Anyone in Texas that can install and tune a CB? Or anyone that can tell me how?

I have been trying to install a cb radio for a few weeks and I know I have all the necessary equipment, but I can't find a spot to ground the antenna and I'm not sure how to tune it. Has anyone had this problem and figured it out?

 

Ground it on the chassis somewhere with braided strapping.

Tuning wise you will need an SWR meter. Depending on your antenna you may need to trim it for optimal SWR on your most frequented channels. Firestiks are a bit easier as they have the tuning tip.

There are myriad of good resources online on how to accomplish all of this

 

Okay thanks man, I have an swr installed in my radio but I couldn't decide where to ground it. Final question, what is braided strapping? And where is it, thanks

 

Example: https://www.dxhamradiosupply.com/Grounding-Braid-s/2170.htm Premade:https://www.dxhamradiosupply.com/Tubular-Tinned-Grounding-Braid-s/1843.htm

See what ham clubs are in your area and one of the geeky old guys in jorts, dark socks and Crocs will almost certainly chime in about having every piece of test equipment since the 1950s and how he'll be happy to help you. Of course he'll want to make sure you have all of your licenses, swear some allegiance to the FCC and show you all of his QSL cards.


ETA- You'd probably be better off installing a GMRS radio these days unless your club specifically still uses CBs.

 

Damn! This is what I’m wearing right now!

 

I've got the insulated version of those for hunting camp. My regular ones are plain tan; I started wearing them back around '08 working oil rigs. They're comfortable on the hard decks (industrial vinyl on steel) and quick and easy to slip off under your desk or when you need to put your boots on to go outside.

 

Also be aware you have a ground plane antenna, for use on metal body vehicles and non ground plane ones that are used on fiberglass and other non metallic surfaces. Using the wrong one can create nightmares. 40 years of electronic communication work for bonafides.