CB Radio (Cobra 29) Mod & Mount in Center Console

^ this is correct for +-5v DC digital signal.

But for a modified CB radio I would try to keep it as short as possible.

 

This is IMPRESSIVE sir!!!!

 

I have a 2014 4door Tacoma and like your solution I have a ? For you call me (479)653-0624

 

I want to do the same thing

 

Probably not a good idea to post your number publicly.

 

I want this done to my 29

 

I'm about 5 hours into this project with my radio.

If it doesn't work...I'm going to cry...literally like a baby wanting a bottle...for a few hours.

 

To quote myself...it worked! I feel like 1955 Doc Brown when he sees the DeLorean for the first time. I finally did something that worked!

In the whole "never easy" progression this is how I figured out it worked.

1. Connect antenna, connect microphone, connect power wire to 12v socket pigtail adapter (for testing).
2. Turn on radio...nothing.
3. Realize you never connected the power wire to the radio.
4. Turn on radio...OMFG we have power. WTF? I did it right?
5. Realize there's 0 audio.
6. Look at speaker and realize it's disconnected from the unit. (D'oh!!!!)
7. Connect external speaker.
8. Turn on radio...no power. WTF?...it broke already?
9. Realize power wire disconnected from 12v socket adapter.
10. Enjoy the weather band and a nice sermon about how we will all eventually be saved.

My SWR was something like 1.5 on channels 01 and 40. My Firestik is untuned. The next plan I have is to mount the radio in my console in front of the shifter, but that will have to be at a later date.

Thanks to the OP for a great guide and a great idea!

 

We'll done.

Glad it worked.

 

Do you know if this is possible for a 25lx? Is there any way to seal the radio back up to keep dust and trash out of it?

 

Not sure about the 25. Probably will work but I have not opened one.

Sure you could seal it, cardboard, tape. Get creative.

 

Im just wondering it something would be different due to the digital screen, i guess I will just pull into it and cross my fingers!

 

If you already have the radio its easy to just open it up and look at the connections. See what it looks like.

 

Not knocking anything. I commend you guys on the undertaking of these projects. In the 90's at my car audio shop. I would take computer IDE cable and do this to radios for custom installs. Has anyone of you folks looked into a roll of it? it comes in 40 and 80 connector. Blus any other computer application motherboards will have different width or conductor wire. You can get a roll of it pretty inexpensive. Makes for a cleaner, smaller run.

Heres a little tutorial to making them round

http://www.overclock.net/t/5846/round-ide-cable-guide

How many conductors you need (wires)

here is some 24, 100' for ~$30

http://www.patchcords.com/flat-ribbon-cable-24-pin-100ft/

DIGI KEY and select the number of conductors

http://www.digikey.com/product-search/en/cables-wires/flat-ribbon-cables/1638574

Mouser

http://www.mouser.com/Wire-Cable/Flat-Cables/_/N-5ggm

--------- I like this option for you guys. Short run of 15', color coded, and 24AWG 16 wire. You can do the same thing, just cleaner -------------



http://www.jayconsystems.com/flat-ribbon-cable-16-wire-15ft.html

Put it in some Braided loom of your color choice. RoCKING



http://www.cabletiesandmore.com/ExpandableSleeving.php

 

I did this install with the Cobra 29 LX. Exactly 58 wires had to be dealt with, in case someone wants to know. I used two d-sub 25-pin connector pairs near the face plate (different sex on each line to ensure no swapped connections) and a 16-pin molex (had it on hand -- figured 50 conductors would be enough having not actually counted in advance) on three runs of 25-strand 20 gauge cable (check your local Radio Shack for d-sub connectors and cable). I wish I had the appropriate antenna to be able to get better reception on the weather band, but I'm overall pretty pleased. Thanks to the OP for giving us all the idea. I was really scratching my head on where to mount the CB in this buggy! So, how is everyone securing the box to the floor long-term? I did make a replacement face for mine with a cut-out for the cable to seal it up a bit better and have it strapped down with zip ties only right now. I finally drilled my tonneau cover to mount the antenna. I still want to paint the mounting plate, but that will have to wait until after my elk hunt. I didn't take pictures in the process, but when I get back to a permanent mount, I'll snap a few more.

 

Quick update on this. I could never get the RF Power Gain to get above 3W, which may or may not have been a SWR issue, but I think has more to do with the power drop with running such long, fine wires. Decided to cut my losses and go with a Cobra 75 WX ST and purchased a new console and SWR meter. Fighting to get the SWR on my NGP antenna below ~2.2, which isn't uncommon. If anyone is interested in my old radio/console as-is, more than willing to work something out to send it their way. Would just like a couple of bucks for my troubles getting things going.

 

DDD parden me for bringing back an old thread but how in gods name did you get the radio apart to get to the soldering points for the wires? I just tried to take apart a realistic trc 473 and couldnt get the front faceplate off to get to the soldering points... (i was just practicing so when i get my 29 ltd classic i can do it in a snap (minus the 80 soldering points...and... what kinda advice can you give as to make it somewhat easier keeping track of all the wires...one by one?lol

 

All radios are different. I certainly would never expect a different brand to be built the same as a cobra 29.

Do one wire at a time. When you cut one solder both ends, faceplate side and radio side before moving on to the next wire.

 

I had to cut the side rails on the 29 LX. Also of note is that I am still troubleshooting my install due to an unacceptable high SWR. I think it may be due to the connection of the antenna cable from the board to the faceplate and not using the appropriate cabling. The built in SWR meter in the unit does not jive with what I was experiencing, and inserting a stand-alone meter showed a significant issue and the resulting loss of output power. I just haven't had time to work on it yet.