Help with CB radio
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Help with CB radio
Hey guys,
for this upcoming hunting season a few buddies and I have decided to add some cb's to our trucks for easier communication out of cell range.
With that, I scored an old Pace CB at a yard sale last week for a couple dollars and the guy threw in three different antennas. My question is, when I got it all hooked up and keyed the mic, it just squeels really loud. It looks as though the cord on the old Pace mic is worn and maybe making a bad connection. Would this cause the squeeling i'm experiencing.
I have been reading/learning a lot about CB's and realize that there are a lot of other factors such as location of antennae, length of coax cable, ensuring a good ground, etc. But, theoretically, if all else is good, could the mic be the problem?
for this upcoming hunting season a few buddies and I have decided to add some cb's to our trucks for easier communication out of cell range.
With that, I scored an old Pace CB at a yard sale last week for a couple dollars and the guy threw in three different antennas. My question is, when I got it all hooked up and keyed the mic, it just squeels really loud. It looks as though the cord on the old Pace mic is worn and maybe making a bad connection. Would this cause the squeeling i'm experiencing.
I have been reading/learning a lot about CB's and realize that there are a lot of other factors such as location of antennae, length of coax cable, ensuring a good ground, etc. But, theoretically, if all else is good, could the mic be the problem?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
For a CB to work right, the antenna has to be matched to it. It's not a major deal but it makes all the difference. Also the alignment of the internals. Take it in with the antenna to a CB shop, you may find one still around. Shouldn't cost very much and they can set you up real quick.
Before you do that, pull the cover. You'll see some big "cans", those are electrolytic capacitors. Replace those with equal or greater voltage and capacitance rating. Just a soldering iron and some rosin core solder.
Before you do that, pull the cover. You'll see some big "cans", those are electrolytic capacitors. Replace those with equal or greater voltage and capacitance rating. Just a soldering iron and some rosin core solder.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 20
From: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Does that CB go to eleven?
What can also do that is a phenomenon known as "feedback".
This can occur if the speaker volume is too loud and the microphone is used too near the speaker.
This can occur if the speaker volume is too loud and the microphone is used too near the speaker.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Probably. I had a DeLuxe Kraco in my 64 when I got it. So it was just somethin' ta do. Took it in to Red's, and he growled at a tech in the back "Get him the $15 tune up" Works great, though.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 22
From: very South Texas
Pace has been out of business since the 1980's.
your problem. most likely is mic cable damage/broken..
you will have bigger issues.. with this.. a low dollar unit and 35 plus years old.. its trash. my opinion.
its called de-tuning from age. and capacitors dry out from age..
your problem. most likely is mic cable damage/broken..
you will have bigger issues.. with this.. a low dollar unit and 35 plus years old.. its trash. my opinion.
its called de-tuning from age. and capacitors dry out from age..
Trending Topics
New User
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
We've been using FRS radios for years, they work fairly well and every couple of years get a little bit better. I guess I was just looking at another option... I may not do it after all as it seems to be a pretty finicky system. New top of the line FRS might be a better way to spend my money.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
From: Jasper, Texas
I would say check the mic cord, plug and key-up switch. When you key up a CB the reciever on the CB is shut off and the transmitter is turned on. It can only work this way because a CB transmits and recieves on the same frequency. A cell phone by contrast transmits on one frequency and recieves on another frequency, so keying a mic is not needed. I would first off check the mic wiring for continuity or shorts.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
You'll still need to set the SWR's with a new radio and antenna.(if you don't do this the radio won't last long) Be that as it may, old CB's are as someone else said "junk". Go to a CB shop, ask for a "peaked and tuned" Cobra. I like Wilson antennas, but there are other good'uns out there too. Let them run the coax then set the SWR's for you. Range is a variable, it's affected by the output of the radio and the antenna capability plus the terrain and weather conditions and how many others are talking (not so much a problem today as it once was) If you really want to "get out there" you'll need a linear (amplifier) to do that. Minus the linear a new peaked and tuned Cobra, coax and antenna plus installation will run you about $300
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 1,357
From: NY/Canada border
Cobra HH-Roadtrip CB Radio
I also bought a hand held microphone for it. I tuck the radio under the center console. If I remember correctly, the mic also acts as a speaker so I can hear the radio without having the whole unit near my ear and in the way somewhere.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,169
Likes: 29
From: Bismarck, ND
More than likely it is either a bad mic, or quite possibly it's nothing other than you keyed the mic while it was too close to the radio's speaker. That will cause feedback, even if the gear is working properly.
I would not throw $100 in parts, etc into a $5 radio. But I threw all my CB's in the garbage 20 years ago. They were a useful tool in the 70's, but the radio trash took over the band and turned it to garbage in the 80's. Get yourself some high end FRS band radios and enjoy the higher quality radios, band, and peace and quiet.
I would not throw $100 in parts, etc into a $5 radio. But I threw all my CB's in the garbage 20 years ago. They were a useful tool in the 70's, but the radio trash took over the band and turned it to garbage in the 80's. Get yourself some high end FRS band radios and enjoy the higher quality radios, band, and peace and quiet.