Radioddity CS-47 Small CB Radio, AM/FM, 40-Channel, One Hander Microhone Built-in Speaker Noise Reduction, Large 7-Color Backlit LCD Display, VOX, RF Gain Long-Range for Offroad, Trucker, Backcountry
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CG
Greater than one weekAlways wanted to get a CB since I was a kid in the 70s when CBs were all the rage. This is a very compact yet capable 40-channel CB - good value for the money. For home use you would need a 13.2 volt power supply (I already had one) that can handle a few amps of current. I just needed to purchase a CB antenna which I did. I did not do a SWR test/calibration which everyone should do for maximum performance - I just didnt have the time but will do so soon. Nevertheless, I connected the antenna and reception was good from my apartment window - I suspect reception would even be better outdoors in a mobile setup (there is an under dash mounting bracket supplied). Transmission clarity was good as I talked to several CBers and they heard loud and clear from about 2-5 miles away - not bad from a basement apartment window! All functions are done via the mic PTT handset. Tried several channels and it seems to work well across several channels. This unit requires some getting used to as there are many functions available from the handset, so there is a learning curve to access special functions. Good value for the money and a good starter CB for home or mobile use.
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Joe
> 3 dayThe CS-47 by Radioddity is a solid, competent, CB transceiver.... Full-featured, with 40 AM channels, newly-FCC-authorized FM channels, squelch, and RF gain. The radio is made tight-space friendly, thanks to its unique spin on the traditional two-piece design. The guts of this radio live in a small box- not much bigger than a standard deck of playing cards... not much heavier, either- which can easily be mounted under the dash, under a seat... or even between a seat, and the center console. The radios controls, and speaker, are all conveniently located in the mic housing- giving you fingertip control of the radio... literally! Installation of the radio is pretty straight forward: Find a suitable location to mount the head unit (hardware, included), connect the red and black power leads to 12-volts- positive, and ground- respectively, plug in an antenna, and plug in the mic/control unit. In operation, this CB outputs the same 4-watts of power as an analog radio, with transmission that is strong and clear, and reception range that is equally impressive. The built-in speaker (on the mic/control/handset is rather small... imparting a somewhat tinny sound. However, there is a jack on the back of the head unit, allowing for the connection of an external speaker. While the external output isnt super-powerful, it does allow for use of a slightly larger speaker- improving sound quality. Technically functioning like an export radio, the CS-47 is easily switchable (single button press) between AM and FM operation. There is also a sequence of button presses that will enable the user to select frequency bands. In addition to the conventional squelch and gain controls, the radio features quiet codes- CTCSS, and DCS functionality. Anyone who has used FMRS or GMRS radio equipment knows how useful those systems can be... especially when trying to avoid irrelevant radio traffic. Unfortunately, the CTCSS and DCS functions are only truly useful, if the station you want to hear from is using a radio capable of CTCSS/DCS operation, as well. Having all function controls available on the mic/handset is at once, both convenient, and bothersome. Every control is within easy reach... but the mic is also a jumble of buttons... and selecting certain features may require a short press, a long press, or a combination of button presses- not always easy to remember. All, in all, the CS-47 is a good radio, well- equipped to serve in the modern era of CB. In truth, the only thing keeping this radio from being excellent, is the lack of SSB operation.
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Ryan V.
> 3 dayIm no electrical engineer, but with just two wires (hot & ground), this really shouldnt be that hard to figure out. Connect the wires: Red-to-Red; Black-to-Black; connect an antenna... and nothing. I mean Ive built full computer systems from scratch. This should be cake. Check the fuse. Nope Replace the fuse. Nope Check the power source. Nope It could be I happened to get a radio that was DOA or it could be that there is something wrong with my installation. I cant honestly say. The radio comes with an instruction manual on how to use the radio once its working, but no information on how to properly install it or the best type of antenna to use. Given this is my first CB radio, I will give it the benefit of the doubt that there is something I am missing, but troubleshooting would be easier if the instructions were a bit more thorough. Beyond that, the radio seems well built. The body is quite compact - easy to fit into any vehicle or small space - and it feels quite solid. The handpiece is comfortable and the buttons are well placed with a responsive feel. If I could get the thing to work, I imagine it would be a decent CB radio. I would likely give it at least four stars if I was actually able to use it. Its too bad installation hasnt been as user friendly as I thought it would be.
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Tia Frazier
19-11-2024very easy to use and has a very user friendly interface. do not like that it did not come with an antenna. other than that it is a great unit with clear audio. the buttons on the unit are very responsive.
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Robert
> 3 daySuper small head unit, comes with bracket for underdash mounting and wiring for fuse box. All controls are on the Mic for easy one handed use. I actually placed head unit under the seat after putting a standard cigarette lighter plug on wires. This makes it easy to move from car to car if needed. Unit works well, great for traveling and staying in contact with other vehicles you are traveling with. I would recommend.
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Curtis
> 3 dayThis little cb radio is perfect to keep on hand for emergencies or general driving use. All off the radio feature are on the mic so you can mount the body of the radio out of the way. This is a great little cb that also include fm (newer feature added to cb airwaves by the fcc).
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jason coleman
> 3 dayvery small and compact . fits in center console of my tacoma . works great as a backup for my gmrs radio when i am off road.
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liam09
Greater than one weekFulfills all my dreams (yes plural) of uttering tons of trucker slangs together and feeling like Im riding the asphalt alligator down to the hula-hoop house of jack-a-lope glitter bombs and allzzzz you can eat pancakes served by a clothes artist name Sprinkles and her friend Sinnamon woooooooooooooooo boy For real though, this thing is super powerful and does everything I (an amateur... but I know right? I sound legit!) needs. It is very flexible in terms of tuning features and enhancements, it is about the size of Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist.. the old school hard back, not that sissy softcover nonsense you find outside used bookstores. For the price, this thing is a steal for anyone looking to CB Radio some fools
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Muffi
> 3 dayThis device is very small and compact. Havent been able to use it yet. Had to order antennae. Have to get back to you with how it works.
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Bobby Lee
> 3 dayI like the ease of mounting in a small and tight position. The 4x4x1 size of the radio allows easy concealment out of the prying eyes of others and out of the sun. Speaker is good as long as you dont need a boomer; plenty of volume even for me (I wear 2 hearing aids). The controls take some time to figure out; mostly due to the Chinese version of English translation. The company really needs to work on that. Other than that I would recommend giving it a try! I noticed a few remarks about not being able to tune the SWRs. If you are ordering one of the trunk mounts take notice that the mounts only come with 16.5 feet of coax. You need 18 feet of coax. Either make a 18 pigtail or replace the original with 18 of new coax and it will tune just fine.