CB hook up?

[T-Bagg]

I just installed my new CB radio. A Uniden PRO520XL. I've got it working. I'm pretty sure. I can hear calls every now and then. I haven't tried to make calls yet.
I had it hooked up to the radio fuse. But I'm not sure I'm getting much power out of it. I also noticed the higher my RPM's the more power I get to the the CB. I don't like that. I hooked it up now to the 30 amp utility fuse hoping maybe to get more power to it. I'll see tomorrow if I pick up more transmissions.

My question: Where should I hook up the power cable to get the highest and most constant power supply? There for the most broadcast and receiving strength?

Also, My antenna came with 18 feet of cable. I'm only using about 4 feet. The excess is rolled and zip tied out of the way under the hood. Will this diminish signal power and if so would it be better to cut and splice out the excess?

I'm not looking to call the East Coast or anything but would like to know I'm making enough power to say... Reach out and touch someone on channel 9 if I'm out in the middle of the Glamis Sand Dunes and need help. Or, in the Mojave, need to get comms with the trophy truck I'm going to pull out because his chase truck couldn't get to him, and didn't have a tow strap(true story. ) But mostly it's so me and my buddies can communicate when we go out.

 

[thumper_ehhhhh]

Get a power theif for power http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/att...1-source-add-circuit-fuse-holder-071-580m.jpg . It's in place of a flat spade fuse. I have mine plugged into a 10amp fuse with 10 amp fuse still in slot and a 3 amp fuse for the radio. DO NOT CUT the antenna wire. It has to be that length to work. You will need to get a matching meter http://www.roadtripamerica.com/Equipment/How-to-Tune-a-C-B-Radio-Antenna.htm to set up the antenna for max benifits. BTW you should not be getting more power to the unit with more rpm.The unit will blow if it does. Make sure it has the inline fuse on it.

---------- Post added at 09:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:14 AM ----------

They are good for many things. Most up to date traffic info. Most truckers will let you know where the bears are taking pictures lol. The biggest thing is accidents. Truckers will let everyone know where they are and can save you a huge amount of time as you can make alternate routes to get around.

 

[TigerEyz3]

T-Bagg... hook up your power wire either to the battery or the underhood accessory post. You'll have the cleanest power signal at these points.

Like Thumper said, don't mess with the antenna length... the way you have the coax coiled could be choking your signal as well. If possible, you should stretch it out as much as possible. It's also advisable to tune your system before transmitting - that way you transmit a clean signal in the most efficient way (keeps from burning up your radio, too). You can either purchase the tuner or take your setup (in your rig) to a CB shop and let them do it. In addition to tuning your setup, you might consider having the CB shop perform a "tune-up" on the radio itself. Some call this a "peak and tune" others have different names... in any case, they are increasing the output power from the standard 4watts, and hopefully clarifying the transmit and receive.

One last thought... in order to get the best TX/RX from your setup, mount the antenna as high as possible. I drilled a hole in my roof and mounted my Wilson 1000 about 2ft from the rear (just in front of the rear-most brace).

 

[blackcoffee]

Just get a 102" whip on your bumper and call it a day, no need to tune those.
As thumper said, inline fuse and as tigereyz3 said, wire to the battery if possible.
But seriously take my advise get a 102".

 

[RumorsOFsurF]

I HATE those huge steel whips. They're too over the top looking. A lot of hicks run dual steel whips around here, which makes their rig look like a giant retarded insect. One wouldn't be too bad, but I prefer something subtle. Just my opinion, of course.

I've been trying to figure out a good way to mount a 4ft. glass whip to the front fender, but the bracket I bought flexes the fender too much. I'm currently running a magnet-mount roof antenna for the time being. Where did you mount yours? Pics?

For power, I spliced in to the wiring for the power outlet and soldered 'er in.

The above posters are right....DON'T trim the coax. It comes in multiples of 3ft for a reason.

 

[thumper_ehhhhh]

Keep in mind what ever you do. The antenna uses your vechiles body as a ground plain. The ideal spot is smack in the middle on the top. That way it has the most metal all the way around for sending and receiving. If your antenna is at the back you will get more distance out the front and if its at the front you will get more distance out the back. Mine is in the smack middle of my burban when i choose to put it up.

 

[T-Bagg]

T-Bagg... hook up your power wire either to the battery or the underhood accessory post. You'll have the cleanest power signal at these points..

Where is this Accessory Post you speak of.

It turns out that my unit wasn't getting more power with higher RPMs. It was a figment of my imagination, since I can't get it to happen again. I think I was picking up weak transmissions at the same time I revved up.

 

[T-Bagg]

So, my CB works I'm think as I was able to pick up bits of conversation from Seattle down here in San Diego.
Though if my stereo is turned up, when the base hits the power to the CB spikes. Could this be the ground point I'm using? I'm not to good with electronics.

 

[TigerEyz3]

Where is this Accessory Post you speak of.

It turns out that my unit wasn't getting more power with higher RPMs. It was a figment of my imagination, since I can't get it to happen again. I think I was picking up weak transmissions at the same time I revved up.

The accessory post I'm referencing is on the firewall side of the underhood fuse box. For a reference, there are two bolts that each have 30amp fuses. The accessory post is on the driver side of this box and just below the two bolts I mentioned. It's where the battery connection is.

 

[TheBigler]

So, my CB works I'm think as I was able to pick up bits of conversation from Seattle down here in San Diego.
Though if my stereo is turned up, when the base hits the power to the CB spikes. Could this be the ground point I'm using? I'm not to good with electronics.

I have that same problem allot with mine i have a cobra 29 classic and sometimes on certain channels my signals get broadcasted through my subs what is causing this???