 16, 2017

Samuelh3 said:
So something like this: 4' Firestik(R) II FS Series Tunable Tip CB Antenna - 900 Watts Red FS-4RD? Does the length matter?

How often would I use the SWR meter? Wondering if it's just best to borrow one.

Also should I get the stainless steel spring or will that affect the quality?

Last question (for now) assuming I also need to buy cable to run it to the rear of the rig correct.

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3" is long enough. SWR meters are inexpensive, but you can borrow one. The spring is fine. An 18' cable.

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BobNH · Aug 16, 2017

Samuelh3 said:
So something like this: 4' Firestik(R) II FS Series Tunable Tip CB Antenna - 900 Watts Red FS-4RD? Does the length matter?

How often would I use the SWR meter? Wondering if it's just best to borrow one.

Also should I get the stainless steel spring or will that affect the quality?

Last question (for now) assuming I also need to buy cable to run it to the rear of the rig correct.

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Yes you need cable. IMO, use rg8x. Use enough to get where you need and not much more. You don't want it in a coil so you don't want a lot extra.
For the antenna length, it all depends where you are mounting it, what top you have, etc. Basically, you want at least 1/3 of it's length above the roof line, and that is much more critical with a hard top in my experience.
As to the SWR, a meter and the 3' jumper ahould aet you back less than $20. Worth it IMO. Its a lot nicer to decide when you want to tune it. And per the instructions, find a nice open area to do so. Not the garage.
Good luck.

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Trail JK · Aug 16, 2017

I'm not in love with my set up at all so I may give this a try. I love the size and it would be great to feel connected again on the trail.

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wayoflife · Aug 16, 2017

RodCyn said:
In addition, after researching this radio, I found that there is a "Front Panel Mounting Bracket" for $16.95 and "AT-5888UV Head Separation Cable" for $9.95, that will house only the front (removable) panel to make its footprint even more minuscule.

That's awesome. Got a link for the bracket?

wayoflife · Aug 16, 2017

Trail JK said:
I'm not in love with my set up at all so I may give this a try. I love the size and it would be great to feel connected again on the trail.

That's kinda how I was feeling about my previous setup. I figured at $58, I could afford to make a mistake. So far, I feel like I've made a good move :yup:

JAGS · Aug 16, 2017

I've been real lucky with my midland 75 handheld set up. Do have it hardwired to coax antenna though.

That said, maybe I'll go this route in the JL. [emoji6][emoji106]

Resqnu · Aug 16, 2017

wayoflife said:
That's awesome. Got a link for the bracket?

would like info for the bracket as well.

hinrichs · Aug 16, 2017

Not sure if this is the bracket, but this is what I was able to find. I dont see anything about the face being removable on this radio tho.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...9-399c-49e1-901a-7b8786e59436&pf_rd_i=desktop

Resqnu · Aug 16, 2017

Just found this as well. My research doesn't show they work with this cb, but works with other Anytone radios. Let us know if you find out different info.

jeeeep · Aug 16, 2017

just received mine :thumb:

on the path to less bumps on my head!

the cobra 29 is just big enough and hung down low enough i'd smack my head on it reaching for the glove box :doh:

hoping I can tuck this nicely out of the way.

FYI - I had to use a T9 on the screws for the unit I received

jeeeep · Aug 16, 2017

RodCyn said:
Thanks Eddie for the info on this radio. Since I like to have matching equipment, I can use two of these, one for CB and the other to replace my Ham radio.

As inexpensive as these are, I won't have to worry about them getting broken or stolen.

In addition, after researching this radio, I found that there is a "Front Panel Mounting Bracket" for $16.95 and "AT-5888UV Head Separation Cable" for $9.95, that will house only the front (removable) panel to make its footprint even more minuscule.

this doesn't work with the SMART CB in the write up, it only works with the AnyTone AT-588UV

notnalc68 · Aug 18, 2017

BobNH said:
Mine is mounted on the license plate holder, bolted to the side facing forward, so I had to use a ground strap. Use copper braid for strap. I ran it from the frame to the spot between the top of the connector and the bottom of the plate.
The idea of the 10/11 unit os pretty cool though, and the very clear writeup makes me think more on the switch idea someone else noted, so if my 520 ever dies, I may have to guve this a hard look.
And for further clarification of the pic posted by Eddie, from an electrical standpoint, I found this very helpful with my multimeter

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That's a useful image. Thanks for sharing it.

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Resqnu · Aug 18, 2017

Need a little help making a decision on where to mount this little cb until I get a roll cage (hope to be less than a year). When I get the roll cage I will mount on the cage between the visors. I am including a few pics with the last being an option that I don't have to drill into the side of the console. It's easier to reach and I'm leaning the way. What are you guys thoughts?