Anyone out there running a Cb or Ham radio in their trucks? Pictures of your setups and how you are running the wires would be great. Just picked up a new to me 2022 Tradesmen and I'd prefer not to be drilling a bunch of holes if not necessary.
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Cb and Ham radios
- Thread starter Ridgerunner46
- Start Date
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Topzide
TDR MEMBER
Running both CB and GMRS on my truck. The CB antenna is on a fender mount at the moment with the cable ran through the clutch block off plate. Not sure if you have that still. For the GMRS, running cable up the drivers B pillar with a 3/4 hole in roof for a NMO mount. The CB antenna will be going on the roof also. In process of making the mount for it as the roof is a better place for the larger grounding plane. I've drilled many a hole in vehicles. As long as care is taken for placement and prep, it'll be fine. After the holes are drilled, coat the bare metal edges to help with rusting. On a NMO mount, replacing the o-ring every 3 yrs or sooner is key to keeping it leak free! Any drilling of holes through firewall or floor, use rubber bushings that fit the wire and use a dab of silicone to help in the sealing. For powering, have a fuse block wired to ignition hot to prevent battery drain.
Plan where you want to have radio(s). That way you'll get an idea of the wire runs for power and antenna. Good luck with install. Take the time to route wires out of the way. Ask more if needed, here to help any way I can.
Plan where you want to have radio(s). That way you'll get an idea of the wire runs for power and antenna. Good luck with install. Take the time to route wires out of the way. Ask more if needed, here to help any way I can.
Citizen Band
NMO mounts the way to go. SOP for pro level radios in taxpayer service as outlasts other types (past design & construction QC).
LARSEN NMO34b + W640b whip then tune to 27-MHz. (Whip at 5’; minimum performance height).
This radio (and a few others) now have DSP filters integrated into the circuit board. Whole new world.
AM/SSB + NRC (nomenclature) is the minimum performance standard now.
This speaker (above left ear). Epoxy wood board to roof under headliner (avoid airbags). Nothing better exists at present.
This radio rig is Hear, and Get Heard.
Those who are still stuck in 1986 have no idea of what Citizen Band can do. I regularly converse with those that others around me can’t hear.
Link is to the Amateur Mobile Radio Installation Guide.
www.k0bg.com
Stay with how things are best done and reap the rewards.
— An antenna feedpoint choke (1:1 Balun) and a filter at transceiver cuts RFI/CMC problems such that the radio will perform best.
— RF Bond of horizontal surfaces first, then exhaust past downpipe. Bed & Cab at four corners. (Minimum).
10-AWG to BATT. Fused (to total of powered component fuse ratings). Neg to closest DC Ground (no fuse).
I ran power out door electric harness and then fished cable thru fender. (Look for access near HVAC otherwise). MBRP fuse.
A rig like this will easily converse at 5-7/miles mobile-to-mobile (ordinary rigs of other men) and 10-15/miles with base stations. I’ve exceeded this, but be conservative in understanding.
The dipwads with a crummy antenna system stuck on the pickup without regard for how things work are lucky to get past a mile.
One builds his mobile radio system to overcome the deficiencies of the mobile systems of other men.
To this end one must have clarity in TX & RX.
Redneck philosophy is a big amp. I can make fun of those guys as they can’t hear me despite I can them.
This radio and its sisters are more than adequate in power given the above attention is paid to the antenna system (of which your pickup metal is one-half).
Roof center-mount has no peer. Substitutions ruin what’s most important: Distant Early Warning.
.
NMO mounts the way to go. SOP for pro level radios in taxpayer service as outlasts other types (past design & construction QC).
LARSEN NMO34b + W640b whip then tune to 27-MHz. (Whip at 5’; minimum performance height).
This radio (and a few others) now have DSP filters integrated into the circuit board. Whole new world.
AM/SSB + NRC (nomenclature) is the minimum performance standard now.
This speaker (above left ear). Epoxy wood board to roof under headliner (avoid airbags). Nothing better exists at present.
This radio rig is Hear, and Get Heard.
Those who are still stuck in 1986 have no idea of what Citizen Band can do. I regularly converse with those that others around me can’t hear.
