CB specifics

I've got a bit to learn. NOAA is worth it.

 

Just make sure you have fun while you learn about it, life's too short to stress out and you should enjoy your time. Be as happy in the process as the result

 

I have this one. Works pretty well. You can see where I mounted it a few posts up.

Midland® 1001LWX - 40 Channel CB Radio Long Range 4-Watt Output Power for Truckers Overlanding RZR and Side by Side - NOAA Weather Radio Scan Alert - Digital Tuning and LCD Display

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00176RNLA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I was actually checking out your build, and I like that setup you got going there. I may look into that Uniden CB as well. Thank you, and great looking rig you got there.

 

You should absolutely get the PA option. I hid mine right in my front bumper.

 

I'm not allowed to have a pa in my truck any more. The wife said the final straw was yelling at a guy who wouldn't pull out until he had a 1/2 mile break in traffic. All I said was "it's the skinny peddle on the right." (there may have also been a "hey dumb-ass" some where in there also). I still claim that I was trying to be helpful since he had obviously forgot what peddle did what.

 

Do you run a power switch to your speaker/how do you power it?

 

The Tacoma doesn't have a PA in it, the CB doesn't have a outlet for it. My other trucks I just plugged the cord from the PA into the back of the CB, same as plugging in headphones into a radio. The CB has a toggle switch to power the PA. It wasn't super loud, but it got peoples attention.

 

Oh, so it wasn't amplified. But it was pretty loud tho! Alright Ill look into non amplified then

 

If you posses the capabilities, go amplified. The PA ran right off the CB is way weak IMO. It can really only be heard in parking lots, slow quiet trails, etc.

 

Sounds like something I would do LOL

 

What all is required for an amplified

 

Run a 3.5mm cable to an amp like this from the PA output on the CB

https://www.amazon.com/Amplifier-EL...499270362&sr=8-1&keywords=small+car+amplifier

Then use that to power a PA speaker like this

$24 Pyle Indoor/Outdoor PA Horn Speaker - 8” Portable PA Speaker with 8 Ohms Impedance & 65 Watts Peak Power - Mounting Bracket & Hardware Included PHSP5, White

https://www.amazon.com/Pyle-PHSP5-8...-1-fkmr0&keywords=weatherproof+pa+speaker+65w

 

if you plug the speaker directly into the CB, you cant yell at people when youre driving

 

Exactly, it's too quiet. Eventually I want to get this amplified set up. I'd imagine it's on par with a cops PA.

 

Alright can someone help me with a problem I have. I installed a 3 foot firestik on a hd spring on my hood. I took a multimeter and it is grounded perfectly. It is installed on a ditch bracket. It leans a little forward and over the hood. At best, I can only get an SWR of 1.9 on both channel 1 and 40. My Radio is a midland handheld which is powered by the cigarette lighter. Should I consider replacing the radio to increase my SWR or try something else.

 

I'd consider 1.9 to be acceptable since it's below 2.0. Are you positive it's grounded? I had to grind off powder coat on my mount to get a good ground.

 

I did grind the mount, but without the powdercoat it was rusting fast in the rain and running onto my hood. So this morning, I just made a 16g loop and jammed it between the firering and the mount, making sure not to touch the center bolt. Checked with multimeter and was fine. The picture above is not an updated one. Ill go take one now.


Back before I had the tacoma, I was spoiled with a 5 foot wilson 1000 with a 1:1 SWR on all channels. But it was a beast to maneuver with lol

 

Hope these help

 

If it were me I'd be grounding it where the mount attaches to the hood. I don't remember the specifics, but I know you don't want that bolt touching metal and grounding out. That was causing issues on my last set up.