CB issues

Ice · Jun 14, 2011

So I installed my CB last night, I didn't have a antenna mount like I wanted. I ended up drilling a hole through the fender and using a post mount. The problem is, I know nothing about using a CB, and I can't pick up anything. No transmissions. Even on 9. What did I do wrong?

JOOP · Jun 14, 2011

Start over and follow the instructions. :awesomework:

Ice · Jun 14, 2011

That was slightly less than helpful.:eeek: I will get pics as soon as possible. I'm working so it might take a bit. I do know the CB is a cobra 29 Ltd Bluetooth. And the antenna is not a firestick but a 4 ft radioshack antenna. Not a whip. The cable is 12 ft rg-58 BNC cable that has about 3 ft coiled up (too long) I was told this wouldnt be an issue. But then again it was radioshack. Should have known better

JOOP · Jun 14, 2011

Ice said:
That was slightly less than helpful.:eeek: I will get pics as soon as possible. I'm working so it might take a bit. I do know the CB is a cobra 29 Ltd Bluetooth. And the antenna is not a firestick but a 4 ft radioshack antenna. Not a whip. The cable is 12 ft rg-58 BNC cable that has about 3 ft coiled up (too long) I was told this wouldnt be an issue. But then again it was radioshack. Should have known better

There's part of your problem.

zukkev · Jun 14, 2011

Is the post insulated from the metal on the fender (they usually come with little plastic insulating rings)??? the extra coiled up coax shouldn't be a problem, as mine is also coiled up under the dash, and I get out/receive just fine (SWR'd at 1.1-1.2)...I'm able to reach from the play area at Walker down to the main parking lot on a good day...no problem anytime from the top of upper main line at the landing...

Ice · Jun 14, 2011

I do have the insulating ring on the antenna mount. I may just have to get a buddy to definate transmit to dial it in

2DoorRunner · Jun 14, 2011

As said above, look up install instructions, and follow from the beginning. You must have missed one small step.

And the coiled coax is not a problem. Im running an 18 foot cable, about 12 feet of it is coiled and stuffed behind my glove box. I can see it being a problem if i was trying to talk to people 10 miles away, but it works fine for the trail.

JOOP · Jun 14, 2011

FWIW I was a radio tech(not operator) in the Army later to become a comm sgt on a team. The more RF cable you have the less power you are pumping out. I don't remember the actual equation but I think it's 1 watt loss per 1 foot of cable non-tuned. Second having the cable wadded up DOES affect the peak performance of the signal strength. Ideal would be a piece just long enough for the CB to antenna. Then fine tune it with a SRW meter. Get a Firestick because they are tune-able.

Travis1 · Jun 14, 2011

JOOP said:
FWIW I was a radio tech(not operator) in the Army later to become a comm sgt on a team. The more RF cable you have the less power you are pumping out. I don't remember the actual equation but I think it's 1 watt loss per 1 foot of cable non-tuned. Second having the cable wadded up DOES affect the peak performance of the signal strength. Ideal would be a piece just long enough for the CB to antenna. Then fine tune it with a SRW meter. Get a Firestick because they are tune-able.

I thought it was also better, that if you do have too much cable, you don't coil it but more like wad it. Or is that a wives tale.

JOOP · Jun 14, 2011

Travis said:
I thought it was also better, that if you do have too much cable, you don't coil it but more like wad it. Or is that a wives tale.

You get RF interfearence when you have it wadded up or coiled up.

But this guy has something else going on if he's getting nothing.

Zoediak · Jun 15, 2011

are you even sure that there is not a problem with the radio???

travisyota83 · Jun 25, 2011

have you tried using your radio with a buddy close to you to find out for sure your no receiving or transmitting. or are you in the driveway hoping to hear something on 17 or 9?