Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: loreleir on September 22, 2011, 04:47:58 PM

Title: CB Radio Install and Tune
Post by: loreleir on September 22, 2011, 04:47:58 PM
I am hoping to get my cb radio and antenna installed the weekend of Oct. 1/2, but here's the thing...  I have no idea what I'm doing  :o  I plan to mount the radio itself under my driver's seat and the antenna between the tailgate and spare tire.  Still have to pick up the antenna and cable (most of the recommendations are to go to Comtek @ Roadking?)  I guess I'm assuming that they will be able to help me get what I need?

If anyone has any suggestions or is possibly available to help me with the install and tuning, I would REALLY appreciate it  ;D
Title: Re: CB Radio Install and Tune
Post by: yellowjeep101 on September 22, 2011, 06:02:46 PM
The guy working at comtek is great! He will set you up with what you need! Just make sure you buy enough of the cable to reach all the way to the back!
Title: Re: CB Radio Install and Tune
Post by: AV.NINE on September 22, 2011, 06:08:49 PM
I am hoping to get my cb radio and antenna installed the weekend of Oct. 1/2, but here's the thing...  I have no idea what I'm doing  :o  I plan to mount the radio itself under my driver's seat and the antenna between the tailgate and spare tire.  Still have to pick up the antenna and cable (most of the recommendations are to go to Comtek @ Roadking?)  I guess I'm assuming that they will be able to help me get what I need?

If anyone has any suggestions or is possibly available to help me with the install and tuning, I would REALLY appreciate it  ;D

Run 2 wires from your battery. Red to positive and black to negative. Hook them up to the corresponding 2 wires coming out of your cb.

Just make sure what ever antenna mount you get is grounded well.

Easy easy.
Title: Re: CB Radio Install and Tune
Post by: TL-Iguana on September 22, 2011, 08:49:57 PM
The guy working at comtek is great! He will set you up with what you need! Just make sure you buy enough of the cable to reach all the way to the back!

18' is the recommended cable length for a CB install. I have an SWR meter but will be at a wedding on the Saturday, working till 6 on the sunday. If you want a hand however, Im fine to help you out sunday evening... If you get the radio installed Ok I can help ya tune it with the SWR meter. Otherwise, Steve (Knox) also has one of my meters, and Im sure if Im not around he can lend ya that one :) Its pretty straight forward. Google CB tuning and you will find a wealth of information!

GROUND YOUR ANTENNA PROPERLY!!!! That is going to be what makes or breaks your install. The mount he will sell you at Comtek will have a plastic washer that needs to go on the correct side of the mount. Pay attention to this and you will be fine :D

Title: Re: CB Radio Install and Tune
Post by: Rubi03 jef on September 22, 2011, 10:54:45 PM
i hooked mine up to KEY on power so that way you never kill you battery by forgetting it on   

and i wouldnt hide it under your seat unless your settings are all on your hand held

you will need to adjust from time to time and doing it with it under your seat is going to be a pain in the ars
Title: Re: CB Radio Install and Tune
Post by: loreleir on September 23, 2011, 05:13:33 PM
Thanks for the advice.  I'm feeling much better about trying the install.  I guess I'll have to wait and see how things go before I try to track someone down for tuning.
Title: Re: CB Radio Install and Tune
Post by: binare on September 23, 2011, 06:07:41 PM
Theres plenty of info floating around about the 18' myth. It really makes no difference and Ive always been just fine running 8' or so. Also think about the ignitio n switched or not. I run mine constant so I can have it on in camp without my accessories on. CBs dont draw much sitting.
Title: Re: CB Radio Install and Tune
Post by: cLAY on September 26, 2011, 03:56:03 PM
Also having it on the key allows more electrical interference into the power line. Makes for louder background noise.
Title: Re: CB Radio Install and Tune
Post by: Rubi03 jef on September 26, 2011, 06:28:11 PM
Also having it on the key allows more electrical interference into the power line. Makes for louder background noise.

i used a fuse that has nothing on it like heated seats . so i get no noise at all .
Title: Re: CB Radio Install and Tune
Post by: vantagetes on September 26, 2011, 10:47:22 PM
There's two wires behind the glove box. One is unswitched (10amp) power and the second is a 3amp switched wire. I was digging around to see where I could add in foglight relays and there they were.