Not really a problem per say, but interesting none the less.

So I got the cruise set on the interstate. I go to talk to a big truck and my cruise shuts of. So i am thinking something goofy is going on.

After the third attempt, I realized my keying up the mic is cancelling the cruise!

Anyone else have this happen?

 

Are you running extra power ( linear ) ?
It is possible that you have to much RF interference in the vehicle, however, unlikely if you have a standard 4 watt CB. This would be more common with a high power ham radio or if your running a linear.

First things to check, run your power and ground direct to the battery or at least change your power and ground source. If it stays the same, it's most likely RF. a Ham radio RF choke is a simple coil made from coax in a pvc tube and usually cost around $30. It installs between the antenna and the radio as close to radio as possible.

RF is classified as nonionizing radiation but with the signal bouncing around the excursion funny electrical things can happen.

Yes I'm a ham radio operator

 

No linear...but it is a 10M radio. I figured it was the power output doing it. No big deal as i only use it on the highway and can use the pedal if need be.

Connex 4600 Turbo- Radioactive Radio bought and tuned. 7 years and still flawless...

 

That's a good radio, I'm sure the added power is causing your interference.

I run an icom in the excursion but hardly use it.

 

What antenna are you using? livinglarge

 

I'm using a mag mount base at center of rear of roof. There's only 3 inches or less of cable exposed before going in the rear hatch. I have 3 separate whips that are tuned for the 3 bands I use.

 

Vehicle electronics tend to be well protected from normal RF interference. The problem you are having implies that there is a problem with the installation and an abnormal amount of RF energy is going into the vehicle instead of being transmitted.


K0BG's (0 = zero, not the letter O) site at www.k0bg.com has just about anything you would ever want to know about radio installation. I would recommend starting with the three basics:


1) Ditch the mag mount and go with a proper drilled installation. You can read about all of the arguments in the above site.
2) RF ground the radio. This means braided cable from the radio ground point to the vehicle frame. The negative wiring is not a RF ground.
3) Power the radio with a direct fused line to the battery.


Just these three things can make a huge difference not only in how much energy is transmitted but how well you can hear others' transmissions. This alone should solve your problem. If you still have an issue afterwards or want to improve things further then look into things like bonding all of the vehicle metal together. But take care of the basics first.


If you need the bonding straps NAPA carries it though it may not be stocked at a particular store.

 

I agree with all above, but I won't be drilling anything into my truck anytime soon.

In my case, besides the proper wiring I had to use an RF choke.

As far as range, with my mag mount and the 100watt radio I've talked all over the world and very happy with the results.

Here's a pic of my ham room lol more like ham desk

 

I do not know what most of that is, but your setup is sweet!

 

Like most things you have that's a sweet rig.

 

Thank you both

 

Looks impressive. But I think I will stick with texting.

 

Not while driving please!!!!!! Stick to the CB for that! No eyes required.

 

That right there is way above my pay grade but looks freaking awesome! I'd love to play with something in that range.

 

Mine is wired up right. Direct bolt to front bumper with grounding strap for extra assurance. Trucker series tuned(swr) whip. Shielded 25' co-ax. 10 gauge power and ground directly to battery. Neighbor built up the coax for me, as he is a base and mobile HAM operator...also does this stuff professionally(sound systems, alarms, home automation, etc.)

The filter would definitely work, but for all the more it gets used, I'll just deal with it. No biggie...

Nice to know there are old schoolers still out there!