Features:
- Full 40-channel radio
- ETR frequency control and switchable automatic noise limiter
- Front microphone connector and stock microphone
- LED display; public address capability
- Quick-disconnect power cord and mounting bracket
Description:
CBs are practical safety and information devices, but their bulk usually relegates them to being installed in pickups and other large vehicles. With Midland's 77-104XL, all of your excuses for adding a CB to your vehicle evaporate. Although it comes with a convenient full-size microphone, a standard jack for an external antenna, and other features found on larger units, this CB radio measures less than 5 inches wide, 6.5 inches deep, and 1.5 inches thick. That's small enough to find a home in almost any vehicle. Installing the 77-104XL requires some familiarity with your car's wiring, and although the included instructions are well written, the novice will want to enlist the help of a professional to avoid shorting out any part of the vehicle's electrical system. The 77-104XL comes with a mounting bracket, and you should be prepared to drill some small holes in the bottom of your dash to install it. In our tests of the 77-104XL, the unit performed well when connected to a large Midland antenna that we were also testing. The full-size microphone was easier to handle than the miniature ones that come with similar portable radios, and the sound quality of the 77-104XL was as good as could be expected from its aging AM technology. The large rubber-coated knobs that are used to tune channels, adjust volume, and control squelch were very easy to use. The rear of the 77-104XL has two jacks for connecting an external speaker and a PA speaker, and a switch on the front let us easily switch between CB and PA modes. Another switch on the front enables or disables the built-in ANL technology, which can reduce static, although we never had a need for the switch. A bright green LCD displays the currently tuned channel and is flanked by other LEDs that illuminate when you transmit or receive. Novice users will enjoy the 77-104XL's quality and performance, and advanced users will enjoy all the extra features Midland has included. Basically, this is a full-featured CB squeezed into a relatively small and attractive package, and anyone thinking about permanently adding a CB radio to their vehicle should seriously consider this capable alternative. --T. Byrl Baker Pros: - Compact design
- Many features for the price
- Controls are clearly labeled and easy to use
Cons: - Installation requires some wiring knowledge
- Mounting bracket requires drilling holes
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