My budget CB radio install

itsmeb*tches · 10-15-2011, 10:57 PM

I have decided the next step for the 4runner is a CB install. Plus I'm going camping/wheeling next weekend. I'm heading up late, so I need to be able to communicate with them once I get up there.

So do a ton of research on here on what the best radio/antenna placement/etc.....

I ended doing some shopping at Fry's (go ahead and laugh) since I had a small budget. I picked up the Uniden 520xl, mirror mount, 2ft antenna, med spring and the cable. I did a partial install today and since I figured out where I was going to mount it, I realized I need an external speaker. I will pick that sometime this week.

Does anyone in Norcal have an SPL meter that can help me set up the radio?

Here are the pictures of progress install. I mounted the antenna on the back of the roof rack in hopes that it will be good enough until I get bumpers.

Here is the pictures of the radio mounted under the center console. The only bad part of the install is the arm rest doesn't stay up anymore.

Thanks for looking.

Also any problem with tapping into the 12v plug for the CB power?

SidVicious · 10-16-2011, 10:07 AM

It looks like you will need to run a wire to ground your antenna. FYI.

UnionJack · 10-16-2011, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsmeb*tches

Does anyone in Norcal have an SPL meter that can help me set up the radio?

Also any problem with tapping into the 12v plug for the CB power?

Do you mean a SWR meter? I have one but I am in SF

I ran a Cobra 75 using a plug for cigar lighter one time, it worked fine just got in the way. If you are hard wiring it run it to the battery for constant power.

itsmeb*tches · 10-16-2011, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SidVicious

It looks like you will need to run a wire to ground your antenna. FYI.

So I just need to run a wire from the antenna bracket to the chassis for a ground? Or does it need to be on the base of the antenna to ground?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unionjack

Do you mean a SWR meter? I have one but I am in SF

I ran a Cobra 75 using a plug for cigar lighter one time, it worked fine just got in the way. If you are hard wiring it run it to the battery for constant power.

Yes, I meant the SWR meter. I'm hoping to find someone closer, but worse cause I will check with you towards the middle of the week. As for hard wiring so tapping into the 12v source wouldn't be sufficient? It needs to go to the battery? This is so the radio can be used with the truck off?

UnionJack · 10-16-2011, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsmeb*tches

As for hard wiring so tapping into the 12v source wouldn't be sufficient? It needs to go to the battery? This is so the radio can be used with the truck off?

12v should be sufficient, I just prefer to hard wire it so that, yes, the radio can be used with the truck off.

SidVicious · 10-16-2011, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsmeb*tches

So I just need to run a wire from the antenna bracket to the chassis for a ground? Or does it need to be on the base of the antenna to ground?

Grounding the antenna bracket should be sufficient.

itsmeb*tches · 10-16-2011, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unionjack

12v should be sufficient, I just prefer to hard wire it so that, yes, the radio can be used with the truck off.

I ended up running directly to the battery. I understand the reason to be able to turn the radio on without the truck running. Also about the SWR meter, they had one at Fry's and I picked it up. I didn't realize I needed a patch cable so I need a source a PL259 cable. Or I will end up buying another one from Frys.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SidVicious

Grounding the antenna bracket should be sufficient.

I ran a ground wire from the antenna to one of the tail light nuts.

I checked everything and just sitting in front of my house I was able to pick up some broken transmission talk. It wasn't clear but at least everything worked. I will find tune it this week.

Thanks for all the feedback and help.

UnionJack · 10-16-2011, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsmeb*tches

Also about the SWR meter, they had one at Fry's and I picked it up. I didn't realize I needed a patch cable so I need a source a PL259 cable.

The meter didn't come with a short length of coax? That is surprising, I'd be tempted to go back to Fry's and ask to check another box/meter to see if it was missing.

Pizza Delivery Guy · 04-22-2012, 09:25 AM

SWR meters are not usually sold with a set of jumpers.

The 2' antenna isn't going to talk anywhere anyways.

If a persons budget is limited - always but the bulk of the money into the antenna.

You can always get a better transceiver later.

I've heard of people who walked into the local Good Will store and walked out with a fairly decent Cobra or Uniden - same difference for $5.00 and it worked!

The ground wire trick to the antenna probably isn't going to work.
RF likes lots of ground and a skinny little piece of wire going to a tail light mount will act more like a antenna then it will a ground plane.

You also want to mount that antenna in the middle of the roof or on the passenger side quarter panel with a spring - if you use the 104 inch whip which is the preferred antenna if you actually want it to work and talk somewhere.

10-15-2011, 10:57 PM	#1
itsmeb*tches Driver Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: 408 Posts: 94	My budget CB radio install I have decided the next step for the 4runner is a CB install. Plus I'm going camping/wheeling next weekend. I'm heading up late, so I need to be able to communicate with them once I get up there. So do a ton of research on here on what the best radio/antenna placement/etc..... I ended doing some shopping at Fry's (go ahead and laugh) since I had a small budget. I picked up the Uniden 520xl, mirror mount, 2ft antenna, med spring and the cable. I did a partial install today and since I figured out where I was going to mount it, I realized I need an external speaker. I will pick that sometime this week. Does anyone in Norcal have an SPL meter that can help me set up the radio? Here are the pictures of progress install. I mounted the antenna on the back of the roof rack in hopes that it will be good enough until I get bumpers. Here is the pictures of the radio mounted under the center console. The only bad part of the install is the arm rest doesn't stay up anymore. Thanks for looking. Also any problem with tapping into the 12v plug for the CB power? __________________ Alan 2006 Sport Edition, V6, 4wd, 265/70/17 Revo, OME 894/895 with Nitro shocks......trying to find money to mod

10-16-2011, 10:07 AM	#2
SidVicious Driver Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 376	It looks like you will need to run a wire to ground your antenna. FYI. __________________ Sid - Build Thread 07 4Runner LTD ~ V6 ~ 4x4 ~ Factory Nav Suspension: DR C/O ~ DR Shocks ~ IVD Coils ~ Medic Links Wheels/Tires: 1.25" Spidertrax Spacers ~ 285/60/18 Nitto Terra Grapplers More: DO Front Bumper ~ Shrockworks Sliders ~ Slee Brake Lines ~ Nav in Motion ~ National Luna Dual Battery Kit ~ DieHard Platinum P-1 ~ Blue Sea Fuse Block - ARB Fridge

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04-22-2012, 09:25 AM	#9
Pizza Delivery Guy Rookie Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 14	SWR meters are not usually sold with a set of jumpers. The 2' antenna isn't going to talk anywhere anyways. If a persons budget is limited - always but the bulk of the money into the antenna. You can always get a better transceiver later. I've heard of people who walked into the local Good Will store and walked out with a fairly decent Cobra or Uniden - same difference for $5.00 and it worked! The ground wire trick to the antenna probably isn't going to work. RF likes lots of ground and a skinny little piece of wire going to a tail light mount will act more like a antenna then it will a ground plane. You also want to mount that antenna in the middle of the roof or on the passenger side quarter panel with a spring - if you use the 104 inch whip which is the preferred antenna if you actually want it to work and talk somewhere.

Buy your Toyota120 sticker!