Bretthn
Explorer
Thank you!
100 Series Family Adventure Rig
- Thread starter Bretthn
- Start date
rockgrabber
New member
SWR meter makes a huge difference. I have one, but live in Kings Mountain, NC. Wish I was closer, would be glad to let you borrow it. If interested, here is a great explanation on how and why to use one: http://www.rightchannelradios.com/cb-antenna-tuning-swr-explained I believe they have a video as well. Nice installation job by the way.
Dave
Dave
Bretthn
Explorer
Thanks for the link. It was a good read and really informative. I found someone with meter close to me.
Bretthn
Explorer
So thanks to fellow ExPo member boo471 who let me borrow his SWR meter, I finally finished wiring the antenna and tuning it. The best I could get was channel 1 @ .8, channel 19 @ 1.3, and channel 40 @ 1.8. My understanding is under 2.0 is safe to use without risk of damaging the cb but the lower the number the better... is this correct? The tuning tip on the Wilson antenna is as short as it will go and any higher raises the SWR.
I also need to figure out a mounting system for the mic since it is an all in one unit and has a belt style clip rather than the button that is on most.
I also need to figure out a mounting system for the mic since it is an all in one unit and has a belt style clip rather than the button that is on most.
Bretthn
Explorer
For those of you reading that are in my area, make sure to check out our next group ride.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/116585-NC-meet-and-greet-2nd-edition-October-5th
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/116585-NC-meet-and-greet-2nd-edition-October-5th
Bretthn
Explorer
Relay and fuse box
I think I have a lot of wiring ahead of me. I really like things to look as factory as possible, and to be cheap. I had been looking at the sPod for quite a while but couldn't justify the money they cost for my needs. I have yet to order any of my offroad lights yet. Well I stumbled across this and couldn't pass up on the price. It is made by Cooper Bussmann and is completely sealed. It has 5 relays and 10 fuses. I plan to create my own switch harness for 5 different relayed circuits and will still have 4 fuses to spare.
I will post some more pictures once I start wiring it up.
I think I have a lot of wiring ahead of me. I really like things to look as factory as possible, and to be cheap. I had been looking at the sPod for quite a while but couldn't justify the money they cost for my needs. I have yet to order any of my offroad lights yet. Well I stumbled across this and couldn't pass up on the price. It is made by Cooper Bussmann and is completely sealed. It has 5 relays and 10 fuses. I plan to create my own switch harness for 5 different relayed circuits and will still have 4 fuses to spare.
I will post some more pictures once I start wiring it up.
Bretthn
Explorer
The backside of the fuse/relay box looks like this. It uses waterproof connections and can be custom wired for your needs.
I also bought one of these. I am a little disappointed that the white area does not light up or at least have a power led to indicate when powered but it was a third of the price of a Blue Sea unit and is still built well.
I also bought one of these. I am a little disappointed that the white area does not light up or at least have a power led to indicate when powered but it was a third of the price of a Blue Sea unit and is still built well.
Bretthn
Explorer
The WJ was definitely a little peppier but the LX has plenty of power as well and tows much better. I had the non-HO 4.7 in my WJ as well and am loving working on the LX with all the extra space it has in the engine bay. I dont feel like I need to pull the motor to get to the spark plugs on this thing. No burning oil or leaks. You will be very happy once you get one. Good luck in your search.
fireball
Explorer
Hmmmmm....could you put them in the center console? That way you could leave the cords plugged in all the time and just pull them out when needed?
This wont help you out, but I saw somewhere a guy who built a single USB outlet in each of the passenger doors, just above the window or door lock switch. It looks OEM and allowed each passenger to plug in their device and store it in the armrest or little storage cubby at the bottom of the door.
This wont help you out, but I saw somewhere a guy who built a single USB outlet in each of the passenger doors, just above the window or door lock switch. It looks OEM and allowed each passenger to plug in their device and store it in the armrest or little storage cubby at the bottom of the door.
Bretthn
Explorer
I saw the usb ports in the doors before too, it was in a first generation 4runner, great idea.
Bretthn
Explorer
Wiring
I got a little wiring done on the relay box. I need to get a few waterproof connections. One 7 pin going to the interior for the switches and one 10 pin for the remaining wiring that will stay under the hood or go to the accessories.
I soldered and crimped all the open barrel connections.
I got a little wiring done on the relay box. I need to get a few waterproof connections. One 7 pin going to the interior for the switches and one 10 pin for the remaining wiring that will stay under the hood or go to the accessories.
I soldered and crimped all the open barrel connections.
Bretthn
Explorer
Puddle lights
So I ordered my rock lights. The each pod has 4 leds mounted to a metal plate that completely sealed and waterproof. I have 24 pods total. I have wired 4 of them into the factory puddle light harness, (two on each side) that was leftover when I removed the running boards. I will leave these independent of the rest so they only function when unlocking or opening the doors the same as the factory ones did. I will probably use 16 of them as rock lights on a separate circuit controlled by a constant power switch so they can be used as rock lights or camp lights. I am amazed at how bright they are.
I soldered them to the factory harness and sealed all connections with heat shrink. I also added some split loom for more protection.
I am going to look like a spaceship on the trail once the rest are wired in. I will probably wait until I get my sliders on though for placement.
So I ordered my rock lights. The each pod has 4 leds mounted to a metal plate that completely sealed and waterproof. I have 24 pods total. I have wired 4 of them into the factory puddle light harness, (two on each side) that was leftover when I removed the running boards. I will leave these independent of the rest so they only function when unlocking or opening the doors the same as the factory ones did. I will probably use 16 of them as rock lights on a separate circuit controlled by a constant power switch so they can be used as rock lights or camp lights. I am amazed at how bright they are.
I soldered them to the factory harness and sealed all connections with heat shrink. I also added some split loom for more protection.
I am going to look like a spaceship on the trail once the rest are wired in. I will probably wait until I get my sliders on though for placement.