Hidden CB Install *pics*

Loved the idea when I first saw it had to give it a shot. Turned out pretty good.

 

Need some help, just installed a very similar set up and I'm hitting 3+ SWR on both channel 1 and 40. Relentless hood mount, 18' firering coax, 4" Firestik II, spring, and Cobra 75 wx st. I tried filing the powdercoat off the inside of the holes of the relentless mount and hood mount to make sure I have a good ground and that didn't help. Couple details on install, I ran the radio power/ground wires and coax through the same grommet in the firewall OP did, excess coax is running is being stored under the driver side plastic floor panel in a about a two foot "loop" with 3 or 4 overlaps. I also have a wire connected to a bolt on the hood mount to one of the ground for the head lights, again to try and get a good ground.

Anyone have ideas?

 

Super clean!

 

I would first unloop your excess coax and just lay it randomly on the floorboards and check your SWR. It should never be looped. If that doesn't work try removing the spring and testing again. Also when testing make sure you are In a wide open area free from power lines and obstructions.

 

I'll give that a go but loop might not be the right word, I'm actually storing it how RightChannelRadios suggests "If you end up with a lot of extra coax, you need to store it properly. Wrap it in a long and narrow shape, as you would an extension cord. We recommend using two zip ties at each end to keep the coax in place. Be careful NOT to wind the excess coax in a circular coil shape, as this can cause RF (radio frequency) issues that will interfere with your signal."

And I am testing in an open area.

 

Just be careful not to bend the coax too much. That seems like a very tight space to store it. I would recommend under the seat. Did you try removing the barrel spring?

 

Did the same install a little while back. Good stuff...

 

Didn't get to that point, I removed the ground wire I had running from the mount and redid all the butt connectors with an actual crimper since some had popped loose. Went to my spot to test SWR ready to remove the spring or adjust the coax and was seeing slightly under 3 SWR on channel 1 and 1 SWR on 40. Went ahead with tuning the antenna giving me 1.5 SWR on both 1 & 40.

Now I need to figure out the crazy static, I heard some transmissions but the static made it pretty much inaudible. Adjusting the squelch didn't seem to work, would either be heavy static with a inaudible voice or silence. Electrical interference maybe? I'm going to try and remove the coax from the door jam and away from those wires to under the seat.

 

Where are you drawing your power from? I would start there.

 

Power is straight from the battery, and I have the radio grounded to the ground on the fender well the black terminal connects to.

 

If you want to cheat, you can t-tap power from the cigarette lighter and ground right under the center council.

The advantage of this is your CB is hooked up to the ignition accessory.

 

OK in the process of doing this mod not yet completed , but I havnt seen anybody mount there CB here so I' m going to give it a try

 

there are a few that have mounted them there

 

Question for you CB guys, I just got a Uniden 505XL, when I first saw this thread I thought it meant hidden CB antenna, is it possible to lay the antenna on flat top of the tonneau or inside the bed and still get decent reception?

 

Nope

 

I have this same setup! what size drill bit did you use for the mic going inside the armrest?

 

I probable used a large unibit.

 

but what size? link?

 

I probably used one like this (a Harbor Freight version would work):
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-7-8-in-and-1-1-8-in-9-Step-Drill-Bit-48-89-9209/204312646

Just drill it in until the plug fit through snugly.

 

Awesome job you gave me a great idea for my own install thanks