CB Radio Wiring - Battery/Cigarette Lighter
#1
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
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CB Radio Wiring - Battery/Cigarette Lighter
I have a Cobra with very short power lines. It does have a fuse. The PO put some crazy mods on it and it's really powerful, but he said he ran it fine through the cig lighter (wiring it behind). I know there are a lot of different threads on this, so I'm not going to ask which is better or worse, but if people have put theirs in the cig lighter, I would like feedback please!
My other alternative is to wire it to some 12 gauge audio wire leftover from my subs. Even though the CB wire is a lot smaller, would this work without causing any problems? (I'd use this method to wire it straight to the battery.)
Or should I use my aftermarket JVC deck. If yes, I would need some instructions on how to do this.
Also, where does the coax cable connect to the antenna? Seems like they're supposed to hook right up but the tip on my coax cable is waaay too big for hole in the bottom of the antenna.
My other alternative is to wire it to some 12 gauge audio wire leftover from my subs. Even though the CB wire is a lot smaller, would this work without causing any problems? (I'd use this method to wire it straight to the battery.)
Or should I use my aftermarket JVC deck. If yes, I would need some instructions on how to do this.
Also, where does the coax cable connect to the antenna? Seems like they're supposed to hook right up but the tip on my coax cable is waaay too big for hole in the bottom of the antenna.
#2
I would fuse at the battery and run a new power cable directly to the unit. Based on FCC legal power output, a CB should draw less than an amp. As far as the antenna question goes, it should just screw on, assuming the coax end and the antenna have compatible connectors. PL-259 is the most common, but it could be something else.
Just for reference:
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=9db0ddffa36e316f814801ace1e5e13a&rg n=div8&view=text&node=47:5.0.1.1.5.4.144.10&idno=4 7
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=9db0ddffa36e316f814801ace1e5e13a&rg n=div8&view=text&node=47:5.0.1.1.5.4.144.11&idno=4 7
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=9db0ddffa36e316f814801ace1e5e13a&rg n=div8&view=text&node=47:5.0.1.1.5.4.145.21&idno=4 7
Just for reference:
§ 95.410 (CB Rule 10) How much power may I use?
(a) Your CB station transmitter power output must not exceed the following values under any conditions:
AM (A3)—4 watts (carrier power) SSB—12 watts (peak envelope power)
(b) If you need more information about the power rule, see the technical rules in subpart E of part 95.
(c) Use of a transmitter which has carrier or peak envelope power in excess of that authorized voids your authority to operate the station.
(a) Your CB station transmitter power output must not exceed the following values under any conditions:
AM (A3)—4 watts (carrier power) SSB—12 watts (peak envelope power)
(b) If you need more information about the power rule, see the technical rules in subpart E of part 95.
(c) Use of a transmitter which has carrier or peak envelope power in excess of that authorized voids your authority to operate the station.
§ 95.411 (CB Rule 11) May I use power amplifiers?
(a) You may not attach the following items (power amplifiers) to your certificated CB transmitter in any way:
(1) External radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers (sometimes called linears or linear amplifiers); or
(2) Any other devices which, when used with a radio transmitter as a signal source, are capable of amplifying the signal.
(b) There are no exceptions to this rule and use of a power amplifier voids your authority to operate the station.
(c) The FCC will presume you have used a linear or other external RF power amplifier if—
(1) It is in your possession or on your premises; and
(2) There is other evidence that you have operated your CB station with more power than allowed by CB Rule 10, §95.410.
(d) Paragraph (c) of this section does not apply if you hold a license in another radio service which allows you to operate an external RF power amplifier.
[48 FR 24894, June 3, 1983, as amended at 63 FR 36610, July 7, 1998]
(a) You may not attach the following items (power amplifiers) to your certificated CB transmitter in any way:
(1) External radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers (sometimes called linears or linear amplifiers); or
(2) Any other devices which, when used with a radio transmitter as a signal source, are capable of amplifying the signal.
(b) There are no exceptions to this rule and use of a power amplifier voids your authority to operate the station.
(c) The FCC will presume you have used a linear or other external RF power amplifier if—
(1) It is in your possession or on your premises; and
(2) There is other evidence that you have operated your CB station with more power than allowed by CB Rule 10, §95.410.
(d) Paragraph (c) of this section does not apply if you hold a license in another radio service which allows you to operate an external RF power amplifier.
[48 FR 24894, June 3, 1983, as amended at 63 FR 36610, July 7, 1998]
§ 95.421 (CB Rule 21) What are the penalties for violating these rules?
(a) If the FCC finds that you have willfully or repeatedly violated the Communications Act or the FCC Rules, you may have to pay as much as $10,000 for each violation, up to a total of $75,000. (See section 503(b) of the Communications Act.)
(b) If the FCC finds that you have violated any section of the Communications Act or the FCC Rules, you may be ordered to stop whatever action caused the violation. (See section 312(b) of the Communications Act.)