Link is to the Amateur Mobile Radio Installation Guide.
www.k0bg.com
Stay with how things are best done and reap the rewards.
— An antenna feedpoint choke (1:1 Balun) and a filter at transceiver cuts RFI/CMC problems such that the radio will perform best.
— RF Bond of horizontal surfaces first, then exhaust past downpipe. Bed & Cab at four corners. (Minimum).
10-AWG to BATT. Fused (to total of powered component fuse ratings). Neg to closest DC Ground (no fuse).
I ran power out door electric harness and then fished cable thru fender. (Look for access near HVAC otherwise). MBRP fuse.
A rig like this will easily converse at 5-7/miles mobile-to-mobile (ordinary rigs of other men) and 10-15/miles with base stations. I’ve exceeded this, but be conservative in understanding.
The dipwads with a crummy antenna system stuck on the pickup without regard for how things work are lucky to get past a mile.
One builds his mobile radio system to overcome the deficiencies of the mobile systems of other men.
To this end one must have clarity in TX & RX.
Redneck philosophy is a big amp. I can make fun of those guys as they can’t hear me despite I can them.
This radio and its sisters are more than adequate in power given the above attention is paid to the antenna system (of which your pickup metal is one-half).
Roof center-mount has no peer. Substitutions ruin what’s most important: Distant Early Warning.
.
Last edited:
Tuesdak
TDR MEMBER
Thanks for the radio update!
Last CB I had setup by Firestik in Phoenix in 2008. No one on the air like it used to be then, 2008. We used the weather band more the the CB band.
http://www.firestik.com/
And it only takes ONE dead body for the cops to close the road for hours the heck with everyone else who needs to go somewhere. One thing CA does right is scrape the carnage off the road and reopen it ASAP.
Burning truck under a bridge held us up at 3AM one night. And some places we delivered to in AZ have no real alternate routes.
Last CB I had setup by Firestik in Phoenix in 2008. No one on the air like it used to be then, 2008. We used the weather band more the the CB band.
http://www.firestik.com/
And it only takes ONE dead body for the cops to close the road for hours the heck with everyone else who needs to go somewhere. One thing CA does right is scrape the carnage off the road and reopen it ASAP.
Burning truck under a bridge held us up at 3AM one night. And some places we delivered to in AZ have no real alternate routes.
I use an older version of the
Cobra 75 All Road Wireless CB Radio - Dual-Mode AM/FM
All the controls are on the handset.#ad
Needs NRC in both TX & RX to be current.
https://simonthewizard.com/2023/06/01/video-anytone-graces-nrc-test/
A President Harrison with a KL-203 amp while it lacks Sideband would be a better space saver, performance wise. (With Digi-Mic, as option).
Extension Speaker not optional in my view. Any mobile radio rig.
— Its still a low-performance rig if without a true high-performance antenna system, and it gives up transceiver advantages despite near-equal cost.
.
Last edited:
Rural
As to distances I was westbound on IH-70 thru far rural Kansas the other day. Next-to-no-Skip.
I listened to a pilot car guiding an OVERSIZE load up US-83 from 70 for more than twenty air miles on AM, not Sideband..
Right conditions and two radio rigs of best quality can and will exceed standard expectations of RX/TX far in excess of what’s considered “normal” for the gear if the installation is up to professional standards.
This isn’t entirely rare. It’s contextual (conditions).
Point would be that I’d bet he & I could have talked in excess of ten miles easily as I’ve done it before. Weather & Road Construction tie-ups tend to be priority.
The goal is to overcome average mobile radio rig deficiencies. To Hear, and to Get Heard. With one of your brothers (as in the above) expect that in time of need you’ll be prepared.
Value from another angle: The Major Metro
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/l...ight/287-8268ab90-daa0-46cf-889f-9220883a4cdf
A whole lot of “stupid”, here. This was several fully predictable wrecks in succession at one location.
Avoiding this aftermath is one thing. Knowing early enough to have a wholly different diversion route from other traffic is something else again.
Crossing any major metro with a bad wreck scene will spawn yet others in the opposite direction and still more far away from the original scene on alternate routes as hyped “drivers” are running away (a form of low-grade panic).
