CAP Talk

Operations => Tools of the trade => Topic started by: abdsp51 on June 01, 2014, 01:50:35 AM

Title: Radio Install
Post by: abdsp51 on June 01, 2014, 01:50:35 AM
Hey guys. Today I did an install on a cb in my Jeep.  Still need to get the antenna and radio matched up, numbers on the high end are way to high.  And the nice thing about this it was a clean install and routing for the antenna.  :)
Title: Re: Radio Install
Post by: THRAWN on June 01, 2014, 02:17:25 AM
Quote from: abdsp51 on June 01, 2014, 01:50:35 AM
Hey guys. Today I did an install on a cb in my Jeep.  Still need to get the antenna and radio matched up, numbers on the high end are way to high.  And the nice thing about this it was a clean install and routing for the antenna.  :)

10-4 good buddy...enjoy the zoo on 2. How high is way too high?  Lots of COTS fixes for high SWR..
Title: Re: Radio Install
Post by: KF6YVD on June 01, 2014, 02:30:45 AM
What kind of radio (make/model, new or used), coax type (prefab coax or self-built), antenna type?

If a experienced radio operator/installer I am sure you can see where my mind is headed..if so feel free to ignore me  :-)
Title: Re: Radio Install
Post by: abdsp51 on June 01, 2014, 02:35:02 AM
Its a Cobra 29 LTD classic with a K30 antenna the cable looks like RG-58(9) can't recall which or maybe RG-8 mini. 
Title: Re: Radio Install
Post by: abdsp51 on June 01, 2014, 02:36:02 AM
Quote from: THRAWN on June 01, 2014, 02:17:25 AM
Quote from: abdsp51 on June 01, 2014, 01:50:35 AM
Hey guys. Today I did an install on a cb in my Jeep.  Still need to get the antenna and radio matched up, numbers on the high end are way to high.  And the nice thing about this it was a clean install and routing for the antenna.  :)

10-4 good buddy...enjoy the zoo on 2. How high is way too high?  Lots of COTS fixes for high SWR..

High as in in the red and I dare not keep it hooked up and powered until I can get it down.  I'm under 1.5 on 1 and 3+ on 40.
Title: Re: Radio Install
Post by: THRAWN on June 01, 2014, 01:34:04 PM
Quote from: abdsp51 on June 01, 2014, 02:36:02 AM
Quote from: THRAWN on June 01, 2014, 02:17:25 AM
Quote from: abdsp51 on June 01, 2014, 01:50:35 AM
Hey guys. Today I did an install on a cb in my Jeep.  Still need to get the antenna and radio matched up, numbers on the high end are way to high.  And the nice thing about this it was a clean install and routing for the antenna.  :)

10-4 good buddy...enjoy the zoo on 2. How high is way too high?  Lots of COTS fixes for high SWR..

High as in in the red and I dare not keep it hooked up and powered until I can get it down.  I'm under 1.5 on 1 and 3+ on 40.

Ouch. Great way to spend a Sunday!
Title: Re: Radio Install
Post by: EMT-83 on June 01, 2014, 03:29:17 PM
Quote from: abdsp51 on June 01, 2014, 02:36:02 AM
Quote from: THRAWN on June 01, 2014, 02:17:25 AM
Quote from: abdsp51 on June 01, 2014, 01:50:35 AM
Hey guys. Today I did an install on a cb in my Jeep.  Still need to get the antenna and radio matched up, numbers on the high end are way to high.  And the nice thing about this it was a clean install and routing for the antenna.  :)

10-4 good buddy...enjoy the zoo on 2. How high is way too high?  Lots of COTS fixes for high SWR..

High as in in the red and I dare not keep it hooked up and powered until I can get it down.  I'm under 1.5 on 1 and 3+ on 40.

