Help

[CatfishKirk]

I have a realistic trc-418 cb hooked up in my truck. The antenna is a 102'' one from radio shack. It is mounted on the side of my toolbox with a mirror mount bracket and an antenna spring. I am new to cb radios but it seems to me that I am getting a lot of static and there is only a few channels that I can ever hear anyone on. I ordered a new mic but have not yet received it because my original one was not broadcasting, only keying in. I would greatly appreciate any advice on ways to improve this setup and any other general info that I should know. Thanks

 

[nonperson]

Is it static as in engine noise? How is your CB's electrical wires connected? Does it do it with the truck running, off or both? If your antenna coax cable is running parallel with any electrical wires it can cause engine noise in the radio.
One way to help trouble shoot the source is to disconnect the coax cable (don't transmit with the coax unplugged) and see if the problem goes away, improves, stays the same or not. If you get little or no static (engine noise) with the coax disconnected than the problem is in the antenna system (coax, mount, antenna) and or it's mounting location.
I had a lot of engine noise in my radio's audio. One of the first things I did was reroute my coax, witch help then changed how my radio's electrical wires were connected to the battery.

 

[CatfishKirk]

Reply

The static is not engine noise because it still makes the sound when the engine is off. When I unhooked the coax nearly all the static when away so I guess the problem is in the antenna/coax/mount. The coax is run under my seat and then out my door to the antenna. The power cord plugs into the cigarette lighter.

 

[nonperson]

The cigarette lighter power source isn't the best power source IMO. With out being able to hear it it sounds as if that's normal. If you turn that one selector switch to "ANL" it can cut out some unwanted noise and you can also turn the squelch control up until the noise goes away.

I'm not exactly how much you know about CB or radios in general so you might want to check out CBRadioMagazine.com - The only online CB Magazine in the world for information on them. The guy does a lot of reviews on radios, microphones and other stuff with a few how too stuff mixed in.

 

[LtDoc]

There can be a few sources of noise that aren't all that apparent, so, getting an answer on a forum like this will never replace 'hands-on' answers. With that out of the way, there are a couple of things that can be looked at, checked, to see if they are problems. Finding someone close to you to do that 'hands-on' type thingy would be a very good idea.
One place to check would be the mounting of that antenna, another would be how the radio is getting power. Running any coax cable through a door, or anyplace that it can be compressed is not exactly the best idea in the world either.
Not much help, huh?
- 'Doc

 

[CatfishKirk]

Thanks for the info guys. I think what I felt was a problem is just how my radio is going to operate with the setup I have.