I went on a Trail run this weekend and I was only able to hear and transmit to two out of the 13 jeeps that were there. I could barely hear the others who were closer to me than the two that I could actually hear! The cable I use is an RG8X. I bought it at the 4WD store when I was in Florida and the guy told me it was the best quality cable I could get... I'm starting to have some doubts about it's quality but I'm not ready to start spending more money on another cable until I really know that's the problem. I think I'm going to buy a swr meter first since everyone is recommending it since the one integrated into my CB is not very reliable.

 

The RG8x is great for CB. I'm assuming you have a standard length cable for CB? (length is absolutely critical)

 

Yup 18 feet!

 

Rg8 is great stuff if your running power amps ! If it's just cb, coax, antenna !! Then it's wasted money! Your typical radio shack rg6 coax is fine and will give you years of service!
My only question is: was this radio modified or touch inside in ANY way! Or is it new straight out of the box to the dash??

 

Notes:

Power amplifiers are illegal for CB, as is modifying the radio itself in any way.

At CB frequencies, coax length is not critical, especially with high-quality coax. However, excess coax can be a problem if it's just coiled up and stowed somewhere; the coil can cause matching difficulties.

Do not use RG6. The radio wants to see a specific impedance in ohms. RG8 (or 58 or 8X) has the correct impedance. RG6 (or 59) - or cable-tv coax - has a higher impedance. While that can make your SWR meter happy, it is deceptive, as it is actually adding to the resistance, impeding your signal getting from the radio to the antenna. (As to why it can fool an SWR meter, well, there's a ton of antenna theory in there, folks. It can get complicated and I don't want to bore you.)

I suspect there is a problem somewhere between the radio and the antenna. Here's what I'd troubleshoot:

1. Check your coax for kinks and breaks. Use a DVM to check continuity.
2. If the coax is 18' long, shorten it to the shortest length you can work with. Coils of excess coax are bad.
3. If you're using crimped-on connectors, cut 'em off and get handy with a 100w soldering gun and high-quality connectors. If your coax is too long, you'll need at least one new PL-259 anyway.
4. Ensure the coax connections at each end of the line - i.e., at the radio and at the antenna - are clean and tight. Do not use tools to tighten a PL-259 type coax connector, as tool grip can break the insulation surrounding the center pin.
5. Consider replacing your antenna. The fiberglass Firestik-type whips are electrically short. A full-length "CB whip" like the one pictured here is a far better alternative.
6. Ensure your antenna mount is grounded, and that the portion of the vehicle to which the mount is installed is grounded to the rest of the Jeep. That might mean sanding off paint and attaching metal strap; the good news is you can use the outer-shield braid from some of your excess coax for that purpose.
7. Ensure any metal-to-metal contact is then protected from the elements with some conductive grease. You don't want your beloved Jeep to rust!

I think that about covers it.

Cheers!

Bob

 

I think this thread has turned a simple process into a big confusing mess!! Lol
A stock radio, 18' of standard coax and a well grounded antenna mount, no coil in coax and hand tight all fitting and your good to go! Heavy duty coax is UN NECESSARY for a stock hookup! Stock you should be able to talk to the entire team of drivers in a Run! Unless they are 5 + miles from you!
Some coax has points inside like the pic included. Make sure they do not get ground flat from over tightening!
It really is a simple process. It's when you add amps and toys and all kinds of meters to the setup is when it gets complicated! Trust me! Lol
Good luck hope it all works out ok !

 

As a side note: years ago I was driving cross country and knew NOTHING about cb! I bought a radio shack little radio and a mag mount antenna!
I put the antenna on the truck and radio wedged between seat and console, turned it on a drove over 3000 miles coast to coast without any problems and I could hear and talk to pretty much anyone I needed to on my journey! Some within eyesight and some I never even saw a glimpse of!

 

Heres a standard coax pl259 end. Notice the points inside at bottom

 

It can be a complicated mess. It can also be frustratingly over-simplified.

Like I said above, amplifiers are illegal. I personally will rat out anyone I witness operating an amplifier or modified equipment on CB frequencies. Anyone doing that is in violation of Federal regulations and liable to a $10,000+ fine.

Adding a meter is making two more PL-259 connections, which is hardly "complicated" and is in fact necessary if one wishes to have an optimized system.

As for "complicated", Nico4x4 posted a specific problem. I posted specific recommendations to try in order to solve his problem. Problems can be complicated. Not every installation is as simple as a mag-mount and a radio wedged between seats. In fact, most aren't. So before you poo-poo "complicated" you might want to keep that in mind.

Cordially,

Bob

 

Hey Bob relax man it's really not a big deal!
As far a ratting out people for having amps or tuning radios ... That just being a douche in my book! But hey that's ok man! To each his own!
You might as well rat out just about 90% of Truckers on the highway and maybe every cb shop in the road side for ever tuning a radio or tuning up a little mod in one! Please the FCC have bigger fish to fry then to worry about some guy tooling around in the desert or mudd with a slightly modified radio. Haha good luck finding him first!
Have a good day RAT ... I mean BoB! Sheesh!
Guess your signal got squashed one too many times! Hahaha peace brother!