Trail communication is a very important aspect to a safe and fun off-roading trip. My Jeep wasn't currently equipped with a CB anymore due to a unexpected storm when I had the top off. The storm left a pool of water on the top of my previous CB radio. I missed being able to communicate with my other off-roading buddies so I figured it was time for a new CB. 

I browsed at all the different company websites that manufacture CB radios but none of them caught my eye except for a couple of models that Midland introduced. I was very impressed with their 77-285A model, the large digital display, front outlet CB mic., and frequency options. This Midland 77-258A model is a luxury CB, with all the bells and whistles including a nicely lit-up display and buttons for easy night time use. Below I'm going to be describing the installation of my new CB in conjunction with my other new Jeep addition (Tuffy Security Overhead Console). Follow along and enjoy. Below are some pictures of my CB straight out of the box.

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MIDLAND 77-285 FEATURES:

(some of this information is provided by Midland)

Midland's Power Max II has it all. For starters, a multi-function, high intensity black matrix readout and back lit controls make it a snap to quickly check or change the radio's status... day or night. The 77-285's high performance, self-adjusting CPU delivers pinpoint channel tuning every time. With instant access to Channels 9 and 19, plus four user selectable memory channels. In the Dual Watch mode, two channels can be monitored. And with the addition of the frequency or channel display the operator will always know where they are. A full-stage noise blanking system reduces static and engine pulses to a whisper and a touch of the Local/ DX switch reduces interference during short distance transmissions. Add to all this a jack for an external speaker and a full-size mic with a 4-pin screw-on connector, and the message comes through loud and clear ... this is indeed the CBer's CB!

INSTALLATION:

The installation of this CB wasn't any different than any other CB installation except that this radio allows you to mount it in your vehicle in a less spacious area, possibly a more desirable location. Considering my other CB radio in my Jeep Cherokee is approx. 7.5" - 8" long, it doesn't give you to many options for mounting. The Midland 77-285A is approx. 5" long and allowed me several mounting options. Three inches can make a huge difference when it comes to mounting something under your Jeep dash.

I decided that the best place to mount my new CB would be in the Tuffy overhead console I have. For installation I just had to remove one of the Tuffy drop down boxes. Then simply taking the supplied Midland CB mounting bracket I securing it to the Tuffy drop down box with 2 stainless steel 1/4" bolts. I then went ahead and mounted the Midland CB into location using the two supplied CB side mounting fasteners. Before installing the Tuffy security console box back into the overhead console I attached the CB mic. See pictures below for more details. 

(click on images for large view)

CB WIRING:

Now that I successfully mounted the CB radio in the Tuffy overhead console it was time to wire it up. I debated on hooking the CB directly up to the battery but later changed my mind for two reasons. 1. I didn't want to mount another wire to a battery terminal. My battery terminals are full of wires hanging off each direction as is. 2. I wanted the CB radio to only have power going to it when the ignition was on. So I decided to just tap into a preexisting wire that was wired this way already.

 (click on images for large view)

TESTING 1..2..3..

Well the new CB radio is mounted, wired, and ready to go. The final test is contacting someone with my new radio. I flipped through the channels and came across several truck drivers and recreational CB'ers so I threw out a quick "Break Channel" (I was taught to say this in order to get someone's attention in a proper way, also referring to "Can I get a radio check"). Immediately I received a "go ahead break". We proceeded to talk and he informed me that my CB was working great and sounded clean, crisp, and had a very strong signal. Well that was good enough for me. I then proceeded to chat with other fellow CB'ers from all around my local area, each with the same answer: "Your new CB's working perfect, I hear ya loud and clear." 

CONCLUSION:

After installing the CB I was very pleased with both the performance and options available on this particular Midland CB radio. I really like the frequency option and oversized large digital read out. This CB in conjunction with my Tuffy overhead console worked very well together. Feel free to check out Midland's website for more CB radio models, prices, and information. My overall experience when working with Midland was very nice and professional. There staff is very helpful and informative.

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