First Time CB Help
- Thread starter 1989FJ
- Start date
Ok this is a huge help.
I am assuming the radio lights up on power up. I am assuming you can hear noise from a speaker. So couple things:
1) wriggle the coax at the radio and antenna. Do you hear a change in the static level as you do so? If yes then take the cable off and check it for continuity with a basic VOM. Center pin to center pin should show as a short (meter deflects full). The try center pin to ground which is any metal NOT the pin or the screwing outside that is connected.
I am suggesting starting here because it's a common issue, quick fix, and I have had plenty of crap jumpers that look just like that.
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I am assuming the radio lights up on power up. I am assuming you can hear noise from a speaker. So couple things:
1) wriggle the coax at the radio and antenna. Do you hear a change in the static level as you do so? If yes then take the cable off and check it for continuity with a basic VOM. Center pin to center pin should show as a short (meter deflects full). The try center pin to ground which is any metal NOT the pin or the screwing outside that is connected.
I am suggesting starting here because it's a common issue, quick fix, and I have had plenty of crap jumpers that look just like that.
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Well right now let's confirm the antenna is the problem. You oughtta hear something as is. Not ideal but something. Best way would be drilling a hole and mounting it electrically and mechanically to car body. Then connecting body and frame. But before any of that let's male sure the parts work at all.
VOM = Volt Ohm Meter. Used doing electrical work. Ask a friend or family member. Someone will have one.
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VOM = Volt Ohm Meter. Used doing electrical work. Ask a friend or family member. Someone will have one.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Kiddmen57
Supporting Sponsor
I would suggest reading through most if not all of the tech articles that Firestik publishes on their website. Yes, there is a TON of info there, and not all of it will pertain to your situation, but it will help you to understand the principles of a good system.
There are detailed articles on antenna setup and how to check everything.
http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs.htm
There are detailed articles on antenna setup and how to check everything.
http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs.htm
4x4junkie
Explorer
Nowadays virtually all VOMs are digital, thus now called DMMs (Digital Multi-Meter). If you look in your junk-mail and/or newspaper inserts (magazines too), you might even find a coupon good for a FREE one at Harbor Freight Tools that would work well for this.
Your antenna appears to be a Francis of some sort. If that is the 5½-foot long one, don't get rid of it for ANYTHING!! (well, unless it's determined to be defective, though that's not a likely scenario) That is one of the best (most practical) antennas you can get that isn't overly large & heavy, yet still performs well (has good range). There is also a 4½' Francis that is also decent, though the shorter length does give up a little bit of performance over the 5½' one. Do tape up the top couple inches of it with some layers of electrical tape as a preventative measure against the tip splitting if it hits anything though (especially if the little vinyl protective cap goes missing).
As for your radio problem, I agree with what's already been said, check your cable and connections. The antenna mounted on your rack should be OK, but make sure the mount is making good contact with your rack, as that is where it needs to achieve it's ground connection for it to work properly (scrape the paint off from under the mount bracket if needed).
Your antenna appears to be a Francis of some sort. If that is the 5½-foot long one, don't get rid of it for ANYTHING!! (well, unless it's determined to be defective, though that's not a likely scenario) That is one of the best (most practical) antennas you can get that isn't overly large & heavy, yet still performs well (has good range). There is also a 4½' Francis that is also decent, though the shorter length does give up a little bit of performance over the 5½' one. Do tape up the top couple inches of it with some layers of electrical tape as a preventative measure against the tip splitting if it hits anything though (especially if the little vinyl protective cap goes missing).
As for your radio problem, I agree with what's already been said, check your cable and connections. The antenna mounted on your rack should be OK, but make sure the mount is making good contact with your rack, as that is where it needs to achieve it's ground connection for it to work properly (scrape the paint off from under the mount bracket if needed).
DaveNay
Adventurer
More than that...the rack appears to use a gutter mount, and I doubt that provides a good electrical ground to the body of the vehicle unless special consideration was made to do so.
As a test of the ground, you could use a set of jumper cables clamped to the rack (or to the antenna bracket) and then to a clean ground on the vehicle body. With the jumper in place, check the radio functionality again.