Cobra cb problem

1. turn off the engine. Still have static? It's a radio/antenna/coax/grounding issue.
2. No static after vehicle is off? You may have an issue with an alternator or something else in the vehicles electrical system. Easiest solution at this point is to try a noise eliminator like those used for car stereos.
3. Are people hearing you when you transmit? No... See number one. If you are transmiotting OK I would suspect the antenna or coax.
4. Do you have a good antenna and coax? Cheap setups are no bargain. Truckstop specials can cause problemsn like this. If you don't have a quality coax, I would start there. A cheap, poorly shielded coax can cause a myriad of problems.

 

Got a buddy with a good working setup? Take your radio and put it in his rig. Attach your power leads to a cigarette lighter plug, if that isn't alreadyhe way you power the radio. See if it works with his setup. For 20 bucks I am guessing you don't have too good of an antenna... Cheap antennas can have lots of issues.... What type is it? Do you know? Poorly made antennas can go south pretty quick. Rainwater can get into a poorly sealed coil and ruin them. I have seen guys spend $300 on a great radio only to be shutdown by a cheap antenna. If you can't bring your radio to another truck... Try tom borrow a high quality magnet mount like a K40 or Wilson for a quick test.

Also check the coax connections on the antenna you have. Check als0 the ground to the antenna. It is sounding more and more like something in the antenna system.

If it is your antenna expect to pay at least $75 for a decent antenna.... K40, Wilson, Monkey Made are a few dependable brand names. Where and how is the antenna mounted. A problem with the antenna ground could cause exactly the issues you are having.

I have often helped guys with issues like yours. A friendly CB'er in your area might let you try your rig on your antenna. Do you have an SWR meter? Check the SWR's. m If they are bad you can be pretty sure it's your antenna. If you don't have the necessary equipment a local CB shop will have the meter and other equipment to test your setup. Most charge a few dollars for testing. Around here some shops will even credit the price for testing towards the purchase of the new antenna...

If it is indeed your antenna. Throw it away! Consider it $20 for a lesson learned. GHet one of the antennas mentioned above or similar quality brand. You will be pleased with the performance increase over what you had even when the setup was working. The antenna is really more important than the radio. Even an inexpensive radio will sound great with a good antenna. Cheap antennas are no bargain at all.

 

Francis is a good, "cheap antenna". Or they used to be. Google "SkipShooter" and look if anybody is a dealer in the areas you travel. They are about $35 and are excellent antennas, plus, they are a lot less likely to get stolen than the more expensive antennas. Buy the tallest one you can.

 

http://www.skipshooterantennas.com/

 

Is the Mic screwed in all the way? On Cobra radios the Mic has to be screwed in and working, OR there will be no sound coming out of the speaker...dead silent...

Also, if one of the coax connectors shorts out, then all you may hear is a slight hiss...only in this case, you wouldn't be seeing any incoming signal strength on the meter either...