President Johnny III USA 40-Channel AM CB Radio | 12/24V
The President Johnny III USA combines 40-channel AM CB operation with a compact cabinet and support for both 12- and 24-volt vehicle systems. NOAA weather reception, Automatic Squelch Control, RF gain, and voice-operated transmission provide useful everyday controls without requiring a full-size radio installation.
This is the Johnny III USA AM-only model. Its front-mounted six-pin microphone connection, rotary controls, and selectable display colors suit installations where dashboard space and access to the controls matter.
Key features
- 12/24-volt operation: Suitable for compatible negative-ground vehicle electrical systems in either nominal voltage class.
- 40 AM CB channels: Channel selection from the radio or the supplied microphone, with channel scan and 9/19 shortcuts.
- NOAA weather and alert: Seven weather channels, with an alert function for use in CB or PA mode.
- Manual squelch and ASC: Choose manual background-noise muting or President's Automatic Squelch Control.
- Receive controls: RF gain, built-in ANL, noise blanker, and HI-CUT filtering.
- VOX: Voice-operated transmission through the supplied microphone or a compatible optional VOX microphone.
- Selectable display: Orange, green, or blue illumination with a digital signal meter.
- Convenience controls: Priority-channel memory, key lock, key beep, and Roger beep.
- Speaker connections: Separate external receive-speaker and PA-speaker jacks.
Specifications
| Specification | Johnny III USA |
|---|---|
| CB channels and mode | 40 channels, AM |
| CB frequencies | 26.965–27.405 MHz |
| Transmitter output | 4 watts AM |
| Nominal vehicle systems | 12 V or 24 V DC, negative ground |
| Rated supply voltages | 13.8 V / 27.6 V |
| Manufacturer dimensions | 4.92 inches wide × 5.91 inches deep × 1.77 inches high |
| Metric dimensions | 125 W × 150 D × 45 H mm |
| Approximate radio weight | 1.54 lb / 0.7 kg |
| Antenna connector | SO-239, for a PL-259 coax connector |
| Microphone connection | Front six-pin President connection; supplied electret microphone |
Allow additional room for the bracket, microphone plug, rear connections, and cables. Check the mounting location rather than assuming the radio fits every cubby or console opening.
Included equipment and antenna setup
The radio package includes the Johnny III USA transceiver, electret microphone with support, mounting cradle, screws, and manual. A CB antenna system and external SWR meter are not included with the radio-only listing.
Use a suitable CB antenna and check its installed SWR before regular operation. The display's S-meter is a signal-strength meter, not an SWR meter; the owner's manual describes adjustment with an external SWR meter.
Microphones and accessories
The President DIGIMIKE offers a wired microphone with five selectable levels of transmit-audio noise reduction and UP/DOWN channel buttons. The President BT MIKE uses its included six-pin dongle for a wireless steering-wheel microphone setup.
Both accessories are made for the President six-pin configuration. A standard Cobra-style four-pin dynamic microphone is not a direct plug-in replacement for the supplied microphone.
For a compact magnetic-mount installation, consider the President Virginia antenna. For a mirror-mounted antenna, the Stryker SR-A10, DRX-3402 mount, and DRX-1518 coax are available in the truck package below.
Don't forget to add the Pro tune and alignment option at checkout so that your radio is professionally bench-tuned for best performance per the manufacturer's service manual.
Complete Johnny III Kits & Combos
- Virginia antenna and Aries speaker combo: Magnetic-mount antenna with attached coax and a compact external receive speaker.
- BT MIKE combo: Wireless steering-wheel microphone with its President six-pin dongle.
- DIGIMIKE combo: Wired six-pin microphone with adjustable transmit-noise reduction.
- Stryker SR-A10 truck combo: Threaded antenna, Driver Extreme mirror mount, and 18-foot M213 coax.
- Hustler IC56 RG8X installation kit combo: 102-inch whip, kit mounting hardware, barrel spring, coax, and tie-down.
- Hustler IC56 Driver Extreme mirror bundle: 102-inch whip, barrel spring, DRX-3402 mount, and DRX-1518 coax.
Owner's manual
Download the President Johnny III USA 12/24V manual for installation, controls, microphone wiring, and antenna-adjustment instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Johnny III USA AM-only or AM/FM?
The Johnny III USA is a 40-channel AM CB radio. It does not provide FM or single-sideband operation.
Can it operate in both 12-volt and 24-volt vehicles?
Yes. The Johnny III USA supports nominal 12- and 24-volt negative-ground vehicle systems. President lists rated supply voltages of 13.8 V and 27.6 V.
What are the correct dimensions?
President lists the Johnny III USA at 4.92 inches wide, 5.91 inches deep, and 1.77 inches high, or 125 × 150 × 45 mm in width-depth-height order. Allow additional installation space for its bracket, plugs, and cables.
Does it have a built-in SWR meter?
No. Its S-meter displays signal strength. Use an external SWR meter to check and adjust the installed antenna system as described in the owner's manual.
Which microphones fit its front connector?
The radio uses a six-pin President connection and comes with an electret microphone. The President DIGIMIKE connects directly; the BT MIKE connects through its supplied President six-pin dongle. A Cobra-style four-pin microphone does not plug directly into the radio.
What does ASC do?
ASC means Automatic Squelch Control. It automatically mutes background noise between received signals; manual squelch is also available. ASC is not the same feature as the DIGIMIKE or BT MIKE's transmit-audio noise reduction.
When does the weather-alert function operate?
The manual specifies weather-alert operation in CB and PA modes, not WX listening mode. Enable the alert and select the appropriate weather channel; reception of a local weather broadcast is required.
Is an antenna included with the radio?
No antenna is included with the radio-only listing. The linked antenna combos supply different antennas and mounting arrangements; an external SWR meter remains separate.