CB Install and questions
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 383
Likes: 6
From: California
CB Install and questions
Hey guys, I'm looking for help with the install of a new Cobra 25WX NW ST in my 2006 F-250 SD.
First a few things I think are pertinent. I live in the city, I will use the CB primarily while out of town and on the highway. I will use it while fishing, hunting (for non hunting and fishing communication) and general off road use, I imagine I will also use it for traffic, food and lodging info while on the road.
The reason I think that information is pertinent is I would like for the entire installation to be easily removable, and if not that anything attached not decrease the clearance on the roof (for parking structures)
Now my questions are...
Should I power this unit with (advantages and disadvantages if you can)
1. A dedicated fused hot wire direct from the battery
2. An existing unoccupied fuse on the stock fuse panel
3. An existing unused upfitter switch
What type of removable connection should I use for the power supply?
What type of antennae is best suited for this situation? Something short for example possibly removable.
Where is yours mounted and how?
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.
Mike
First a few things I think are pertinent. I live in the city, I will use the CB primarily while out of town and on the highway. I will use it while fishing, hunting (for non hunting and fishing communication) and general off road use, I imagine I will also use it for traffic, food and lodging info while on the road.
The reason I think that information is pertinent is I would like for the entire installation to be easily removable, and if not that anything attached not decrease the clearance on the roof (for parking structures)
Now my questions are...
Should I power this unit with (advantages and disadvantages if you can)
1. A dedicated fused hot wire direct from the battery
2. An existing unoccupied fuse on the stock fuse panel
3. An existing unused upfitter switch
What type of removable connection should I use for the power supply?
What type of antennae is best suited for this situation? Something short for example possibly removable.
Where is yours mounted and how?
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.
Mike
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 383
Likes: 6
From: California
Funny I was going to say, I don't want to mount anything to the body. But felt it better not see what the response was. Now I realize its not even an option for me.
Thank you for your suggestion.
Also I had been using a previous unit plugged into the power point, but I have the phone charger, the iPod radio unit, and the camera charger for the two points as it is now.
Thanks
Thank you for your suggestion.
Also I had been using a previous unit plugged into the power point, but I have the phone charger, the iPod radio unit, and the camera charger for the two points as it is now.
Thanks
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,123
Likes: 2
From: Fort Smith
I don't have any real good pictures of the antenna bracket, but you can see in this pic where we have an Antenna mounted on my father's F250:
http://www.cobraxp.com/PagePics/F250/Picture%20089.jpg
My Ranger is the same way. We made a bracket and mounted it to the bed. Then used a mark mount and a quick disconnect on the antenna. That way we can remove the antenna whenever needed by just twisting it. The coax runs from the mark mount in the bed under the truck to the inside at the dash under the carpet.
We have the power plug hard wired to the battery. My setup is the same in my Ranger. Given - we do not remove our CB's, but it would be easy in your case to remove it. Just unplug the power and coax and tuck them either under the seat (if the radio is at the seats) or under the dash (if the radio sits up close to the dash).
If you want to be able to remove everything, then stop at a truck stop and buy a power cord that plugs into the radio and then into the cigarette lighter. Then get a magnet mount antenna. This will not give you the best results, but it will let the entire setup be removable.
http://www.cobraxp.com/PagePics/F250/Picture%20089.jpg
My Ranger is the same way. We made a bracket and mounted it to the bed. Then used a mark mount and a quick disconnect on the antenna. That way we can remove the antenna whenever needed by just twisting it. The coax runs from the mark mount in the bed under the truck to the inside at the dash under the carpet.
We have the power plug hard wired to the battery. My setup is the same in my Ranger. Given - we do not remove our CB's, but it would be easy in your case to remove it. Just unplug the power and coax and tuck them either under the seat (if the radio is at the seats) or under the dash (if the radio sits up close to the dash).
If you want to be able to remove everything, then stop at a truck stop and buy a power cord that plugs into the radio and then into the cigarette lighter. Then get a magnet mount antenna. This will not give you the best results, but it will let the entire setup be removable.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 383
Likes: 6
From: California
Thanks. I'm looking to compromise my signal sending and receiving capabilities as little as possible.
I like the removable antennae location as it won't effect hauling, tie downs or clearance.
I like the removable antennae location as it won't effect hauling, tie downs or clearance.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,123
Likes: 2
From: Fort Smith
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Tuned
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From: California
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 307
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From: Medina, Ohio
Hi Mike. This might be too late but if you have side pockets in your bed they make cb brackets that go in them. No drilling. You can get a 4' whip and another piece that lets them fold down. Not real easy to take off, but it can be done in about 10 minutes. If the weather clears up I will try to get some pics of mine. As for the power hook up I had to worry about the noise from my alt. I have a 78. Had o use a noise suppressor, and with that any power point worked. Erv
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Medina, Ohio
Yes I get good reception, but I am running two 4' whips. It talks better out the front, but not to bad to the back. It is going to warm up this week end so I will try to get you some pics. Erv
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 280
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From: lexington N.C.
K-40 has a great ant for twisting off & on,, while still living room to clear any thing can be mounted any were as for power cord dont go with cig lighter it wont give best ground,, in my Rig i just remove cord from bk of C.B,, unplug speaker and twist off ANTeNNaE and go...
Last edited by biga17133; May 3, 2007 at 05:43 PM. Reason: spelling
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
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From: Millersville, MD
I use a magnet mount (on the roof) and plug it into the power point or cig lighter. I can talk as far as I can receive....that's all I need.
I do have to watch for low hanging trees tho...dang antenna makes one heck of a racket when it's knocked down!
I do have to watch for low hanging trees tho...dang antenna makes one heck of a racket when it's knocked down!