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Author Topic: CB radio  (Read 5934 times)

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Liljeepz

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CB radio
« on: May 16, 2006, 08:13:43 PM »
Hi,
Just wondering if any one has any tips on geting power to a CB.
Also what size fuse do I need to put on it?
My father in law had a old CB siting in a closet, he was going to toss it. so I took it went to radio shack, got an attena/cable. But they had no idea about them and didn't even know how to hook it up.  :roll:
I don't know any thing about it eather.
I have the attena instaled behind the spair tire and the cable ran to the CB, but thats about where I'm at.
Just wondering if any one has any tips on geting power to a CB.
Also what size fuse do I need to put on it?
and is there a good way to get the cabel into the jeep from the back door? <have any pics?>
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lanulos89

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CB radio
« Reply #1 on: May 16, 2006, 08:40:18 PM »
just splice into the stereo power wires.  Thats at least what i did.  pretty simple too.
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Offline Jeffy

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CB radio
« Reply #2 on: May 16, 2006, 10:39:41 PM »
I run my CB from a fuse tap on the fuse box.  I had it wired through the stereo but I cleaned that up when I replaced it.  Optimally, you'll want to run it straight to the battery for the cleanest signal.  Sometimes you'll pick up engine noise in the CB.

For the antenna, you have a few choices.  I'd probably route the cable like teh 3rd brakelight so it neat.  Otherwise, you'll be pinching the cable in the tailgate if it's just hanging.  I don't like mounting the antenna on the tailgate since it's a bit more difficult.  The cable will need to come up from the passenger side.

For the fuse, it would depend on the CB.  If it's an old one as big as a fridge, it might.  I'd guess a 10-20a though.  You'll want to track down the mfg. to see what it uses.

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Liljeepz

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CB radio
« Reply #3 on: May 17, 2006, 03:08:54 PM »
That is great tips, Thanks Jeffy!
One question, How did you fit the head of the cable through that lil hole in the gate?
I tryed that but had a heck of a time geting it in there and gave up!  :roll:
I went to radio shack again and they had no idea what a fuse tap was  :shock:
So im going to go to a auto store and see if they have one.
Thanks again for the info!
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Offline Jeffy

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CB radio
« Reply #4 on: May 17, 2006, 03:43:58 PM »
Hahah, that's the trick,  you don't.  You get a cable that uses a solder on connector.  I think Radio Shack might have these.  Although your best bet would be a Ham Radio store.

Radio shack sucks for help but they do have the parts.

http://www.radioshack.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=fuse%20tap&origkw=fuse%20tap

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Jesse-James

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CB radio
« Reply #5 on: May 17, 2006, 06:14:36 PM »
If you do use a fuse tap make sure to use an inline fuse after it, a lot of people over look it. I used a Male/Female spade connector on my ground so between that and the inline fuse, it's easy to disconnect so I can take it out in seconds when I go topless.
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Liljeepz

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CB radio
« Reply #6 on: May 17, 2006, 06:44:44 PM »
Great ideas guys!
I was thinking about a way to make it removable quickly, the fuse/spade is a great idea!
Bad storms out there today, so I will get the items tomarow, and install it then!
One more question.. <Last one I sware!>
I was talking to a friend and he said I have to get some kind of tuner to tune the antenna, Do any of you know any thing about that? he said if i didnt I could distroy the CB.  :?
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lanulos89

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CB radio
« Reply #7 on: May 17, 2006, 07:36:37 PM »
a swr meter, if you are putting in a cheap radio it prob aint worth tuning it, but if not then get one radio shack shoulkd have them
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Jesse-James

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CB radio
« Reply #8 on: May 17, 2006, 10:19:31 PM »
On a firestick type antenna there is a little screw under the cap on the top. Turn it until you get the best signal on the meter. I didn't do mine, but if I were going far by myself I might to get the extra range. Not tuning it won't hurt your radio as far as I know. One other thing to keep in mind is not to bunch up the cable anywhere, it can hurt your range pretty good. If you route your cable half way decent and have a good ground for your antenna you should be alright.
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Offline Jeffy

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CB radio
« Reply #9 on: May 17, 2006, 10:46:50 PM »
I don't think teh Radio shack anyenna will be tuneable but it should be ok.  Check it with the SWR meter to make sure it's close to 1:1.  I forget how far off it can be but I know 1:2 is bad news.  You can burn out the final drive circuit for the CB if it's out of tune.  Follow the instruction on the SWR and you should be ok.
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Jesse-James

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CB radio
« Reply #10 on: May 17, 2006, 11:21:43 PM »
Good to know, Jeffy. Maybe I'll take the time to tune mine now. Man, there isn't much you don't know in this world we call Jeep, is there?
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Offline Jeffy

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CB radio
« Reply #11 on: May 18, 2006, 12:11:54 AM »
Hahah, thanks.  Although I don't know everything.  I learned about antenna's and such while getting my Amature Band License.
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"If the motor car were invented today, there is absolutely no way that any government in the world would let normal members of the public drive one."

Liljeepz

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CB radio
« Reply #12 on: May 18, 2006, 03:52:19 PM »
Thank you guys so much for your tips!
i went to radio shack, they wanted $35 for a swr meter!
for a one time use on a free cheep CB, i just could not get my sellf to take money away from my lift kit savings.  :roll:
My dad says he has a friend that has one... so some day when I get over to his house he will call is friend and ill use it then. Thanks guys!
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Offline Jeffy

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CB radio
« Reply #13 on: May 18, 2006, 03:59:30 PM »
You might see if there are any CB or Ham radio shops near you.  They might do it for free.  Also, check out eBay.  SWR meters have cheap in genral.  The one RS sells is decent but if you're only going to use it once then there is no point in even buying one.  Especially when your antenna is probably not tuneable.

I replaced my cable and rerouted my cabling and moved the antenna slightly.  I didn't bother to have it rechecked. :oops:
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"If the motor car were invented today, there is absolutely no way that any government in the world would let normal members of the public drive one."

Liljeepz

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CB radio
« Reply #14 on: May 18, 2006, 07:22:27 PM »
It is tunable, it has a lil scrue under teh cap on top of it, and it said it needed to be tuned befor use.
But Im not going to bother right now, I was going to get it going today, but I ended up watching my son tell my wife got home from work, by that time I had a few beers in me and well.... no more work for me tonight  :lol:
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