Clean Cobra 75WX ST install in center console Switch blank write up.

[hrod79]

So I purchased this CB radio due to its small packaging and ability to remove it when not using. I wired it into the center console and had the pigtail from the controller box just hanging out of the passenger side of the center console to allow for connection to handset when ever I wanted to use it. All was great. Went on a trip to Big Bend with other Toyota owners and after 30min I was unable to get any sound. Spent the day unable to communicate and then after returning to the campsite and investigating. I noticed that the solder connections to 3 of the 5 pins had broken due to movement. I wanted to do a clean install into the console as to not have this happen again. Here is how I did it. I decided to use the spot for the AUX radio connection due to my aftermarket radio not using that position. In the 2010-2013 models, we have a door that swings down to cover this location.

I ordered a 5pin (female) CB panel connector online along with a 5pin extension cable that came pre-terminated with male and female connections.

. In order for this to work I switched the male and female connectors on the stock Cobra 75wxst so that the handset would have the Male connector. This will allow for the male connector to screw down onto the female panel connector that will be installed into the blank switch cover.


I took a dremel and cut out space for panel connector to mount, then used a bit to drill out the hole for the connector.

I removed the female connector that came on the extension cable and ran it through the hole in the switch blank then re-soldered it to the panel connector.

I then installed my control box in the concole and re-installed the lower console assymbly with my new connection for the CB.



From this point on the wires will not be subject to extreme bending and hopefully the solder joints will last longer before breaking again.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

The install looks nice. What are you using for an antenna? I am using a K30 magnetic mount antenna when I off road but would like something shorter and permanent on the roof. Just not sure I want to drill a hole in the roof. I thought about running the cable down one of the bolt holes that mounts the roof rack but have not looked into it much yet. I do not really want to pull the headliner down either but I do not like the idea of the antenna mounted on the rear bumper because they really get flopping around and can damage the paint.

 

[TBrock]

Any pics of your run to the antenna?

 

[hrod79]

The install looks nice. What are you using for an antenna? I am using a K30 magnetic mount antenna when I off road but would like something shorter and permanent on the roof. Just not sure I want to drill a hole in the roof. I thought about running the cable down one of the bolt holes that mounts the roof rack but have not looked into it much yet. I do not really want to pull the headliner down either but I do not like the idea of the antenna mounted on the rear bumper because they really get flopping around and can damage the paint.

So I'm using a K-11 firestik magnet mount that i have run from the Jack compartment in the rear along the rocker panels under the dash and into the console. I don't have a permenant mount at this time. I unwind it from jack compartment and run it through a cracked rear window at this time when I use it.

 

[hrod79]

Any pics of your run to the antenna?

Don't have any pictures of that right now. but all slack from antena cable is coiled up in jack compartment and then i set my magnet mount on top of Gobi ladder when i use it.

 

[470SNC]

great job, looks like a factory option!

 

[cbielat]

That's the CB I'll be purchasing. How did you like it's performance when it was working? I like your install but I use my aux outlet. I'll need to think of another spot to do a similar mounting point.

 

[Jeff614]

Looks great. Super clean install.

Just out of curiousity any reason why so many folks go with the cobra over the midland? The midlands control box is all in one and can be unhooked from the 12-volt "section" and a battery pack added to use as a handheld. No real allegiance to either. I've got the midland, but solely for easy install. The Wilson 5000 up top makes up for tiny radio.

Still tryn to figure out where to mount my full size Connex.

- Jeff

 

[hrod79]

That's the CB I'll be purchasing. How did you like it's performance when it was working? I like your install but I use my aux outlet. I'll need to think of another spot to do a similar mounting point.

Worked great for all of that 30min. Everyone else out there had the same setup with cobra and as far as I could tell they were all happy. Kinda sucked being the only one out there out of the loop so to speak.

Looks great. Super clean install.

Just out of curiousity any reason why so many folks go with the cobra over the midland? The midlands control box is all in one and can be unhooked from the 12-volt "section" and a battery pack added to use as a handheld. No real allegiance to either. I've got the midland, but solely for easy install. The Wilson 5000 up top makes up for tiny radio.

Still tryn to figure out where to mount my full size Connex.

- Jeff

I really just took a shot in the dark when I chose the Cobra. I considered the Midland but in the end I wanted to have something tied to the truck. I seem to lose pieces the more there are especially when not anchored to a 5000 lbs vehicle. I usually blame the wife....

 

[3wbdriver]

Looks great. Super clean install.

Just out of curiousity any reason why so many folks go with the cobra over the midland? The midlands control box is all in one and can be unhooked from the 12-volt "section" and a battery pack added to use as a handheld. No real allegiance to either. I've got the midland, but solely for easy install. The Wilson 5000 up top makes up for tiny radio.

