CB radio hook up question
 

Ok, here's the deal- I have a CB radio that is lying around doing nothing. I figure why not put it to use and install it in my Jimmy. The thing is- I've never done it before and I don't know how to connect it to the accessory power in the Jimmy. If anyone has done this/knows how to do it, if you could tell me how I'd greatly appreciate it, if no one knows how to it will be very interesting to see what happens... as always- thanks in advance.

:gmc:

Well its real easy to install. There should only be to wires on the CB, a ground and power with a fused link. Just hook the ground to any good grounding spot. I would splice the power wire into the stereos inginition wire, it will probably be the easy way to go, unless you have a spot on the fuse panel where you can plug in the wire, marked ingition unfused. Then just screw on the coax cable from the intenna to the back of the cb. and it should work.

its pretty easy. i just found a wire that was switched under the dash (i believe i used the switched radio wire ? ) and tapped into it with a crimp connector, then grounded it to the metal. also, if its a Cobra or Uniden model (Uniden PC 66/76, and Cobra 25/29, i know for a fact) you can remove the two lower ashtray screws, and the bracket will line up perfectly with those holes for mounting.

Alot of times Just Taping into exsiting circuits will give you alternator Whine. If you get a whine that changes with Engine Rpm Run a 12 gauge wire straight to the battery and have a 3 amp fuse on it. That will normally kill the whine.

Also be sure to have a good ground on the antenna mount doesnt hurt to run a strap or wire to the frame To one of the mountin bolts on the Antenna Bracket , Allows for better ears and less chance of RFI.


O and one more thing Depending on what kind of radio it is It Would Be A Wise Idea To Buy A Cheap Rat Shack SWR meter Some Radios Have Swr Meters Built In Like Cobra 29s and whatnot. So if your radio doenst have a switch that says swr and a knob that says swr Cal It would be wise to Invest in a 9.99 SWR meter High Swrs Can Mess Up the radio and decrease The amount of Reception .

I have used RG-58 or 59 co-ax from the CB Radio direct to the battery....strip the outer cox-ax shield and ground the shield at the battery.... Use an inline fuse-holder and fuse...with minimum unsheilded exposure and connect the other end of the co-ax to the radio.... ( center conductor to 'hot' (+ ) and shield to ground. You will have to remember to turn off the CB... as it is a direct connect to the battery and of course will result in a dead battery if radio is left on!.... This method will reduce , if not eliminate alternator "whine" and other types of electrical imterference........... Jim