Best way to power CB

[stephan07]

Hey Guys. Picked up a Uniden 520xl for the simplicity. Who knows, maybe someday I go with a HAM. Ordered up some tap a fuse connectors from Amazon in various sizes only to find the assortment didnt have a fuse size that fit!

Anyone have some pointers on how they easily tapped into a power source or what size tap a fuse they ordered? No problem just tapping a hot wire I guess, but would like a nice write up if available. Craziest smallest fuses of any car I've owned. First Jap vehicle coming from numerous German cars and a number of Range Rovers.

Thanks all....

 

[erikhy]

I used a SwitchPro 9100 for power distribution, which is probably more than you are looking for. In your case, if you want simplicity, just run a pair of 14 or 16 gauge stranded wires from the battery, with an inline fuse close to the battery. There is a big rubber grommet in the driver's side firewall aft of the battery, which is super easy to route through to your dash or center console. This option let's you use your radio without your keys in...and drain your battery if you forget to shut it off.

The other option is to use a fuse tap off the accessory fuse in the fuse box above the driver's left foot. That way the radio goes off when you remove your keys, and you won't drain the battery.

If you will use an external antenna (I used a Lil Will mag mount on the roof) you can easily route the coax out the same grommet into the engine bay, up the channel next to the windshield, and inside the rubber channel filler on the roof to the roof rack. Then wire-tie the cable to the rack bar and drop the mag-mount onto the roof in the center for good transmission/ground plane characteristics. Watch your height, though, if you drive into any garage1s. DM me if you have questions.

Check O'Reilley's Auto Parts (or other local parts store), who usually have multiple sizes of fuse taps.

 

[PeoplecallmeIan]

I just installed my CB 2 days ago and I ran it straight to the battery. Pretty straight forward. You just have to make sure you turn it off so it doesn't drain the battery.

 

[e60ral]

Radios should go to the battery

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[wcjeep]

Do not splice into existing wiring. Never a good idea. Fuse/Tap or direct run to the battery with fuse protection.

 

[sr5owner?]

Can the same fuse tap or straight to battery be used to hook up a dashcam?

I remember using a fuse tap plus a cigarette lighter to hook up my xm radio back in the day and was just curious if anything has came out.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[stephan07]

Ok will run a 14 straight to battery.
Thanks everyone!!

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

Put it back in the box, place into the trash can, get a HAM radio, wire directly to the battery.

Problem solved. You're welcome.

I am here all day.

 

[stephan07]

Put it back in the box, place into the trash can, get a HAM radio, wire directly to the battery.

Problem solved. You're welcome.

I am here all day.

Ha!! Good advice. I’ll prob add that next. Most of the guys round here have a CB and require it for some of the runs. HAMs are great, but if no one else has one makes the group runs a bit tougher. So will prob end up with both.

 

[MeefZah]

FYI the mini ATO fuse taps work just fine, they only protrude a bit from the box. I use them in all installs in newer cars that have those stupid low profile Mini ATOs and have had 0 issues. I'd personally just go to a hot fuse for a CB install. For a real radio that draws actual amperage I'd go to battery.

 

[BobsTrail]

Most of the guys round here have a CB and require it for some of the runs. HAMs are great, but if no one else has one makes the group runs a bit tougher.

I had CB, Ham and Family Radio - FMRS to be able to work with different groups. Gave up, and now I just follow the guy in front of me after a trip briefing.

 

[BobsTrail]

I'd personally just go to a hot fuse for a CB install. For a real radio that draws actual amperage I'd go to battery.

:iagree:

I took an easy route with my WX75 CB. I connected to the hot lead under the drivers seat for the power seat. Ran a separate fuse for the radio. Quick and easy.