CB radio install basics
#1
12-13-2007 | 10:40 PM
Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,059
From: Scottsdale, AZ
CB radio install basics
I could use a little direction, please, on installing my cb radio. I've found a few good threads but I'm missing the details that I need.
I'm emulating the install in this thread, though with just one antenna. Same radio.
https://www.hummerforums.com/m_54533/tm.htm
Is the easiest thing to run a wire directly to the battery? Is there space in an existing firewall hole or do I need to make a new one?
importkiller has a good pic in this thread. https://www.hummerforums.com/m_47935..._/tm.htm#47986
Can I tap into this or is that not a good idea? Is this under the dash?
Thanks in advance.
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I'm emulating the install in this thread, though with just one antenna. Same radio.
https://www.hummerforums.com/m_54533/tm.htm
Is the easiest thing to run a wire directly to the battery? Is there space in an existing firewall hole or do I need to make a new one?
importkiller has a good pic in this thread. https://www.hummerforums.com/m_47935..._/tm.htm#47986
Can I tap into this or is that not a good idea? Is this under the dash?
ORIGINAL: importkiller
Here is the easiest way to get +12 volt. use the wire marked acc. for 12v switched or for constant 12 v the red wire with the silver stripe to the left of the harness in the picture is a constant 12v wire I believe. test it first but if I remember correctly it is a constant powere lead. As far as the door pin wires, I have to find my disk for that...I'll get back to you.
Here is the easiest way to get +12 volt. use the wire marked acc. for 12v switched or for constant 12 v the red wire with the silver stripe to the left of the harness in the picture is a constant 12v wire I believe. test it first but if I remember correctly it is a constant powere lead. As far as the door pin wires, I have to find my disk for that...I'll get back to you.
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#4
12-14-2007 | 05:33 PM
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,001
From: Red Lion, PA
RE: CB radio install basics
Before you ask what wire to tap into... ask yourself do you want to be able to park your rig.. shut off the engine and still be able to get your CB?? or do you want the failsafe...ignition off... radio off method??
and IMHO... that two antenna setup is ignorant... I can't imagine what you could possible expect to gain having two antennas that close together... firesticks or not...
and IMHO... that two antenna setup is ignorant... I can't imagine what you could possible expect to gain having two antennas that close together... firesticks or not...
#5
12-14-2007 | 06:53 PM
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,059
From: Scottsdale, AZ
RE: CB radio install basics
ORIGINAL: Muddydawg75
Before you ask what wire to tap into... ask yourself do you want to be able to park your rig.. shut off the engine and still be able to get your CB?? or do you want the failsafe...ignition off... radio off method??
and IMHO... that two antenna setup is ignorant... I can't imagine what you could possible expect to gain having two antennas that close together... firesticks or not...
Before you ask what wire to tap into... ask yourself do you want to be able to park your rig.. shut off the engine and still be able to get your CB?? or do you want the failsafe...ignition off... radio off method??
and IMHO... that two antenna setup is ignorant... I can't imagine what you could possible expect to gain having two antennas that close together... firesticks or not...
Muddy, what it sounds like you're saying is that I can probably use tapped power safely since the CB won't draw much power, is that right?
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#6
12-15-2007 | 07:44 PM
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,001
From: Red Lion, PA
RE: CB radio install basics
Tapped power is fine... unless you have a CBamp you are not gonna pull that much power... just use the correct t-tap or splice tap... and tape it when you are done so that it doesn't get pulled.. etc...
I tapped mine off of the rear seat 12v plugs in the center console of my 2...
Firestiks are nice... I had one before. I liked the adjustable screw to get my SWR correct. My latest Cobra has the SWR built in so I don;t need it as much.
I tapped mine off of the rear seat 12v plugs in the center console of my 2...
Firestiks are nice... I had one before. I liked the adjustable screw to get my SWR correct. My latest Cobra has the SWR built in so I don;t need it as much.
#7
12-16-2007 | 07:28 PM
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,059
From: Scottsdale, AZ
RE: CB radio install basics
Okay, it's finished. Installed the L bracket for the antenna on the bolt for the spare tire. Wasn't getting a good ground so I ran a ground from the bracket to underneath the Hummer logo sill. Pulled up the sill, scratched away the paint, screwed it down.
The power leads for the Cobra radio reached all the way from under the dash to the battery. Cut a hole in the firewall, put in a rubber grommet and secured the power to the battery. I used a factory ground in the fender, right by the batter. Still have to silicone the grommet to make it watertight.
I ran the coax inside the truck. I needed the full 18', or at least about 17' of it. I tucked it under the Monsoon cover then under the rails along the driver side. I did have to drill a small hole in the plastic of the rear door but it's in the lower side, you can barely notice it. (I ran the ground through the same hole). I'm getting SWR numbers of 1.5 to 1.8, haven't spent more than a couple of minutes tuning it. Will play with it more later.
The guys at Firestik, along with their website, were really helpful. Highly recommend them!
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The power leads for the Cobra radio reached all the way from under the dash to the battery. Cut a hole in the firewall, put in a rubber grommet and secured the power to the battery. I used a factory ground in the fender, right by the batter. Still have to silicone the grommet to make it watertight.
I ran the coax inside the truck. I needed the full 18', or at least about 17' of it. I tucked it under the Monsoon cover then under the rails along the driver side. I did have to drill a small hole in the plastic of the rear door but it's in the lower side, you can barely notice it. (I ran the ground through the same hole). I'm getting SWR numbers of 1.5 to 1.8, haven't spent more than a couple of minutes tuning it. Will play with it more later.
The guys at Firestik, along with their website, were really helpful. Highly recommend them!
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#9
12-31-2007 | 11:09 AM
Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,059
From: Scottsdale, AZ
RE: CB radio install basics
Here are two pics of the install - antenna mount and the mic mount. As for the antenna, I could not get the bolt/carrier for the spare tire to work well as a ground. I don't think the rear door is a good ground, too much insulation at the door hinge. The second wire you see is a ground back to the chassis where I scraped away paint and screwed in under the Hummer logo in the rear cargo area. These cables pass right through the vent holes in the rear door, then I drilled a small hole in the plastic of the door inside, near the hinges.
I used a bracket from Firestik, similar to this one:
but without the back plate and the two bolts (and their holes). I drilled a new hole right in the middle for the mount. They have both stainless and regular plated mounts available.
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I used a bracket from Firestik, similar to this one:
but without the back plate and the two bolts (and their holes). I drilled a new hole right in the middle for the mount. They have both stainless and regular plated mounts available.[/align]