Hey [MENTION=78903]08runnertjb[/MENTION],
I initially hardwired it to my starting battery. When I can find the time, I'll be rewiring it to my secondary fuseblock/house battery.
To power it through your internal OEM fuseblock (driver's side floorboard) you'll need a mini
add-a-fuse, a couple of appropriately-sized fuses, and a
multimeter would help.
Use your multimeter to find a hot connection in the fuseblock that fits your need (i.e., always on, on w/ key in the ACC position, or on when truck is running, etc.). Alternatively just pick a fuse slot that's on w/ ACC (like your stereo) and use your add-a-fuse there. If you use a slot that's already fused,
make sure to use a fuse that matches the OEM Amp rating in the lower add-a-fuse slot to keep the factory equipment properly protected.
Whichever spot in your fuseblock you choose, remember that you have to fuse the
lower circuit (the one without the wire) in order to power the
upper circuit (where the red power line for the CB will connect). Connect the red power wire from the CB to the add-a-fuse crimp connector, insert the add-a-fuse into the fuse block, ground the black wire from the CB box, connect the CB unit to the box, and turn it on to make sure it powers up.
Remember that keying the mic (transmitting) without an antenna hooked up could potentially damage your radio, so always make sure that the antenna is connected when pushing the transmit key. (
source). I bought a
cheapo SWR/RF meter to tune my antenna's SWR. Turned out to be worth the $20 because my tunable Firestik had a really high SWR out of the box -- took all of 3 minutes to get it down to something like 1.2/1.3.
Hope that makes sense and feel free to PM me or give me a call if you want to discuss. I'm on TDY for the next couple of weeks, but will check in.