CB Radio Hints and Tips, Installing guidance.

[Rob]

I think I am going to put a power distribution block inside the cab
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DP79B987?smid=A1LAPRHCR7XHF0&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp&th=1

I can then run one set of wires thru the firewall, and in the future I can attach any items in the cab directly to the block.  I may put one in the bed too while I am at it.

I did something similar with my tractor when I installed some light bars.

[ghosthunter]

I think I am going to put a power distribution block inside the cab
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DP79B987?smid=A1LAPRHCR7XHF0&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp&th=1

I can then run one set of wires thru the firewall, and in the future I can attach any items in the cab directly to the block.  I may put one in the bed too while I am at it.

I did something similar with my tractor when I installed some light bars.

Nice. 

[ghosthunter]

Got the call today my Radio was in and I picked up a SWR meter too.

[Rat44]

Good move on picking up a meter.
Sometimes little things can cause a big change in the SWR .
Just adding a spring can make it worse or better.
Good luck with your install.
Curious to see how that radio performs as my Cobra 29 finally bit the dust and and needs replacement.

[Boss .300 winmag]

Got the call today my Radio was in and I picked up a SWR meter too.

What store did you get these from?

[ghosthunter]

Got the call today my Radio was in and I picked up a SWR meter too.

What store did you get these from?

http://electronic-supply.com/


Just go to Mount  Vernon, down town
Cross the old bridge to west side.
It’s on your left.

Real nice guys. It’s not a chain. It’s a nerd electronics store.
Open. Monday , Wednesday, Friday,
They ordered the radio, everything else the had.

[ghosthunter]

Can’t get over how small they make this stuff.

[Boss .300 winmag]

Got the call today my Radio was in and I picked up a SWR meter too.

What store did you get these from?

http://electronic-supply.com/


Just go to Mount  Vernon, down town
Cross the old bridge to west side.
It’s on your left.

Real nice guys. It’s not a chain. It’s a nerd electronics store.
Open. Monday , Wednesday, Friday,
They ordered the radio, everything else the had.

Oh I’ve bought stuff there before when my tractor wiring went poof.🤣

How much was the CB there?

[ghosthunter]

Same as on Amazon, 199.95.

I like to buy local if I can and I was not in a hurry. Took two days to come.

Plus SWR
Antenna, base
6 inch coaxial for SWR.

[Boss .300 winmag]

Same as on Amazon, 199.95.

I like to buy local if I can and I was not in a hurry. Took two days to come.

Plus SWR
Antenna, base
6 inch coaxial for SWR.

👍

Post some pics after you get it all installed.

[ghosthunter]

Same as on Amazon, 199.95.

I like to buy local if I can and I was not in a hurry. Took two days to come.

Plus SWR
Antenna, base
6 inch coaxial for SWR.

👍

Post some pics after you get it all installed.

Sure, might be awhile with this rain.

[ghosthunter]

Well it cleared up today and I got after it.

Got the CB installed today.

SWR started out 3.0 on ch. 1 and 1.2 on Ch. 40.
Raised antenna about 1/2 inch total and got it down too.


1.2 and 1.3

So it’s a wrap.

[Rat44]

Looks like you are good to go.
Those are good SWR numbers.

[Rob]

Glad you got it installed!

I ordered mine from ebay and it is coming from Florida so will be a week or so I would imagine.

Where did you end up mounting the black box?

[ghosthunter]

Glad you got it installed!

I ordered mine from ebay and it is coming from Florida so will be a week or so I would imagine.

Where did you end up mounting the black box?

I put the black box u der the driver side rear seat,storage. In the frontier the back seat is two part. So you could fold up part and still have room for one.

That one storage is small . Also in the corner is access hole going between box and cab. The storage was just big enough for the box and SWR meter plus extra wire to fit. The hole was same size as coaxial connector. Took wife and I both to line it up and get it through. Ran my hot and cold out it too.

Grounded to the frame about 2 ft under cab. Ran the hot to passenger side and up to battery.
Connecting behind the fuse.

Tuning took four attempts. Antenna was short so loosened Allen each time and adjusted up 1/ 4 each time. Once got the high reading to 1.3 I called it good. Had read that there was no benefit trying to go lower.

There is a lot of traffic on ch 19 during the day. But Sunday night at 8 pm all channels were quiet which surprised me.

I got a radio check after install from a guy 5 miles away. He said I was loud and clear.

I left the SWR conected so I could re check over time my readings. Read that was ok to do.

The radio is easy to use and I picked up the buttons in no time.

I mounted the mic with a black plastic holder I had bought and some strong double face tape . Right above my four way flasher button. Cord hangs over it but not an issue for me.

The mic is plugged in to my usb bank which I installed years ago to power my FRS, Navigator, Dash cam and phone charger.

I have another electrical bank behind center consul to charge other electronics while driving.