Midland 77-092 Mobile CB Radio

• 40 CB channels
• Solid state switching
• Coiled-cord microphone and clip
• Complete instructions and mounting hardware
• Compact design, fits almost any vehicle

The Midland 77-092 is intended for permanent installation in your vehicle and involves putting screw holes in your dash and wiring the CB to your car's power supply. The included wiring was long enough for us to set the CB on the passenger seat, but that is far from the ideal configuration. An external speaker jack is located on the back of the unit along with a plug for the wire coming from the external antenna. A plug for the included push-to-talk microphone is on the front, as are the knobs for volume and squelch. You select channels with two small buttons, and they're displayed on a small, bright LCD screen.

This CB is remarkably light on features. There's no way to automatically scan through channels, and we couldn't pull in automated weather signals as some other units we've tested can. The 77-092's most striking feature is its small size. At less than 5 inches wide and only 1.5 inches thick, it should fit unobtrusively in nearly any vehicle. The included microphone is small but adequate, although it had a cheap feel. On the road, the radio's range was right in line with that of similar mobile units we've tested, and your results will vary, depending on the type of antenna you attach (which you'll have to buy separately). This product might be a good no-frills choice for those who plan to use their CB infrequently, but people who rely on the unit all the time will want one of Midland's more robust models. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Compact size
• Easy to use

• Few features
• Requires permanent installation
• Cheap microphone