Where to get power?

I'm going to be installing a Cobra 75WXST Cb Radio. Where can i get power without having to run cable to the battery, bc the supplied power wires don't seem long enough. Is there anywhere in the center console or somewhere that will only provide power when the truck is on? I'd like to mount it under the center console somewhere. Thanks

 

find the stock radio harness's constant 12v power wire.

 

I used a fuse tap and did the 'add a circuit' for my power. tap into one of the fuse spots behind the coin tray, below and to the left of the steering wheel

 

The most important thing you need to do is properly ground the antenna. Run a wire from the mounting bracked to the frame or the negative on your battery. Doing so will greatly improve your CBs performance.

 

should it be an empty spot, or it doesn't matter which one i tap into? I think they are the mini fuses im the worst with electrical shit

 

Your best bet is to extend the power AND ground wires in order to run them directly to the battery. I know its a pain in the ass, and most people will tell you it doesn't make a difference, but I can assure you that it does. There is many ways that interference can enter the radio otherwise.

As far as the antenna goes, as long as you have a decent ground plane, your good to go. Be sure to put a SWR meter on it when your all finished to make sure your visual isn't too high, otherwise you will cause damage that isn't worth repairing to your new radio. You should be at, or less than 1.5 SWR. Anything more than 3 is not acceptable by any standards and will cause damage to your radio.

 

ok thanks guys, i got the NGP set up. Should auto zone or pep boys have the wire to extend it?

 

Most definitely. Just use the same gauge wire to extend it and either solider your connections, or use quality crimp on butt connectors to attach the two together. If you're not sure what size the wire is, cut a small piece (1 inch or so) and take it there with you. Have the guys match it (could be a feat for some of the guys I've meet at Autozone before).

 

I've heard the contrary on running power from your battery for the CB, but I've done it myself. My neighbor has 5 marine batteries in his toolbox in series to a HUGE 1200w linear amplifier... He's talked to people in Virigina from his driveway... (central florida)

 

He might end up with a one eyed baby after standing next to an antenna transmitting at 1200w for any extended period of time. RF radiation can do some interesting things. lol

On another note, that is 240 times over the legal power limit for 11m radio. Take that power and use it legally on the 10 meter band and you will be talking to people in Australia.

 

just get some wire and make them longer. mine werent long enough either.