installing cb, which battery to use?

[Coalsmoke]

Could someone explain the roles of the two batteries. I get the theory that to turn over the mighty cummins, two batteries makes the job easier, but what is run off of which side? It seems to me that the right hand battery is mainly there as an additional source of power, while the left is the main, is this correct.



What I am getting at: Many TDR members recommend hooking the CB radio up directly to the battery (instead of under the dash acc. ). Sounds like a good idea to me, but I'm trying to figure which battery will produce less electonic noise (I figured the one that has the direct altenator tap would be worse, unless they both are directly linked to the alt. ).



Any thoughts on this?

TIA

 

[DLGonzo]

Well, the batteries are hooked up together in Parrallel, so I don't know that it would matter which one us use. I've got my CB (Cobra Classic 29) hooked up though the radio fuse so it comes on with the key, and doesn't stay on and drain my battery. I've had it like that for almost 6 years with no problems.



If you do get some noise from the battery, just stop by Radio Shack and get a filter to install for a few bucks.

 

[bighammer]

I tapped the cigar lighter for mine. Much easier than running to the battery and no off-key drain.

 

[Duluth Diesel]

With the help of user Josh Peters, my truck has power run from the driver's side battery to power my CB, scanner, and 400 watt power inverter. To eliminate key-off battery drain, we ran a ignition-switched power wire to a relay, so when there is no power to the relay (ignition off), there is no drain from the battery. This is really important for me in case I accidently leave the power inverter on when I shut off the truck. Without the relay, that inverter would kill my batteries in a matter of hours.

 

[Glen]

I tapped into my brake controller wiring. The wire is large; the location is convenient; the connection is easy. I do have to remember to turn it off but it doesn't use much power if I forget.

 

[Got Smoke?]

I have a very highly modified Uniden Grant XL CB that I can leave on all night and my truck will still start in the morning so I don't know why a CB would drain your batteries unless they going bad

 

[wsmalley]

I ran my CB off of an ignition hot switch, I would have to dig into my fuse my panel to see exactly which one. I did however run the power wires for my two amps off of my second battery because there is no other draw except when the truck is cranking. I attached them to the side post of my passenger optima so there is nothing else drawing through the same contact. This cleaned my sound up considerably. Just a little tip for fellow audiophiles.

 

[Coalsmoke]

got smoke: from what I've read you can transmit for quite a while before draining one battery, and we have two. I would imagine that receiving would use even considerably less power yet.



Thanks guys, I think I'll hook it up to the passenger side battery then. If that fails I'll start rooting around for a constant hot (like the brake controller idea).

 

[apat]

I'd like some suggestions for where to mount a CB (Cobra 29).

 

[Coalsmoke]

I have to work around a brake controller, a standard shifter, and the 4wd transfer case shifter. So, I'm planning on cutting out a section right in the middle of the panel infront of the 5spd shifter. I saw it done on another member's truack and it looked nice once finished. This is the only place that I have thought of / found used, that will still allow the middle seat to be used without posing any threat to them should it come dislodged in an accident.

 

[Duluth Diesel]

Under dash power may be more convenient, but the "cleanest" power will be found by running the radio's power leads straight to the battery.



Here is a great link that answers all kinds of CB questions:

http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs.htm

and

http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs/63Things.htm

 

[Coalsmoke]

Yeah, I poured over the firestik's tech doc's until my brain hurt. Sure is a LOT of great info in there. I got a firestik 2 4ft fibreglass that I'm planning on using. Hope it works as good as all the hype has lead me to believe.

 

[Got Smoke?]

Originally posted by apat

I'd like some suggestions for where to mount a CB (Cobra 29).

Bob Wagner mount from Rip Rook @ Source Automotive



#ad

 

[DLGonzo]

I got a shelf that mounts in the sun visor holes. I mounted the cb to this. This way I didn't have to drill into the ceiling. It's a tight fit, but works great.

 

[Boomer II]

I mounted mine off of a bracket that I made that bolts under the center seat. For power I tapped into the elec seat power under there.

 

[pwknapp]

Have had my 29 and 250 kicker hooked straight to the battery for over 400k. No problems. Be sure to add a fusible link. Saw a big truck burned down bad, driver could'nt find what was smokin' til it was to late.



Mounted the 29 between the visors.

 

[Coalsmoke]

I was looking at the clearance between the 5spd and the interior molding and it doesn't look like I'll have the room to mount it there. So, I was thinking about mounting it on top of the dash, just to the right of the 3-pod pillar gauges. What do you guys think of this idea? Doesn't obstruct too much vision and it would be accessable. Only other thing is I'll have to figure out how to bolt the bracket into the top of the dash.

 

[Duluth Diesel]

The sun coming in the windshield tends to cook electronics. I've lost two fuzzbusters that way. If you like your radio, mount it somewhere else. Just an opinion.

 

[Boomer II]

Here's how I did it.

 

[Woodenhead]

I was looking at the clearance between the 5spd and the interior molding and it doesn't look like I'll have the room to mount it there. So, I was thinking about mounting it on top of the dash, just to the right of the 3-pod pillar gauges. What do you guys think of this idea? Doesn't obstruct too much vision and it would be accessable. Only other thing is I'll have to figure out how to bolt the bracket into the top of the dash.

I yanked the POS in dash drink dumper out and stuffed my CB in the hole. I had to use a remote speaker which is mounted on the floor beside the transfer case lever. It looks pretty slick, it's right where you need it and with a Genos cup smoothie you don't need the old cup holder anyway.



Depending on the dimensions of your CB this may work for you.



Mike