Mmmmmm kaaaay now what ^%#$%$ CB

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by Kansas, Sep 6, 2010.

  1. Kansas

    Kansas Road Train Member

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    Apr 14, 2009
    aircap, Ks.
    0
    My CB is ticking me off. Hard wired it to the battery since every time I plugged in my cell phone, laptop, sirius radio, inverter etc etc. The thing would start howling, now I have a new problem. Purchased a small 12v bunk fan recently. It feeds and amplifies the fan motor noise directly to the CB. GRRRRRRRRRRR

    I have tried a couple different noise filters, and nothing even tries to block the noise entering the cb. Did I mention I even twisted the power leads to to the CB for shielding? What else can I try?
     
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  3. Bulldog357

    Bulldog357 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 23, 2010
    Phx, AZ
    0
    Disconnect the coax from the back of the radio. If it goes away it's probably RFI (radio frequency interference). This can be tough to eliminate.

    If it does go away, you need to locate the source(s). It can be creeping in via the Antenna, coax or both. My current setup will pick up RFI from other vehichle electrical systems passing buy... :(

    To find the source, re-connect the coax and remove the antenna and check it. If it's still as loud as it was, it's probably the coax (poor shielding), if it lessens but is still present, it's probably a combination of antenna and coax.

    You may be able to reduce the interference with an RFI Choke (google it).

    If removing the coax doesn't improve the interference than you've probably got a ground loop somewhere. Hooking your radio directly to the batter is typically the best solution, but doesn't always eliminate the problem. Your battery connects to your frame where other items are also grounded, increasing the potential for ground loops. Trying different grounding locations for the radio may help. Keep the power directly to the battery and look for the absolute shortest distance from the radio to a good metal source and see if it helps... not garunteed but things to explore.
     
  4. Flying Dutchman

    Flying Dutchman Road Train Member

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    Nov 2, 2009
    Northern California
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    its a grounding issue. you need to run flat braid ground straps on everything. Cab, frame, doors, everything. this will help immensely with interference.
     
  5. FriedTater

    FriedTater Keeper of The Snakes

    2,202
    886
    Mar 25, 2009
    United State of Texas
    0
    Start with grounding the antenna and then the radio itself.
    Then work your way back to the battery box,
    door to cab
    cab to frame
    frame to battery box
    battery to battery box
    Fresh charged drill motor and a handful of terminal connectors,12 ga wire and
    about a dozen 5/16 self tapping screws

    Use a round terminal connector and some 12ga wire,go from the radio mount screw across to your A pillar(behind the plastic there is steel)
    example:
    If you have a grab handle use a connector thats big enough for the bolt,use duct tape to hold the connector while you reinstall the plastic cover and handle.

    There is only so much you can do,these new style trucks and their multiple ECM's
    are always going to cause RF feedback.
     
  6. Kansas

    Kansas Road Train Member

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    Apr 14, 2009
    aircap, Ks.
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    Will get to work on this sometime in the next few days and report what if I find.

    This is on my Volvo, I think they have about the crappiest antenna mount locations on any truck in history. Currently using a perch mount that bolts up via the mirror mount. I suspect the antenna may not be getting half the ground it needs.
     
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