— A GPS map at a regional setting will start to light up all over that area given just enough time with a multi-fatality wreck. (Incipient gridlock is underway and will start to close all other doors, but fast).
Radio is how one circumvents the problem set in navigation.
Choices: stop entirely for the night (U-turn to campground), or to divert strongly away given accurate information. One will learn what questions to ask in order to parse that information. It’s a multi-step process just to establish to establish ones starting point:
1. What State? (Skip)
2. What Road & Direction?
3. What Mile Marker?
4. Age of Accident?
5. Agencies on scene (how long?)
6. Length of backup?
7. Known alternates (Exit Number & Name) Other alternates?
Etcetera.
— This isn’t just convenience or timeliness, it’s of your duty to keep your family out of harms way as tbe ripples spread far & wide.
The upgrade option vehicles should be equipped with re wiring and antenna cabling already installed at the factory, but isn’t. It’s on you.
High performance Citizen Band a practical reality is the good news.
— 21st Century gear and commensurate high-level install means a Joe Sixpack opinion about CB isn’t worth anything. Despite his decades of “experience” (as installs were almost always poor) and he lacks knowing what’s possible today.
Other radio services are good additions. Just don’t expect as much in real-time situations.
.
As to distances I was westbound on IH-70 thru far rural Kansas the other day. Next-to-no-Skip.
I listened to a pilot car guiding an OVERSIZE load up US-83 from 70 for more than twenty air miles on AM, not Sideband..
Right conditions and two radio rigs of best quality can and will exceed standard expectations of RX/TX far in excess of what’s considered “normal” for the gear if the installation is up to professional standards.
This isn’t entirely rare. It’s contextual (conditions).
Point would be that I’d bet he & I could have talked in excess of ten miles easily as I’ve done it before. Weather & Road Construction tie-ups tend to be priority.
The goal is to overcome average mobile radio rig deficiencies. To Hear, and to Get Heard. With one of your brothers (as in the above) expect that in time of need you’ll be prepared.
Value from another angle: The Major Metro
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/l...ight/287-8268ab90-daa0-46cf-889f-9220883a4cdf
A whole lot of “stupid”, here. This was several fully predictable wrecks in succession at one location.
Avoiding this aftermath is one thing. Knowing early enough to have a wholly different diversion route from other traffic is something else again.
Crossing any major metro with a bad wreck scene will spawn yet others in the opposite direction and still more far away from the original scene on alternate routes as hyped “drivers” are running away (a form of low-grade panic).
— A GPS map at a regional setting will start to light up all over that area given just enough time with a multi-fatality wreck. (Incipient gridlock is underway and will start to close all other doors, but fast).
Radio is how one circumvents the problem set in navigation.
Choices: stop entirely for the night (U-turn to campground), or to divert strongly away given accurate information. One will learn what questions to ask in order to parse that information. It’s a multi-step process just to establish to establish ones starting point:
1. What State? (Skip)
2. What Road & Direction?
3. What Mile Marker?
4. Age of Accident?
5. Agencies on scene (how long?)
6. Length of backup?
7. Known alternates (Exit Number & Name) Other alternates?
Etcetera.
— This isn’t just convenience or timeliness, it’s of your duty to keep your family out of harms way as tbe ripples spread far & wide.
The upgrade option vehicles should be equipped with re wiring and antenna cabling already installed at the factory, but isn’t. It’s on you.
High performance Citizen Band a practical reality is the good news.
— 21st Century gear and commensurate high-level install means a Joe Sixpack opinion about CB isn’t worth anything. Despite his decades of “experience” (as installs were almost always poor) and he lacks knowing what’s possible today.
Other radio services are good additions. Just don’t expect as much in real-time situations.
.
Last edited:
I’ve used mono headsets for same reason.
Latest radio with VOX makes it even easier (Digi-Mic on a President or Anytone brand radio).
President Randy handheld is almost to full-size performance (but without DSP). Given high performance antenna system on vehicle (and KL-203 amp) no one would suspect it being a handheld.