(c) If a Federal court finds that you have willfully and knowingly violated any FCC Rule, you may be fined up to $500 for each day you committed the violation. (See section 502 of the Communications Act.)
(d) If a Federal court finds that you have willfully and knowingly violated any provision of the Communications Act, you may be fined up to $10,000 or you may be imprisoned for one year, or both. (See section 501 of the Communications Act.)
[48 FR 24894, June 3, 1983, as amended at 57 FR 40343, Sept. 3, 1992]
(a) If the FCC finds that you have willfully or repeatedly violated the Communications Act or the FCC Rules, you may have to pay as much as $10,000 for each violation, up to a total of $75,000. (See section 503(b) of the Communications Act.)
(b) If the FCC finds that you have violated any section of the Communications Act or the FCC Rules, you may be ordered to stop whatever action caused the violation. (See section 312(b) of the Communications Act.)
(c) If a Federal court finds that you have willfully and knowingly violated any FCC Rule, you may be fined up to $500 for each day you committed the violation. (See section 502 of the Communications Act.)
(d) If a Federal court finds that you have willfully and knowingly violated any provision of the Communications Act, you may be fined up to $10,000 or you may be imprisoned for one year, or both. (See section 501 of the Communications Act.)
[48 FR 24894, June 3, 1983, as amended at 57 FR 40343, Sept. 3, 1992]
#3
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I'd say that the PO was pulling your chain telling you he is getting a ton of power but running it off of a cig lighter.
Run wiring to the battery with fuses.
Run wiring to the battery with fuses.
#6
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Assuming that it is a Cobra 29 and if if was tuned up by a good tech you might be getting 20-25 watts out of it. As far as the power cord situation, I'd run a radio like that to the cig lighter if you were in a pinch until you have the time to wire it to the battery. Just extend the power cord with more wire. 12 gauge should be good.
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#8
CF Veteran
I run my cheap Cobra from Wal-mart thru my lighter.The only prob. I have is when wheeling,if you turn the XJ off you gotta turn it back to the channel everyone else is on.OR use the constant outlet.
#10
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Information from PO
copied and pasted:
The mounting bracket is on the radio, it is a complete setup from power cord to antenna, everything you need except depending on how you want to mount the antenna, i had it drilled through the spare tire bracket on my tj and it did great, it just needs to be grounded thats all(the antenna) you can tune the radio with the guage on the radio, you need to just hook it up like it sits in jeep nothing more needed! it has a calibrate switch on radio ...Radio itself mods...mosfet 40 watt,
This modification replaces the bipolar final transistor with a higher power mosfet final transistor.
This modification improves the radios audio and output power.
It is a must if you want better performance on transmit.
output is 40 watts compared to stock 3-4 watts.
If you have ever heard a trucker radio and he sounds super loud and clear while talking, this is how you will sound to your buddies, my friends would always ask cant you turn that thing down your screaming.....
big do modulation swing kit...After You have installed The Big Dog Kit,
It lowers Your radio's dead key to .5 of a watt and makes your radio swing to its PEAK With a PUNCH!
Now this PEAK depends on your radios output.
So someone that has high power finals verse someone who has stock final,
will see a high PEAK swing. The Big Dog Kit Works Great with IRF520 Mosfet final kits.
So after you install this swing kit, you must fully tune your radio to its max.
alien robot echo board.... when you transmit you voice will have regular to a controlled echo behind it you can make yourself sound like an alien or a robot on other guys radios when you talk.. cool as ****!!!
the talk back mod is so you can hear what you sound like on other guys radios so you can set the echo and voice changer the way you want
The mounting bracket is on the radio, it is a complete setup from power cord to antenna, everything you need except depending on how you want to mount the antenna, i had it drilled through the spare tire bracket on my tj and it did great, it just needs to be grounded thats all(the antenna) you can tune the radio with the guage on the radio, you need to just hook it up like it sits in jeep nothing more needed! it has a calibrate switch on radio ...Radio itself mods...mosfet 40 watt,
This modification replaces the bipolar final transistor with a higher power mosfet final transistor.
This modification improves the radios audio and output power.
It is a must if you want better performance on transmit.
output is 40 watts compared to stock 3-4 watts.
If you have ever heard a trucker radio and he sounds super loud and clear while talking, this is how you will sound to your buddies, my friends would always ask cant you turn that thing down your screaming.....
big do modulation swing kit...After You have installed The Big Dog Kit,
It lowers Your radio's dead key to .5 of a watt and makes your radio swing to its PEAK With a PUNCH!
Now this PEAK depends on your radios output.
So someone that has high power finals verse someone who has stock final,
will see a high PEAK swing. The Big Dog Kit Works Great with IRF520 Mosfet final kits.
So after you install this swing kit, you must fully tune your radio to its max.
alien robot echo board.... when you transmit you voice will have regular to a controlled echo behind it you can make yourself sound like an alien or a robot on other guys radios when you talk.. cool as ****!!!
the talk back mod is so you can hear what you sound like on other guys radios so you can set the echo and voice changer the way you want
#11
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If I were to do it, I'd add on to the wire and run it to the battery. You have fuses at the radio to protect the radio but it would need hurt to put fuses at the battery. Hooking up direct to the power source is always best in my opinion. When I added on to the wire I would strip the wire, slide on heat shrink tubing, solder the wire and then slide the heat shrink tube over the joint and shrink it.
