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CB issues in an International Pro Star truck

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by Rosco, Nov 14, 2011.

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  1. Nov 14, 2011 #1
    Rosco

    Rosco Bobtail Member

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    Nov 12, 2011
    New Castle, IN
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    Was told by a tech at the CB shop just across I-80 from the I-80 Truck Stop that the reason I do not get good reception & transmit out of my radio is because of grounding issues with the International Pro Star trucks. Anyone else heard of this issue? I just bought a new radio (Cobra 29 LTD) thinking I may have fried something in the Uniden radio I had when I inadvertantly hooked up the power and ground wires backward when installing it. Any suggestions? The Uniden was tuned to supposedly improve my transmit and recieve range to 5 mi. plus although I never noticed much difference after that was done to it. The Cobra is stock of the shelf currently.
     
    Rosco, Nov 14, 2011
    Rosco, Nov 14, 2011
    #1
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  3. Nov 15, 2011 #2
    mike5511

    mike5511 Road Train Member

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    NW Arkansas
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    If you hooked it up backwards you fried it, but it shouldn't take much to fix it. I drive a pro star some. They usually do pretty good, as in no ground issues. Use good coax, not the factory stuff. Check your SWR, if it is good I would think you would be good to go.
     
    mike5511, Nov 15, 2011
    mike5511, Nov 15, 2011
    #2
  4. Dec 2, 2011 #3
    Rosco

    Rosco Bobtail Member

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    Nov 12, 2011
    New Castle, IN
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    Bought a new Cobra 29 LTD and had it "tuned up" ($20) so it supposedly puts out more power. SWR's checked and set properly on this new radio. Am still not receiving very well at all (less than a mile from what I've been able to gather). Am going to try using my own antenna and coax rather than the one integrated in the truck to see if that helps. Just never know if I can trust some of these guys at CB shops. Would love to find a CB Shop that has glowing reviews from truckers as an honest straight forward shop that will not b/s you just to try to sell you an "upgrade tune-up".
     
    Rosco, Dec 2, 2011
    Rosco, Dec 2, 2011
    #3
  5. Dec 3, 2011 #4
    mike5511

    mike5511 Road Train Member

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    May 15, 2011
    NW Arkansas
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    Well if you get down this way let me know and I'll head you in the right direction. Good coax and a good antenna, I use the Francis 4.5 ft when mounting on the top mirror arm, should improve your receive noticeably over the factory stuff. The skip has been so bad lately nobody is hearing much but noise and skip. Late at night is a good time to check your radio, less noise.
     
    mike5511, Dec 3, 2011
    mike5511, Dec 3, 2011
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    CBSPARKY Thanks this.
  7. Jun 12, 2012 #5
    thePowerhouse

    thePowerhouse Bobtail Member

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    Jun 12, 2012
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    I also am having problems with a good ground plane on my 2011 prostar plus. I bought some braided ground straps to see if that will help, waiting on them to get here. I am running a k40 18ft coax thru the mirror pole with a 20k stinger antenna and a sup'd up connex 3600hp
     
    thePowerhouse, Jun 12, 2012
    thePowerhouse, Jun 12, 2012
    #5
  8. Jun 13, 2012 #6
    mike5511

    mike5511 Road Train Member

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    NW Arkansas
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    Most of these new trucks lack a good rf ground. Using braided straps and bonding from the antenna mount to the frame is bound to help them out. Also, good coax and a good antenna are a must for best results as well.
     
    mike5511, Jun 13, 2012
    mike5511, Jun 13, 2012
    #6
  9. Jun 14, 2012 #7
    raverez097

    raverez097 Light Load Member

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    Aug 1, 2011
    Syracuse, ny
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    I also drive a prostar. I replaced both antenae with 4.5 ft francis. Used the stock mirror mounts and coax.
    I've seen an increase in range from 1-3 miles to 5-10 with a cobra 29ltd that I bought new in 2004.
    Also was peaked and tuned.
     
    raverez097, Jun 14, 2012
    raverez097, Jun 14, 2012
    #7
  10. Jun 15, 2012 #8
    lv gn

    lv gn Heavy Load Member

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    Jun 23, 2008
    las vegas nv.
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    The factory coax is garbage
     
    lv gn, Jun 15, 2012
    lv gn, Jun 15, 2012
    #8
    CBSPARKY Thanks this.
  11. Jun 16, 2012 #9
    mike5511

    mike5511 Road Train Member

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    May 15, 2011
    NW Arkansas
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    .....on all new trucks!!!
     
    mike5511, Jun 16, 2012
    mike5511, Jun 16, 2012
    #9
    CBSPARKY and lv gn Thank this.
  12. Jun 21, 2012 #10
    raverez097

    raverez097 Light Load Member

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    Aug 1, 2011
    Syracuse, ny
    0
    What do they use that makes them garbage? As oppose to what can it be replaced with?
    How can you tell the difference on the coax? Any markings?
     
    raverez097, Jun 21, 2012
    raverez097, Jun 21, 2012
    #10
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