CB Installation Complete - SWR Numbers Look Good

I just finished up installing a

$60 Uniden Pro 510XL Pro Series 40-Channel CB Radio. Compact Design. Backlit LCD Display. Public Address. ANL Switch and 7 Watts of Audio Output. Unique PLL Circuit. S/RF LED Meter. , Black

Uniden Pro 510XL in my 2013 Tacoma. The job was straightforward with no issues, and I thought I'd share a few photos and my SWR numbers for those knowledgeable members that can tell me I'm on the right track or not.

I used the Relentless Fabrications tailgate mount, a 2' Firestick, and a Firering coax. The Coax is run behind the taillight, down the frame, and through a rubber grommet 6" behind the center console.





I removed the center console up to the dash and cut a slot for the Uniden 510 to go through, only because I wanted it to sit flush with the dash and not get in the way of my front cup holders.





Below are my SWR numbers. Im getting a little over 1.2 on Channel 1, 1:1 on channel 20, and a little over 1.7 on channel 40. This is after tuning the tip of the Firestick. After listening to the truckers from my driveway, I found out I was receiving a guy loud and clear over 7.5 miles away in downtown Cleveland. I know that doesnt say much since he could have been using more power than 4w, but that's not too bad for a little 2' antenna in my driveway surrounded by trees and houses.

How do these numbers look?

 

You could tune it a little more to get channel 1 and channel 40 just about evenly matched. Would settle somewhere in between the 1.2 and 1.7

The SWR being higher on 40 says your tip could be shortened a little.

 

Also I see you are using a Firering. Check on it maintenance-wise in 6 mo or so to make sure it hasn’t started to warp (the black plastic) and expose the wiring inside to elements. I had a similar setup but on my hood and after 1 yr or so it warped and the coax/wiring inside corroded.

 

Will do. Thanks for your advice!

 

Just had a question as I am looking to install a CB in the near future. Was that grommet already there or did you have to drill and add that?

 

Already there. I slit it with a razor to push the cable and connector through.

 

I was trying to find a clean way to enter the cabin but with the connector so big wasn't sure if I would have to drill and place a grommet myself. I will try this instead. Thanks.

 

Nice Install and write up OP!

 

Great work, even an SWR of 1.7 is totally acceptable when your running a stock 4 watt radio. Don't sweat it

 

Clean install. Can you still use that tray? I dont think I could get my fingers under the CB if I had it there & wanted to stick things under it
Is this true or nahhh

 

There is another on under the drivers seat too.

 

Where is that one located? I haven't had a chance to crawl under the truck to check it out but if you have a picture or point me to picture, that would be great.

 

I do not have a picture of it, sorry.
Will look for one. Pretty sure there is one on the passenger side too.

 

stolen from another thread:

 

Here's another showing the plugs in the floor:

 

Barely fit in there but I can. I don't really use it so not an issue for me though.

 

Thanks, I crawled under the truck today and was able to spot what you were talking about, thanks. This will be my next project!

 

Nice work!! just saved this thread to my 'to do' list

 

No CB in your truck Chad?

 

On the parts shelf collecting dust like most of my 'mods'
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Really want to get it installed soon. Bummer not having one on convoys with the club.