I used to use off the shelf CB radios from the 70s to early 90s but have
been away from it since about '94 because of the short range and limited
receiving range. After using cell phones I realize that CB has advantages
that cell phones don't. To use a cellphone to communicate you have to know
the specific person's number; whereas on CB 19 you can hail an opposite
bound trucker or other vehicle. I've always been impressed by those Galaxy
radios used by truckers out on the Interstate highways that can talk for
many miles away from one another, so last week I've started contemplating on
getting myself one of those strong radios, too, for when my wife and I go on
Thanksgiving and Christmas vacation pretty soon now. I think the roger beep
is a neat function but I'd probably not use the echo.

From what I've found through research, the "export" Galaxy radios that put
out a lot more than 4 watts on the 10 meter band can be modified to operate
on CB channels 1-40. I looked on the pinklightning website and saw that
they offer a mod. service on their export Galaxy radios, but they don't make
it clear whether the radio would actually be on CB band once the mods are
made. Does anyone here know? I'm looking hard at the Galaxy model 88.

I think 4 watts in a regular CB is too wimpy for long distance comm. on
Interstates going at +65 mph. I've used twin phased 102" steel whip
antennas before with 1:2 SWR on my Chevy dually and still didn't have good
distance. I'm retired from Army and Social Security, and my wife and I
mostly wile away our time by traveling a lot from Florida to Kentucky to
Chicago to Texas to visit our kids and grandchildren, and I think a really
powerful CB is a great asset when out on the road. One time in the vicinity
of Bowling Green Kentucky I spotted a roadside altercation involving 2
vehicles and it looked like one of the young men was pulling a gun but I was
unable to raise Bowling Green PD on channel 9 due to the sorry 4-watt output
of my cobra 4-watt cb, but I feel that had if I had had a Galaxy capable of
20 watts or better I would have been able to get through to the authorities
on channel 9 and maybe kept someone from being injured or worse. Another
time about 5 miles outside of San Antonio I was unable to reach the PD or
troopers to let them know about an 18-wheeler on fire pulling over on the
shoulder of the interstate. If I'd had more than 4 watts output I might
have done some good by being able to reach the local PD. If more than 4
watts is illegal then it's just illegal, and I don't argue with the law
about it but still I'm willing to accept the consequences for using a
powerful radio it it it comes to that. If it saves one person's life or
mine then it's worth it paying the fine.

I use a CB just to monitor channel 19 while on the road, but I talk to an
occasional oppisite-bound trucker but the signal fades out before wer'e
finished. It would sure be nice to be able to talk with him for more than
30 seconds before my 4-watt radio signal gives out. I like letting them
know what's ahead of them as well as them letting me know what's ahead of
me. One time I lost signal while an opposite bound truck was telling me of
a good exit on I-65 that had good food and a good motel-he sounded like he
had a good Galaxy and I just had my 4-watt Cobra so I couldn't answer or ask
him anything and the conversation lasted only about 20 seconds before I
couldn't get out anymore. I could hear him but he couldn't hear me. I
think CB is a nice and useful thing for travelers. Good especially in
Interstate traffic jams.

I'm just looking for advice from some other people here about what to look
for if I want to buy an import Galaxy radio, and what to watch for when
having it modified for CB channels 1-40. I just want a strong radio that'll
put out more than 4 watts and where to get it and what to ask for. Any help
is appreciated.

What I'm looking for is: A Galaxy or other simialar high watt radio that
can be modified to work on CB channels 1-40 (2) modification of said Galaxy
radio and "what to ask for" on sites like pinklightning to make it
trasmit/receive on the 40 CB channels ("peak" "tune", ect.) (3) I'm willing
to accept personal responsibility if I get caught with such a radio. I just
think more than 4 watts is a necessary evil to ensure reliable comm. when
out on the road in the midle of nowhere.