Still tryn to figure out where to mount my full size Connex.

- Jeff

I bought my Cobra 75 because it was hanging on the hook at 4WheelParts when I went in the store. If it had been the Midland I would have bought that one. Pretty simple for me. I've got my small control box under the passenger seat and my coax runs up the B pillar behind the doors to a Firestik that is mounted with a spring using an 18 wheeler mirror mount clamped on the right side of my Baja Rack.

My problem has been finding a decent cigarette lighter adapter for power. I do intend to eventually hardwire the power connection into my center console but for now I just want a lighter plug that will stay in the socket.....
[MENTION=66483]hrod79[/MENTION], how do you have your mic hung? I've tried a couple of sticky tape mounts but can't locate an area that is flat enough for them to hold consistently.

 

[Antman]

My problem has been finding a decent cigarette lighter adapter for power. I do intend to eventually hardwire the power connection into my center console but for now I just want a lighter plug that will stay in the socket.....

I can help you there! This is what I use for my thermoelectric cooler, very high quality stuff.

MARINCO Premium 12V Receptacle and Plug | West Marine

Works great and has a rubber gasket on the plug to keep it tight in any socket. If you use the receptacle too the plug will lock into place and require a 90 degree turn to remove.

 

[hrod79]

@Hrod, how do you have your mic hung? I've tried a couple of sticky tape mounts but can't locate an area that id flat enough for them to hold consistently.

I have a thick string looped and it hangs from mirror

 

[3wbdriver]

I have a thick string looped and it hangs from mirror

You have a couple of nice flat looking spots on the center radio area to put one of those sticky tape mic holders. My radio plate area is a lot busier than yours and has no usable flats. I had thought about hanging one of those retractable mic holders off the mirror but I'm just too worried about that additional weight on the mirror mount. I've had too many of those glass mounted mirrors fall off the windshield for no good reason over the years.
[MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION], thanks for the link to that plug. I'll definitely be looking into one of those. I would actually prefer to keep it as a portable setup for when I'm not using it. The way I have the antenna mounted I can loosen the bracket and fold it flat over the rack.

 

[Jeff614]

Thanks guys, just a random thought/question I had. I think Cobra does a better job with marketing theirs too.

Glad to see so many with CB's at least! No doubt great for keeping in contact on the trails, but useful for finding out what the heck is causing all the traffic ahead of you on the interstate, where the cops are, and general laughter (although it does get pretty bad sometimes... I'd never keep channel 19 on when kids are listening) too.

One thing the Cobra has all over the Midland is the backlight. On the Midland you have to manually push a "light" button and then it only stays on for 10-15 seconds. Most annoying at night.

Severely miss my Connex, constantly wracking my brain on a way to mount that massive thing. (Antman, looking in your direction with all your factory look interior mods :hatsoff

 

[Okki]

That's the CB I'll be purchasing. How did you like it's performance when it was working? I like your install but I use my aux outlet. I'll need to think of another spot to do a similar mounting point.

Similar setup in my build thread, but leaving the AUX in place. I also use it to play the CB over the truck speakers.

Okki

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/94578-okkis-build-thread-2.html#post1028182

 

[hrod79]

Similar setup in my build thread, but leaving the AUX in place. I also use it to play the CB over the truck speakers.

Okki

Nice, I hadn't seen your build or at least this part. I do use this compartment to keep business cards and such. I also considered just drilling the area above the 12VDC plug and aux. There is plenty of room there behind that area for the cable and solder connections to not get stressed in any direction. Plus I want the option to return it to stock if ever needed. i.e. trading for a TRD Pro.... but hate to start over with $40k+ when mine is paid for... even though i'm creeping up on 100k miles

 

[TBrock]

Has anyone done this but in there arm rest compartment and had the microphone cable coming out the cord cutout? Pics?

 

[cbielat]

Similar setup in my build thread, but leaving the AUX in place. I also use it to play the CB over the truck speakers.

Okki

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/94578-okkis-build-thread-2.html#post1028182

I use my Aux output for my phone. That's a great idea to run the cb through the speakers. I was wondering if that could be done somehow. I'll have to look through your thread when I get my last pieces for my install.

 

[cbielat]

I like this Cobra due to the fact that it's all contained in one piece.

 

[hrod79]

I use my Aux output for my phone. That's a great idea to run the cb through the speakers. I was wondering if that could be done somehow. I'll have to look through your thread when I get my last pieces for my install.

Now that i'm thinking of it, by Pioneer has an AUX input on the back. i could connect a wire from control box of CB to back of radio and use AUX on radio as speaker for CB all behind the dash......