Cobra 75 Install...Finally

Finally got around to installing my Cobra 75 WX ST!

I combined it with the Firestik 4' kit (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1). I mounted the box under my driver's seat and ran the pos, neg, and coax from that point. I wired the pos straight to the battery and the ground to a bolt/nut under the carpet, just below the gas pedal. I then ran the coax underneath, over the gas tank, then to the passenger side, where it's mounted on the box. There's a little flex in the box, but it should hold up. I also added a ground to the mount, post-pic.

Now I'm just waiting for my SWR meter and jumper to fire 'er up.

 

My Workman SWR meter arrived this morning! Got tuned up to 1.7:1 on both channels 1 and 40, 19 is quite a bit lower. According to the Firestik documentation, I'm tuned up.

My question: with a ~6% power loss, what do you guys think my range should be in open space? I'll try to test it later. I know terrain and other interference will have an impact.

Thanks!

 

Looks really good. Do you ever worry about water in the cab and mounting electronics low?

 

I did the same thing, my answer is no. I also believe there's an ECU or two under the seats so your CB will be the least of your worries.

 

Nice job op. where did you hook up the ground wire for the antenna to?

 

only if u have a slush box

 

40 miles or more.Just cant run a linear amplifier. Need to be 1to1 no more then 1.3. You will get rf feed back that will take out your finals. Over time.

 

At this point, no. Once I have the title in-hand, my story may change . Until then, I'll make sure my current clearance doesn't go too far under, so to speak. That said, if it happens, it happens. Without researching, I'm not positive about any other electronic components at that height.

I had 2 main options to install the connector box: under the seat or on the firewall. Mounting it on the firewall caused the CB cord to dangle too close to the gas pedal area. Mounting it under the seat allows the cord to hide to the side of the seat.

 

Here...

I may break down later on and see if a larger, braided ground will give me a better ratio...but, this works for now.

 

No more that 1.3 for what, running the amp? What do you mean by 'over time?'

 

Thanks

 

Yes for running amp. Just a radio your good to go. Running a 4 or 6 pill or bigger linear amplifier makes your swr go up if you antenna not tuned for the lowest swr. That makes rf that feed back through you coax to your radio.

 

Thanks for the info...wasn't aware. Another thing I just though about while reading through some of these forums: I tuned/peaked while parked in the driveway with the truck off. What difference would it make to move further away from the house and leave the truck (with FM/satellite radio) running? I'm sitting at 1.5 now.

I want to get a lower ratio, but I think I should leave well enough alone (i.e., better ground or not?). Thoughts?

 

A open parking lot is good with nothing around you. Keep your doors closed so you antenna dont interact with it. I use a MFJ259B antenna analyer to do my antennas. I make my own for my house. But use a willson 5000 on my tacoma.

 

I can run satellite radio and 10 , 11 , 12 meter radio at the same time with no problem. But if I run the amplifier it has to be off. It feeds back into the speakers.

 

If you ever want to relocate yours to get it up higher I mounted mine right behind the cup holders and put the plug in the cubbie hole in front of the cup holders. Works perfectly there

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/269067-cb-stealth-install.html

That shows the plug and the box is mounted right below. As you know that plug cord isn't too long from the box

 

Nice write-up and beautiful install!

I'm kind of limited right now--last month, I had distal biceps tendon repair surgery, and I'm in a range of motion brace for the next few months. Removing and reinstalling all that plastic with one hand would lead to cracked/damaged pieces. I just know it...lol. I got some help from my 5-year-old son with the mount and a few other things. Also, with my CB's current mounted location, it's not in the way. It may get on my nerves dangling over my drinks and any other items I need to have plugged into the USB port or chargers.

Nonetheless, your install is very clean!