Charging system question
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2022
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Charging system question
I just installed an electric fuel pump and I have an aftermarket radio, but I'm looking to install a cb. will all that be to much for the stock charging system or should I get a bigger alternator...
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,948
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From: Edmond, OK
More important than having a hi-output alternator is ensuring the CB is properly installed with adequate grounding and bonding. I want to eventually do a CB radio install in my Bullnose truck, but I've already done a 3G alternator upgrade (I also installed a ham radio in my classic Oldsmobile). Just make sure your alternator and battery cables are healthy and you should be set. BTW, what year is your truck?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 89
Likes: 12
More important than having a hi-output alternator is ensuring the CB is properly installed with adequate grounding and bonding. I want to eventually do a CB radio install in my Bullnose truck, but I've already done a 3G alternator upgrade (I also installed a ham radio in my classic Oldsmobile). Just make sure your alternator and battery cables are healthy and you should be set. BTW, what year is your truck?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2022
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I'm thinking about getting a cobra and a 50" antenna
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,948
Likes: 509
From: Edmond, OK
If you want an antenna about 5ft. long I suggest a Firestick.
Firestik II "FS Series" CB Antennas
You can use the VSWR function of your radio and tune the length of the antenna for a minimum value.
Firestik II "FS Series" CB Antennas
You can use the VSWR function of your radio and tune the length of the antenna for a minimum value.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 89
Likes: 12
If you want an antenna about 5ft. long I suggest a Firestick.
Firestik II "FS Series" CB Antennas
You can use the VSWR function of your radio and tune the length of the antenna for a minimum value.
Firestik II "FS Series" CB Antennas
You can use the VSWR function of your radio and tune the length of the antenna for a minimum value.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,948
Likes: 509
From: Edmond, OK
Ideally, the antenna should be mounted in the center of the roof.
Here's a good supplier of CB radio equipment. They'd be the place to get a magnet or mirror mount.
https://www.rightchannelradios.com/c...ns/cb-antennas
Here's a good supplier of CB radio equipment. They'd be the place to get a magnet or mirror mount.
https://www.rightchannelradios.com/c...ns/cb-antennas
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i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,447
Likes: 5,517
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
the CB only uses a 1 or 2 amp fuse. fuel pump under 5 amps. aftermarket radio the same, under 5 amps.
so the three items will draw less power than a single headlight bulb, which is nothing for power drain on alternator.
so the three items will draw less power than a single headlight bulb, which is nothing for power drain on alternator.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 35
From: Virginia
Maybe the unspoken part is a 200 watt or more linear.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,948
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From: Edmond, OK
Even the fancy Cobra 29 XL only draws 4 Watts of power.
https://www.cobra.com/products/29lx
I'd definitely recommend watching some videos on installing a CB radio. There's alot to know about mounting, grounding and bonding.
https://www.cobra.com/products/29lx
I'd definitely recommend watching some videos on installing a CB radio. There's alot to know about mounting, grounding and bonding.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,447
Likes: 5,517
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
when running a linear you want low output from the radio. between 1 and 2 watts output. that will give you best performance from the linear. anything over around 4 watts out of the radio will destroy the linear.
i run a connex CX 33 HPC in my kenworth. AM-FM 10 meter transmitter. running rite around 75 watts. with twin Wilson 5000 antennas i am good for around 20 miles AM and at least 300 FM.
i have it limited at 75 watts because i learned many years ago anything more than 100 watts interferes with the trucks computer and tends to shut the engine down
i run a connex CX 33 HPC in my kenworth. AM-FM 10 meter transmitter. running rite around 75 watts. with twin Wilson 5000 antennas i am good for around 20 miles AM and at least 300 FM.
i have it limited at 75 watts because i learned many years ago anything more than 100 watts interferes with the trucks computer and tends to shut the engine down