#12
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copied and pasted:
The mounting bracket is on the radio, it is a complete setup from power cord to antenna, everything you need except depending on how you want to mount the antenna, i had it drilled through the spare tire bracket on my tj and it did great, it just needs to be grounded thats all(the antenna) you can tune the radio with the guage on the radio, you need to just hook it up like it sits in jeep nothing more needed! it has a calibrate switch on radio ...Radio itself mods...mosfet 40 watt,
This modification replaces the bipolar final transistor with a higher power mosfet final transistor.
This modification improves the radios audio and output power.
It is a must if you want better performance on transmit.
output is 40 watts compared to stock 3-4 watts.
If you have ever heard a trucker radio and he sounds super loud and clear while talking, this is how you will sound to your buddies, my friends would always ask cant you turn that thing down your screaming.....
big do modulation swing kit...After You have installed The Big Dog Kit,
It lowers Your radio's dead key to .5 of a watt and makes your radio swing to its PEAK With a PUNCH!
Now this PEAK depends on your radios output.
So someone that has high power finals verse someone who has stock final,
will see a high PEAK swing. The Big Dog Kit Works Great with IRF520 Mosfet final kits.
So after you install this swing kit, you must fully tune your radio to its max.
alien robot echo board.... when you transmit you voice will have regular to a controlled echo behind it you can make yourself sound like an alien or a robot on other guys radios when you talk.. cool as ****!!!
the talk back mod is so you can hear what you sound like on other guys radios so you can set the echo and voice changer the way you want
The mounting bracket is on the radio, it is a complete setup from power cord to antenna, everything you need except depending on how you want to mount the antenna, i had it drilled through the spare tire bracket on my tj and it did great, it just needs to be grounded thats all(the antenna) you can tune the radio with the guage on the radio, you need to just hook it up like it sits in jeep nothing more needed! it has a calibrate switch on radio ...Radio itself mods...mosfet 40 watt,
This modification replaces the bipolar final transistor with a higher power mosfet final transistor.
This modification improves the radios audio and output power.
It is a must if you want better performance on transmit.
output is 40 watts compared to stock 3-4 watts.
If you have ever heard a trucker radio and he sounds super loud and clear while talking, this is how you will sound to your buddies, my friends would always ask cant you turn that thing down your screaming.....
big do modulation swing kit...After You have installed The Big Dog Kit,
It lowers Your radio's dead key to .5 of a watt and makes your radio swing to its PEAK With a PUNCH!
Now this PEAK depends on your radios output.
So someone that has high power finals verse someone who has stock final,
will see a high PEAK swing. The Big Dog Kit Works Great with IRF520 Mosfet final kits.
So after you install this swing kit, you must fully tune your radio to its max.
alien robot echo board.... when you transmit you voice will have regular to a controlled echo behind it you can make yourself sound like an alien or a robot on other guys radios when you talk.. cool as ****!!!
the talk back mod is so you can hear what you sound like on other guys radios so you can set the echo and voice changer the way you want
The MOSFET finals are nice. I have a 29 with one and it talks great. Not as good as my galaxy 88 but still a good talking radio. I would not run it with a cig lighter though unless I was just throwing it in temporary for say one road trip.
I always seemed to get more vehicle noise through the radio when powering through a cig lighter.
#13
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You could but you risk over loading that cig lighter circuit.
If I were to do it, I'd add on to the wire and run it to the battery. You have fuses at the radio to protect the radio but it would need hurt to put fuses at the battery. Hooking up direct to the power source is always best in my opinion. When I added on to the wire I would strip the wire, slide on heat shrink tubing, solder the wire and then slide the heat shrink tube over the joint and shrink it.
If I were to do it, I'd add on to the wire and run it to the battery. You have fuses at the radio to protect the radio but it would need hurt to put fuses at the battery. Hooking up direct to the power source is always best in my opinion. When I added on to the wire I would strip the wire, slide on heat shrink tubing, solder the wire and then slide the heat shrink tube over the joint and shrink it.
#14
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Here's a pic of the cig lighter wiring. To wire these together would I just take my pos and neg cables from the cb, cut anywhere on the cig wires, and connect all three open ended sets of wires together? Could I just electric tape it instead of soldering?
Last edited by luckyAD80; 06-09-2012 at 06:11 PM.
#15
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And I think I've decided to go cig lighter method because I don't have any wire long enough to go to the battery, the PO said it worked fine, and the Cobra installation guide says a 12 volt spot is what's needed, which is what both the cig lighter and other outlet right next to it are set at I believe.
Any answers to my above questions are much appreciated, along with validation of the voltage of the cig lighter.
Any answers to my above questions are much appreciated, along with validation of the voltage of the cig lighter.