by SaltWaterDrinker » Wed Oct 03, 2012 12:48 pm
Without reading what anyone else wrote as I'm going by route memory:
Forget about the cig plug. It causes noise and doesn't ground appropriately. Bite the bullet and hard wire it. I'm going to get specific:
If you got the CB that m00ts has, your CB will NOT retain its channel once power is disconnected from the unit (I.e. if you go on channel 36 and then turn the truck off, it will not be on 36 when you power back on). Please keep this in mind as I proceed:
If you don't care about the channel retention, find a fuse in your internal box that runs the windshield wipers or something like that - something that only receives power when the truck is turned on. Put the wire in with the fuse; I just jammed mine in there and pushed down.
If you do care about channel retention and will remember to turn the unit off, drop your wire into the main power point of the internal fuse box.
Now, you can feed both wires under the carpet and down the door frames under the plastic mouldings.
Once you've found a good area for your red line, find an empty spot for the black line and drill/secure it to the metal on the door frame. This will ground the unit.
For the antenna - You have multiple options. Mounting it too high will tear it to pieces; but if you don't care, it don't matter. The antenna should be grounded to the truck in some way - I don't feel like grounding it to a basket or the rack does much for range or anything. I'd suggest you throw it on in the rear area above the tail light - check the threads...everyone has their own variant of it.
As far as tuning goes...
You aren't going to be able to do much with the midland radio. Its a kick ass unit, however, its not great for power pumping or modifying - afterall, its a copy of a pre existing radio from another manufacturer. Does it mean its a bad thing? absolutely not. Schematics for it simply do not match up to what it is in reality - that's all.
Check the fire stick for proper length and what not - you can modify the antenna itself if the swr throws shit readings when you're on 40 and 1. Try 20 too - see how it throws it. You can lengthen it or shorten it by popping the cap off the top and play with it that way.
I use a Laird CB antenna - its a professional whip tuned like a beast - I suggest it highly.
Finally, make sure your power meter on board is throwing out what it should - if not, you could have a coxal problem...or an antenna problem.
Do not hook a power AMP up to it unless you get it to a shop and let them tear it apart - an AMP will only hurt the radio and/or you and your truck.
If you can't get that to work out...google a cb shop near you. There has to be one out of that area at some truck stop - NYC has some of the best skippers in the world(high powered CB users).
Please let me know whats up - have M00ts text me if something comes up. Or, you yourself can - 609-203-9945. I may be delayed as I am doing some school work.