Advantage is in using speaker/mic or full headset for hands-free.
http://www.bellscb.com/products/cbradios/president/President_Randy_II_FCC.htm
http://www.bellscb.com/products/cbradios/Midland/HDS-2/Throat_Mic.htm
I wouldn’t be without DSP (called “NRC”) for the transceiver, but am in favor of a Randy onboard a mobile for comms back to vehicle and with others within a few miles.
.
Latest radio with VOX makes it even easier (Digi-Mic on a President or Anytone brand radio).
President Randy handheld is almost to full-size performance (but without DSP). Given high performance antenna system on vehicle (and KL-203 amp) no one would suspect it being a handheld.
Advantage is in using speaker/mic or full headset for hands-free.
http://www.bellscb.com/products/cbradios/president/President_Randy_II_FCC.htm
http://www.bellscb.com/products/cbradios/Midland/HDS-2/Throat_Mic.htm
I wouldn’t be without DSP (called “NRC”) for the transceiver, but am in favor of a Randy onboard a mobile for comms back to vehicle and with others within a few miles.
.
Last edited:
BC906 Bearcat Wireless Speaker/Mic
(Rechargeable)
Discontinued but can still be found (Click for Uniden video):
https://www.amazon.com/live/video/a2e60d516c1f47fb8c306a84defbf096
Amazon product ASIN B00B3QBRQQ
Same advantage with only driver listening. But now can walk 100-yards from vehicle.
The President Liberty wireless was on a slightly different frequency, but can still be found (expense of import added).
Neither are Bluetooth. Same as cordless phones so audio quality is very high.
Two or three current President now feature NRC.
NRC is the biggest change in CB since intro of 40-channels. Without it one has a poor radio rig.
FWIW, my pickup radio rig is built around President components among which are both a Randy and the Liberty mic.
One can walk away from vehicle 300’ with wireless to use “high power” vehicle transceiver, or one can use handheld for greater distance comms back to that base and with others (about 1-2/miles based on antenna, etc).
A CB operated from a vehicle with these additional tools adds reconnaissance abilities. Keeping passengers quesicent would be another advantage.
Maximize what Citizen Band can do before investing in other radio services.
.
(Rechargeable)
Discontinued but can still be found (Click for Uniden video):
https://www.amazon.com/live/video/a2e60d516c1f47fb8c306a84defbf096
Amazon product ASIN B00B3QBRQQ
Same advantage with only driver listening. But now can walk 100-yards from vehicle.
The President Liberty wireless was on a slightly different frequency, but can still be found (expense of import added).
Neither are Bluetooth. Same as cordless phones so audio quality is very high.
Two or three current President now feature NRC.
NRC is the biggest change in CB since intro of 40-channels. Without it one has a poor radio rig.
FWIW, my pickup radio rig is built around President components among which are both a Randy and the Liberty mic.
One can walk away from vehicle 300’ with wireless to use “high power” vehicle transceiver, or one can use handheld for greater distance comms back to that base and with others (about 1-2/miles based on antenna, etc).
A CB operated from a vehicle with these additional tools adds reconnaissance abilities. Keeping passengers quesicent would be another advantage.
Maximize what Citizen Band can do before investing in other radio services.
.
Last edited:
I run an Icom 7000, tunematic II auto tuner, and a Tarheel 100 HP antenna with a tilt over base. Lots of 1" flat braid straps on frame, exhaust, bed, hood, etc.
I ran the power wires through the firewall . I found a vacant plug where the clutch pedal would have been . I drilled the hole larger. I also used one of the accessory switches. The coax cables, go through the bed, and through one of the cab vents behind the rear seat. Had to remove left rear seat to do this, but it ain't that bad. I also have a mag mount 2m/440 .
I ran the power wires through the firewall . I found a vacant plug where the clutch pedal would have been . I drilled the hole larger. I also used one of the accessory switches. The coax cables, go through the bed, and through one of the cab vents behind the rear seat. Had to remove left rear seat to do this, but it ain't that bad. I also have a mag mount 2m/440 .
Last edited:
Here’s a few ideas of how I’ve mounted my GMRS radio in mine. Antenna’s mounted by the hood.
