CB Install Question

I just installed a CB radio and Firestik Firefly antenna on my 2016 Tacoma but I'm not getting anything out of it.

I made my own custom mount for the antenna, I ran a separate ground wire down to the frame. I checked continuity between the bolt and the antenna and am good there, don't see any shorts between the grounded mount and the rest of the system.

the CB is a Uniden 520, from the pictures can anyone see anything obvious that I am missing? I've read a lot and know I need to tune the antenna, but would that be the reason why i'm not hearing anything at all? no static on any channels, dead silence. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

FWIW, my antenna cable is set opposite of yours, isolating the antenna base from the mount. Also, did you run an SWR reading?

 

It's (can be) real hard to do and you may need help from a friend...

Use a multimeter to verify your coax end to end. A terrible SWR would STILL make some noise as receiving is independent of that. SWR would mean shitty transmission range from you not to you. Make sure your coax isn't shorted to ground itself (Remember the internal conductor is one and ground is the whole copper jacket around it.) You can even verify it's not shorted from coax to the antenna mount/frame if you're real savvy with how it's connected.

Have you verified the radio works?

Also be sure you pay close attention to the diagram they provide with that firering connector. It's sensitive to how it's all hooked up.

 

If you're not even getting static, you may have squelch up too high or the unit may be busted.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cb-radio-information-and-installation.280574/

I wrote that a long time ago, but it has some basic steps and info in it about setup and tuning. Not sure if any of that would help or not in this case.

 

I read through your write up before installing, was very good information thanks! I'm thinking the unit might be busted, It was sitting in my dad's garage for many years so who knows what its history is...

the fire ring connector I did double check, the instructions say to mount how you have it, but on Firestik's website they have multiple ways of mounting it and I went with the top mount, carefully placing the correct pieces in their necessary locations. I will poke around with my multimeter a little bit and borrow a radio, thanks for the advice. Will update with a solution when I find out what was wrong.

 

I always hesitate to open one of those up and check internals, but a quick spot check to make sure nothing is corroded on the inside wouldn't hurt (if it's not glued shut). It might be as simple as the speaker wires being corroded loose, or something impossible for an armchair radio guy like me to detect.

 

Good luck - hope it turns out to simple and cheap!

 

https://www.rightchannelradios.com/...8428311-elements-of-a-successful-installation

"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."

Maybe try unwinding your excess coax and see if that'll work.

 

Found out the issue, I had hardwired the cb with a random cig lighter adapter, seems the adapter was able to provide the unit power but not enough? When I put the positive to the battery and ground to chassis the cb works and I got noise! Only question is where can I wire this thing into or is there a cig lighter adapter meant for these that will work? Thanks again for the help everyone!

 

Just wire it as fused+ to battery and negative to a chassis ground like you did when you were testing it out. Better that way than tying into something.

 

Will try that if an actual 12v cig lighter adapter doesn't work. My goal is to be able to remove it when not in use and wiring it in kind of makes it more permanent. Thanks

 

I would like to plug it in to that center console outlet rather than dedicate it, but I don't see why that wouldn't work.

 

Why not an add-a-fuse to an interior fuse box if 3rd gens have those? For some ungodly reason I can't find pics of 2016+ interior fuse panel...

 

To be able to return my truck to a *more* stock setup, I always run a dedicated power wire to an under dash fuse box specifically for mods. And use a relay to apply power to the fuse box when ignition is on acc/running.

I'll try to take pictures of mine tomorrow evening when I have light and time. It's fairly easy to setup and allows you to isolate everything added on to the truck in case your having other issues.

I don't like the add a fuse approach because my OCD wants to be able to put the fuse panel cover back on.

 

I ended up going to Walmart and buying a 12v cigarette lighter adapter for $3, hooked it up to the CB and plugged it in, everything is working great! All of the above ideas are great as well. Thanks again to everyone for the advice, glad I got this figured out today as I'm going on a trip with some buddies tomorrow to the snow!