Installed Cobra CB radio w/ issues..

[ecrew16]

Today, my buddy and I installed Cobra CB radios in our trucks for easy communication when we're out wheelin' or whatever.

I am getting interference through my speaker of some sort. The sound is distorted and I can barely make out the words being said. Although, sometimes it comes through crystal clear for a second then goes back to the distorted sound. An analogy would be..if a radiostation's channel was 100.3, and you were on 100.5. The sort of static, muffling the sound. The unit is tapped into The power and ground on the OEM 12v acc on the center console.

The speaker in his truck sounds perfect when voice comes though.

Yes, we are on the same channel.

I am either thinking...
a) The antenna is mounted in a disruptive position (as shown below)
b) The speaker is blown or unit is defective
c) Power source? Doubtful..

Where is the OEM antenna hidden? Will that interfere with the CB radio reception if mounted close to the OEM antenna? Thanks guys.

I mounted my antenna here:

<a target='_blank' title='ImageShack - Image And Video Hosting' href='http://img17.imageshack.us/i/dsc0059js.jpg/'><img src='http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/6375/dsc0059js.jpg' border='0'/></a>

 

[810moto]

did you check your SWR's? I used to run a 29ltd classic with a 500w pushing behind it back in the day. Are you using your truck speakers or one that is on the cb?

 

[ecrew16]

did you check your SWR's? I used to run a 29ltd classic with a 500w pushing behind it back in the day. Are you using your truck speakers or one that is on the cb?

I am using the one that is on the CB.

Sorry, SWR's? What are you referring to?

 

[810moto]

Standing Wave Ratio.
check it.
Antenna SWR tuning

 

[ecrew16]

Standing Wave Ratio.
check it.
Antenna SWR tuning

Gotcha. Thank you for the info, ill try to get one of those

 

[SkylineGTRracer]

I have that problem too sometimes but its rare. some of my friends think its my antenna. I put the ground where the dead pedal is. I think your its either your antenna or you have a bad unit. Before I had a Cobra I had a Galaxy and it went bad within two months after the install.

 

[ecrew16]

I have that problem too sometimes but its rare. some of my friends think its my antenna. I put the ground where the dead pedal is. I think your its either your antenna or you have a bad unit. Before I had a Cobra I had a Galaxy and it went bad within two months after the install.

Damn man, the galaxy crapped on itself after 2 months? Phewww.

I think ill try moving the antenna to different areas. My buddy and I will mess around with it tonight.

If no change...it's back to the store with the receipt.

 

[Uneek]

Where is the OEM antenna hidden? Will that interfere with the CB radio reception if mounted close to the OEM antenna? Thanks guys.

The OEM antenna for the radio is in the two cargo area side windows.

 

[jengic]

did you tune your antenna?

i had the same problem with my cobra until i had the antenna tuned

 

[NCSCOTT]

Check out these sites.

The Ultimate Guide to 11 Meter CB Antennas

Lets Explode a Few CB Myths

If it is the 75 wx. I returned one before because it sounded like crap.

I ended up with a couple 18 WXs over the years. They could be tweeked and peaked last I knew. Not a bad little CB for the money. Also had good luck with a Wilson 1000 Mag mount Antenna. I've had a 29 LTD Classic before too (hand-me-down from my old man)

Wilson 1000 Magnet Mount Antenna 900800 - Electronics Superstore www.WalcottCB.com

Cobra Electronics 18 WX ST II with SoundTracker® and NOAA Weather

Your antenna location is fine, center of the roof would be ideal, but it should work fine where it is.

I am a NAV/Comm Tech for the FAA.

 

[ecrew16]

Check out these sites.

The Ultimate Guide to 11 Meter CB Antennas

Lets Explode a Few CB Myths

If it is the 75 wx. I returned one before because it sounded like crap.

I ended up with a couple 18 WXs over the years. They could be tweeked and peaked last I knew. Not a bad little CB for the money. Also had good luck with a Wilson 1000 Mag mount Antenna. I've had a 29 LTD Classic before too (hand-me-down from my old man)

Wilson 1000 Magnet Mount Antenna 900800 - Electronics Superstore www.WalcottCB.com

Cobra Electronics 18 WX ST II with SoundTracker® and NOAA Weather

Your antenna location is fine, center of the roof would be ideal, but it should work fine where it is.

I am a NAV/Comm Tech for the FAA.

Hey thanks for the info!

I have the Cobra 19 DX IV 40 channel CB

I think it might be a faulty antenna or just too short. I also read up on channels and frequencies. We were on channel 33...go lower to 5 or something? 1.5 ft antenna..