Stumped, no sound or nothing???!!!

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by Freudian Trucker, Sep 6, 2009.

  1. Freudian Trucker

    Freudian Trucker Bobtail Member

    19
    1
    May 24, 2009
    Raleigh, NC
    0
    I have just installed a Cobra 29LTD Classic and a 4' Firestick antenna in my International 24' straight truck. The antenna is mirror mounted. Before I did a full wire hiding install. I mounted the antenna and just ran the wire through the window. I put a 12volt cig light plug on the power wires and turned it on with no volume. The cb has a built in swr meter that I figured would be okay for a quick check to see if I am in the ballpark. The swr reading was at 1.5 on channel 1, 19, & 40 so I figured I was close enough to go ahead and run the coax through the mirror tube into the door and and up into the dash, up the pillar and over to the middle of the overhead console. I ran 12 volt power and ground up there to, getting my power from behind the radio. Okay that is what I have done so far. I go to check the swr again with the coax instaled and I am at 3.0 across the board. I checked for coax shorts to itself and to ground but it is okay. So what gives? I get no noise on the radio at all, is that right. (yes I have power turned on and the volume up) Should I hear any staic/backround noise? I did not hear anybody talking either. I borrowed a friends swr meter, but I get no reading at all (needle does not move), so I think it might be broke. I don't know anyone around that has a cb to confirm mine is working. I am back on the road Monday headed down I-85 from Raleigh NC to Atlanta. Are there any good CB shops along the way?

    Sorry for the long post, I just want to give all my info up front. Any and all ideas are welcome.
     
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  3. Turbo-T

    Turbo-T Road Train Member

    1,953
    702
    May 31, 2009
    0
    Did you check to see if your squelch was all the way down and the RF gain was all the way up? Those 2 alone will make no sound come out.

    When hooked to an antenna and those 2 set like i just said, you should hear some hissing.

    I know of one good CB shop in Fayetteville, NC....Knight's Electronics. He's a bit of a ways off I-95 but you take I-295 from I-95 and stay on until it tees into Ramsey St, then turn right on Ramsey, at the next light turn left on Andrews Rd, stay on Andrews until you get to McArthur road, turn left on McArthur and go thru the stop light, they're located in a barn looking like building next to a gas station.

    http://maps.google.com/maps?client=...oid=J1LAJfYBDJ2boDZXASgmJw&cbp=12,252.12,,0,5

    Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
     
  4. Freudian Trucker

    Freudian Trucker Bobtail Member

    19
    1
    May 24, 2009
    Raleigh, NC
    0
    I set the rf gain and squelch in the middle of their range and also tried moving them, but to no avail.

    Thanks for the tip in Fayetteville, if I don't have any luck this trip, then maybe I will take a run down there when I get back.
     
  5. FriedTater

    FriedTater Keeper of The Snakes

    2,202
    886
    Mar 25, 2009
    United State of Texas
    0
    Is the radio/antenna new ?
    If its used there is a good chance the mic has a dead short on one end or the other.
    The antenna could also be cracked,the other place I would look at is the nylon washer under the female stud
    on the mount its self. Over tightening these will crush the washer and ground it out.

    But the all time bonehead mistake is to have the radio on PA :biggrin_2559:

    Check out all the simple stuff,then we'll look else where for your issue.
     
  6. Freudian Trucker

    Freudian Trucker Bobtail Member

    19
    1
    May 24, 2009
    Raleigh, NC
    0
    Both the radio and antenna are new. I checked the washer allready and it is good. The unit does go to transmit when I key the mic. With the swr reading 3.0 I don't key it for long though.

    You made me look at the PA switch, I am happy to say it is in the cb position. I would not put it past me to make that kind of mistake though:biggrin_25521:.

    Thanks for the ideas, just a few things it is not.
     
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