The radio unit itself is mounted under the passenger front seat. I mounted an amplified speaker in the drivers footwell just far enough forward that the seat nor my leg ever touch it. This keeps the high volume in my corner since I’m 35% deaf.
In my case, the handheld unit uses a cat 5/6 network cable connection so I bought a surface mount jack and mounted it in the console and ran it over to the unit under the seat.
Then I bent up a piece of aluminum flatbar, started by mounting it with 2” wide Velcro, but after a few weeks I added the Magnetic Mic mount and the magnet is so strong that I was pulling the arm off. So I inserted 2 jack nuts and screwed it in.
The radio unit itself is mounted under the passenger front seat. I mounted an amplified speaker in the drivers footwell just far enough forward that the seat nor my leg ever touch it. This keeps the high volume in my corner since I’m 35% deaf.
In my case, the handheld unit uses a cat 5/6 network cable connection so I bought a surface mount jack and mounted it in the console and ran it over to the unit under the seat.
Then I bent up a piece of aluminum flatbar, started by mounting it with 2” wide Velcro, but after a few weeks I added the Magnetic Mic mount and the magnet is so strong that I was pulling the arm off. So I inserted 2 jack nuts and screwed it in.
DaveHess
TDR MEMBER
I run a President Bill with a President antenna mounted on the left front fender. I cant remember if the antenna is a Virginia or Iowa but it is a bottom load 60" whip. The Bill is a small radio so I mounted it on the Knee bolster, right side of steering column. I also ran my antenna coax (Firestick Fire wire) and power/ground wires through where the clutch pedal would have been. I hooked the 12 volts positive and the ground straight to the right battery. The only thing I am not real happy about is the small mic the radio came with. it also has the ability to change channels from the mic and every once in a while, I bump one of those. The Auto Squelch (ASC) is neat but I find myself adjusting that manually most of the time.
Topzide
TDR MEMBER
Have upgraded the CB to an Apollo 2 and will be moving antenna to the roof. In process of building the mount out of stainless. Will have a 4" disc with the 3/8-24 stud with 8" square plate inside. Using a 1/8" neoprene rubber with a touch of body sealer right around the 3/4" hole to seal it up tight. This will be 2nd hole in the roof, 1st was the NMO GMRS setup. Not the first vehicle that I've drilled holes through the roof. 1st time was back in '87 and it wasn't leaking when i got rid of it in '02. Take the time to seal up correctly the first time. Will help with signal being on the roof. SWRs will be lower with the larger ground plane, and 350 degree signal path unless towing a 5ver. Then in that case, most important is ahead of you and not whats behind! CB has changed since GMRS, cell and HAM Tech license. May throw hat in the HAM ring for a 2m rig, we'll see. Glad to hear that others still using CB.
Went full overkill with a Breedlove Mounts #601 plus 6”x6” backing plate.
Wanted to be able to mount anything (Roof center).
Clearance of roof A/C unit on my TT is right at 11’.
And 14’ total height for antenna works well (how I do it on big trucks).
Have about 6-7 antennas of 5’ or greater height (minimum length for performance). 7’ keeps me at 13’ around town (municipalities trim trees to 15’ for EMT, Fire, etc), and an 8’ is likeliest for highway.
Yes, that last foot matters
QD makes it easy to disconnect and toss in truck when away.
.
Wanted to be able to mount anything (Roof center).
Clearance of roof A/C unit on my TT is right at 11’.
And 14’ total height for antenna works well (how I do it on big trucks).
Have about 6-7 antennas of 5’ or greater height (minimum length for performance). 7’ keeps me at 13’ around town (municipalities trim trees to 15’ for EMT, Fire, etc), and an 8’ is likeliest for highway.
Yes, that last foot matters
QD makes it easy to disconnect and toss in truck when away.
.
Last edited:
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Issue 128 – Digital Version
Digital Magazines
FREE!
TDR Test Drive - Digital Edition
Renew
Subscribe
Gift Subscriptions
Back Issues
Subscription Status
Address Change Form
Buyer's Guides
Ram Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The Perfect Collection
The Perfect Collection Vol. II
TSB Updates
Dodge/Cummins Historical Overview
Cameron Collection
What Makes Us Tick?
Product Showcase
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