Powered up and receiving isn't a problem, no danger there.
Title: Re: Radio Install
Post by: Eclipse on June 01, 2014, 04:00:28 PM
I hate to break it to you, but I think the other guy who still has a CB died last year.
Title: Re: Radio Install
Post by: abdsp51 on June 01, 2014, 04:15:22 PM
Quote from: THRAWN on June 01, 2014, 01:34:04 PM
Quote from: abdsp51 on June 01, 2014, 02:36:02 AM
Quote from: THRAWN on June 01, 2014, 02:17:25 AM
Quote from: abdsp51 on June 01, 2014, 01:50:35 AM
Hey guys. Today I did an install on a cb in my Jeep.  Still need to get the antenna and radio matched up, numbers on the high end are way to high.  And the nice thing about this it was a clean install and routing for the antenna.  :)

10-4 good buddy...enjoy the zoo on 2. How high is way too high?  Lots of COTS fixes for high SWR..


High as in in the red and I dare not keep it hooked up and powered until I can get it down.  I'm under 1.5 on 1 and 3+ on 40.

Ouch. Great way to spend a Sunday!

Did it all on a Sat.  Was fun and is a nice clean install. 

Eclipse so all the long haul truck drivers no longer use it???? >:D

Pics can be found here.  http://s1111.photobucket.com/user/abdsp51/library/ (http://s1111.photobucket.com/user/abdsp51/library/)
Title: Re: Radio Install
Post by: Eclipse on June 01, 2014, 04:19:50 PM
Point taken.
Title: Re: Radio Install
Post by: EMT-83 on June 01, 2014, 08:56:26 PM
I guess the definition of "clean install" has changed just a bit.
Title: Re: Radio Install
Post by: abdsp51 on June 01, 2014, 09:48:16 PM
Quote from: EMT-83 on June 01, 2014, 08:56:26 PM
I guess the definition of "clean install" has changed just a bit.

In others words the wiring isn't all over the place and an eye sore.
Title: Re: Radio Install
Post by: Fubar on June 02, 2014, 12:34:46 AM
Are you running the coax to the mag-mount through the hatch in the back? Do you see the same high SWR with the hatch open? I've seen pinched feed lines exhibit really high SWR before.
Title: Re: Radio Install
Post by: abdsp51 on June 02, 2014, 12:44:02 AM
Quote from: Fubar on June 02, 2014, 12:34:46 AM
Are you running the coax to the mag-mount through the hatch in the back? Do you see the same high SWR with the hatch open? I've seen pinched feed lines exhibit really high SWR before.

Yes I am and I have not checked at all.
Title: Re: Radio Install
Post by: abdsp51 on June 03, 2014, 03:54:41 AM
Checked with hatch open and same reading.  However tonight after trimming the whip and using an external SWR meter they read at 1.4 and 1.5 respectively.  The built in meter still reads high though :( all in all it looks like it's now manageable.
Title: Re: Radio Install
Post by: lordmonar on June 03, 2014, 04:23:48 AM
Quote from: abdsp51 on June 03, 2014, 03:54:41 AM
Checked with hatch open and same reading.  However tonight after trimming the whip and using an external SWR meter they read at 1.4 and 1.5 respectively.  The built in meter still reads high though :( all in all it looks like it's now manageable.
Did a google search on your antenna.....and that is what the reviewer said he had to do....snipped off about 1/2 in and got a fairly steady SWR of 1.5 or so.
Title: Re: Radio Install
Post by: abdsp51 on June 03, 2014, 04:47:29 AM
Quote from: lordmonar on June 03, 2014, 04:23:48 AM
Did a google search on your antenna.....and that is what the reviewer said he had to do....snipped off about 1/2 in and got a fairly steady SWR of 1.5 or so.

I figured i might have to do so and unfortunately I have had to cut a good inch off to get where I am at.  But so far so good :) I'm happy with the install so far.
Title: Re: Radio Install
Post by: Brad on June 04, 2014, 07:55:40 AM
Thinking of maybe getting a CB one day, but the ham in me keeps saying "no!" I'm happy with 2m and 70cm for now.

Since I'm back in my house though and out of the apartment, do want to work on an attic dipole though for HF...