CB RADIO PROBLEM

[Colin9690]

If there are any ''CB radio Experts" in the house, I could use your help. When I use my CB in my Car and ask for a radio check from other operators, they all say my radio sounds good. But, when i use it as a base station and ask for a radio check they all say it sounds horrible, it squeels, it's off frequency, and alot of other stuff. I am thinking it is maybe my power supply that is causing this. I use a homemade power supply. Any suggestions????

Thanks,
Colin

 

[wlmr]

Drag a car battery into your house and try running directly off that. Then you'll know whether the power supply is your problem.

 

[nmfire10]

I use a homemade power supply.

I suspect this has something to do with it. Can you describe this device and what it's specs are?

Also, what are you using for an antennna & coax at the base?

 

[Colin9690]

I am using a homemade supply. It says:

PANASONIC
INPUT: AC 120V 60Hz 12W
OUTPUT: DC 12V 500 mA
PLUG-IN POWER SUPPLY FOR USE WITH A TELEPHONE DEVICE. (lol)

Also, on the back of my CB, it says it needs DC 13.8 Volts.


Dont laugh at me here, but i am using a radioshack mobile magnet-mount antenna that i use for my car IN MY BASE STATION!

 

[stlscanner]

You need a power supply with a lot more than 500ma... probably something with a 10W amp rating is closer to where you should be.
The radio is trying to draw more amps than are available, that's why it works in the car fine (where enough amperage is available), but not on the power supply.

 

[Colin9690]

Thanks for your help guys!

 

[Colin9690]

So would that be the reason that the CB is sounding all crappy? It is trying to draw more Amps with the homemade power supply?

 

[OntarioScannerNut]

I suppose nobody told you that you may want to try an set your SWR. Seeing as well, you're using a mobile antenna in your house.

That would more than likely be the cause of your troubles.

I would think that it's not the power supply itself but in fact your SWR needs to be retuned.

Dont laugh at me here, but i am using a radioshack mobile magnet-mount antenna that i use for my car IN MY BASE STATION!

 

[OntarioScannerNut]

And yes, I guess I read the thread to quickly. Why not just go to one of the local radio shops or something an pick up a cheap Power Supply for use in your home. I've got one that works just fine. I've been using this one for years for the CB at home. I too have a mobile.

It's an Altron Solid State Regulated Power Supply

Input: 117 VAC 60hz 100W
Output: 13.8V DC
3 Amp Constant
5 Amp Surge
Fully regulated
Fused for Protection

So would that be the reason that the CB is sounding all crappy? It is trying to draw more Amps with the homemade power supply?

 

[K5MAR]

So would that be the reason that the CB is sounding all crappy? It is trying to draw more Amps with the homemade power supply?

I bet that when you key the radio you are drawing 1 to 1 1/2 amps on transmit. So when you key the radio, that little wallwart you are using probably drops to about 7-8 volts. And those things are not well filtered, either.

Most CBs are fused at 2 amps, so a 3 amp supply such as Radio Shack sells would be adequate. But if you can afford more, than by all means, get it.

Mark S.

 

[nmfire10]

When you aren't supplying enough power to the transmitter, they do infact tend to make horrid noises. That thing is your problem. Get a real power supply and you'll be much better. I still don't see how the power supply is homemade though?

As for the antenna, where are you putting it?

 

[Colin9690]

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW!! LOL :lol:

 

[EMS12]

I suppose nobody told you that you may want to try an set your SWR. Seeing as well, you're using a mobile antenna in your house.

That would more than likely be the cause of your troubles.

I would think that it's not the power supply itself but in fact your SWR needs to be retuned.

Dont laugh at me here, but i am using a radioshack mobile magnet-mount antenna that i use for my car IN MY BASE STATION!

Don't mean to argue but high SWR isn't going to cause squeals and such. Not drawing enough amps will.

But it is a good idea to check the SWR's on that anterna to make sure you have a good match and don't fry the radio. :wink:

 

[kd4jxz]

Check out Ebay for an "Astron" power supply. You wouldn't need much to run a CB. Look for a 15 amp or something. They're pretty cheap. I have an extra one that I would let go real cheap!

It's a RS35M that only does about 15amps continuous.

kd4jxz

 

[n4yek]

I suppose nobody told you that you may want to try an set your SWR. Seeing as well, you're using a mobile antenna in your house.

That would more than likely be the cause of your troubles.

I would think that it's not the power supply itself but in fact your SWR needs to be retuned.

Dont laugh at me here, but i am using a radioshack mobile magnet-mount antenna that i use for my car IN MY BASE STATION!

Don't mean to argue but high SWR isn't going to cause squeals and such. Not drawing enough amps will.

But it is a good idea to check the SWR's on that anterna to make sure you have a good match and don't fry the radio. :wink:

You made the same mistake that OntarioScannerNut did....read the VERY NEXT post after his first...
(no flame intended...)
Danny
N4YEK

 

[EMS12]

Good point.

Just never heard of high SWR causing squeals upon transmit. I guess if the radio was just about to pop off it may make a last gasp.... har har :wink:

 

[n4yek]

Good point.

Just never heard of high SWR causing squeals upon transmit. I guess if the radio was just about to pop off it may make a last gasp.... har har :wink:

I'd say you're right... :lol:

Danny
n4yek

 

[Voyager]

Good point.

Just never heard of high SWR causing squeals upon transmit. I guess if the radio was just about to pop off it may make a last gasp.... har har :wink:

It all depends. If the SWR is high, you can have a lot of RF returned down the feedline and RF looking for something good to resonnate from. It's not unreasonable to think that some of this stray RF might find its way into the mic circuits and cause squeels. I've seen (and heard) it happen many times. Although, in this case it certainly is most likely that the inadequate power supply is the cause.

Joe M.