got a cb radio

Being zip tied to the dashboard should have no effect on the audio quality of the incoming signal. Unless the speaker was on the bottom and it was smashed against the dashboard preventing the sound from coming out of the speaker

 

will you please get out of my truck....lol

 

As far as getting it tuned goes, are there places that do that, other than an actual radio shop? I tried looking up a shop, but I couldn't find any on my route.

Anywhere along I-5, between LA and SF would be grand.

 

You can diagnose and fix it yourself, but you'd have to go through all the systems to diagnose it properly.

Or, you could just take it to a shop and tell them to have at it and let them worry about checking the coax, fixing a ground loop (if there is one - cases rhythmic ticking or popping sounds) tuning the radio, and setting the SWR of the antenna.

I'll see if I can locate any radio shops out that way....

 

First one I've found...it's over in Ontario though.
The Radio Shop
4055 E Guasti Rd # 101, Ontario, CA 91761
(909) 390-5056

I'll edit and add more as I come across them.

 

Good point. Hey @GiantBeard - do you have an external speaker? Those plug in the back and make a huge difference in sound quality and intelligibility.

 

I don't think I do. The sound just comes out of the box. I'll look into that, and maybe some kind of fastener.

 

The common initial upgrades are an external speaker and noise-cancelling mic. I like the Uniden Bearcat speaker and Astatic mics. Those type of mics just get your voice instead of all the noise in your truck with it. Get another driver going your direction or at a truck stop help you get your mic gain dialed in so you are heard, but don't sound all distorted.

 

I guess I misunderstood the issue.

When you said "over 1 mile away" I took it to mean that you were having trouble receiving transmissions further out, not just a lack of sound quality.

 

I suppose that's what I intended to say. I'll take advice on anything though. It's a sad day when the internet has to be my trainer and the school just taught me a to shift and memorize a script.