Routing power

[rrdstarr]

Aye, morre power Captain!!!

I was wondering how everyone ran the cable for their CB antenna. I just got a Cobra 75 WX ST and a 3' Firestick Antenna yesterday. IF you have the Cobra where did you mount your module at? I just want it convenient since the CB will only be in during PNWX outings, runs to Moab and GOX!!!!!!!!

16 days to GO!

Photos to please if you have them. I am also going to attach the antenna to my stock bumper or somwhere up front, but in a month or less have an ARB to attach it to.

[rednec]

I mounted the module under the drivers seat. I thought about mounting it behind the radio area, but i did not want to interfere with the computer. I ran my power wires over and tapped into the 12v power outlet. I've rewired my power outlets to be hot all the time. I mounted the antenna on the drivers side front fender. I don't have any pics right now so I can't show you how everything is mounted.

[swampwrecker]

Originally posted by rrdstarr
Aye, morre power Captain!!!

IF you have the Cobra where did you mount your module at? I just want it convenient since the CB will only be in during PNWX outings, runs to Moab and GOX!!!!!!!!

I haven't gotten my 75 WX ST yet, but when I do I will most likely mount the module either in the glove box or under the glove box, out of the way. I do a lot of deep water crossings and I have had water in the cabin several times that was deep enough that it would have covered the module if it was under the seats. At GOX/MOAB deep water probably isn't an issue, but I'm sure the PNWX guys run into a lot of water.

As for running the antenna, mine runs under the floor mats and along the doors until it exits the truck.

[Schludwiller]

I mounted mine behind the bottom center console (the one with the cigarette lighter). There is a ground point, and it fits fine. I just let the cable run between the carpet and the console for hookups.

2 screws to remove the part.

P.S. No computer interference there either.

[rrdstarr]

Is this a safe place to run the Antenna coax? I won't crush it our wear through the sheating will I?

[rrdstarr]

This is a pic of my fuse box. I see only one available fuse slot, first column, third row is available. Do I have to make some sort of widget to take power from it?

[Schludwiller]

run the wire through your firewall (the one near the steering wheel). I used the left open spot for my CB as well.

[rrdstarr]

Schlud, I looked at the steering column to route the wire. BUT how do I hook up my power, I am electrically challenged!

[Schludwiller]

You can ground the CB in the screws at the base of your bottom console (where they meet the body metal).

Run the powerline to the exmpty spot you pointed out on your fusebox and stick the wire in there. You'll have power. I suck at electrical too. I believe you can use a fuse to hold the wire in, but I just stuck it in and it's worked fine offroading for 6 months now.

It's been a while since I wired the CB, but I believe it has an in-line fuse to protect it, so you don't have to worry about a fuse in the box.

Good luck.

[rrdstarr]

I was wondering if one side of the fuse was pos and one was neg? So it must be like a regular electrical wall socket where it doesn't matter which way you put the wire in?

I'll try tomorrow and see if I get power! If I do I am gonna put 4 holes in the bumper and bolt the firestick II on! :flash:

[ChuckH]

Only one side will have power unless you put a fuse in to bridge the circuit. Despite the fact that there is an inline fuse for the Radio, I would recommend you plug one into the fuse box. Find out which side is hot and then push a fuse in with your wire on the opposite side. Comprende? The fuse will protect your fuse box and secure your power wire. fuse box is not at all like a wall socket where one side is negative and one is postive. One side is poitive and the other side is dead until you put a fuse in and then both sides are positive. DO NOT HOOK UP YOUR POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE WIRES TO THE FUSE BOX LIKE YOU WOULD A WALL SOCKET!!! HTH, and have a good time! :finger:

[rrdstarr]

Gotcha! It hink I'll tackle this after GOX! AND after the ARB is installed! Rammming speeed! At least I got the Mic where I want it!

[ChuckH]

That's something you could do at GOX or on the way there! All you need is an appropriate fuse (check what the inline one is rated) and to remove the sheath from the wire. Then just stick the wire in the dead side and push the fuse in to hold it.

Too bad you're leaving tomorrow or I'd come over and help you.

[Schludwiller]

I trust you have a SWR meter for tuning your antenna right? If not you better get ahold of Charles or someone soon.

If you didn't get a non-ground antenna you might have to remove some paint to ground it.