tr447

Ok so my CB stuff came in the mail today. So I figured I would do a thread on installing it all in my 1994 4Runner.

I basically copied these guys’ threads for my direction of installation as well as parts to use.
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116/got-my-...inside-183480/
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...talled-196560/

Parts:
Cobra 19 DX IV 40-Channel Compact CB Radio
Firestik Heavy Duty SS-3H Stainless Steel Antenna Spring
FireStik FS4-B 4’ Black Antenna w/ Tunable Tip
FireStik MK-204R Adjustable "SS" Door Jamb Antenna Mount Mini-Kit









I messed up and didn’t realize that the antenna mount I bought was a kit with 18’ cable included… So I have a FireStik K-8R18 18 Foot Fire-Flex coax cable with Fire-Ring I need to sell if anyone is interested…







SO here is my first question… I read that I should run a direct connection to my battery for the Unit. Does that mean run the positive as well as the ground to the battery or the ground to some unpainted part of the frame or body?
Second… I know I need to run an inline fuse for the hot wire. I have heard to run like a 5 amp inline. Now the unit already has a inline fuse… Should I cut that out and add my own. Or will the factory inline be good enough.






The install is going to be done tomorrow with lots of pictures. Thanks for the guys who did the threads that I basically copied! Also if anyone has any tips or tricks I’m all ears.

MaK92-4RnR

haha using me as a reference? funny how I used the other link for a reference to mine. But hey, I'll take that extra 18 foot wire if you dont want it? Do you want just what you paid for it? I accidently pulled the wire out of mine :/ I'm in roseville/sacramento area all the time.

tr447

Yeah you inspired me to buy everything from Amazon haha. Which was cheap. Yeah i'll definatly sell it to you. I'll PM you with the details.

MaK92-4RnR

alrighty, thanks. yeah amazon is cool, i got everything in one huge box

tr447

Hey MaK92 how di you hook up power on your CB? Did you add a inline fuse?

MaK92-4RnR

I wired it straight to the battery... pulled it through the wiring harness fire wall and attached it on the ground and hot...

tr447

Did you just use the fuse that's already coming of the cb? Or did you add one?

MaK92-4RnR

used the fuse that came with it. I still need to tune it. I still cant hear anything through it besides static.

AzStorm

Static only?
Are you using a Firestick antenna?
Everything grounded properly?

I never understood why so many guys use the Firestick product.
To me its junk.
A 108" whip is more durable,tunable,recieves and transmits better,and will take more abuse than a fiberglass stick.

Im thinking guys dont like a huge antennas.
The Wilson 1000,or 5000 are far superior antennas versus the Firestick.

If you want to run with the big dogs get a Predator 10k and a Davemade,then youll be walkin' the dog annd kickin' the cat!

tr447

PROBLEMS!!! SO I got everything installed. BUt now I am trying to tune it with the SWR and I only get above 3 when I key the mic on all channels. Is it the antenna not grounded or something? Someone help please

tr447

I even tried to tune the antenna and no change

tr447

Anyone have any idea why? My whole dash is still torn apart. Could it be the solder i used to solder the antenna end on wasnt a high siver content? I am stumped.

habanero

On my meter there is a switch that is set on FWD when calibrating and then you switch to REF when actually tuning. If it's not switched over you get readings like that, not that I'd ever forget or anything.

tr447

Yeah I have a radio shack SWR meter and I watched a bunch of videos to make sure I was doing it right. I'm putting the dash back together right now. Then I'll post some pics maybe someone will be able to tell then.

tr447

So here is a few pics I took yesterday. As for my problems with tuning and not getting below 3.25ish on my SWR I think its the location of the antenna. I mounted at the bottom of the tail light as you can see. So after this post I am going to move it to above the taillight> That should get me well above the roof. If it still doesn't work I know I have other problems. I did stop by a truck stop last night and heard people on some channels so I know I'm getting close.














The CB stick out a little too far imo. So I'm going to buy one of those right angle antenna connectors hopefully that will set be back another 1/4" to 1/2" back. I want the CB to be flush with the dash. I'm gonna go move the antenna. Update later.

tr447

Before I get started does anyone think that raising my antenna location will fix my problem?

habanero

If you do mount it up there post pics, would you? I didn't see an easy way to mount it there and as it is it just peeks over the roof basket.
Mine's mounted where yours is and I'm getting under 1.5 easy and I know there are a bunch of guys doing it the same way.
Where's your ground from the radio end up? It kind of sounds like you've attached it to the negative terminal on the battery?

tr447

I grounded it to the battery terminal.. Is that good? I just moved the location of the bracket to above the tail light and now I get 1.2 and under on every channel, but the drawback is I can't pull into the garage now. With it mounted below the tail light I have like 1/2" clearence. So you have yours mounted in my original location. I'm in the garage on iPhone right now so can't post pics of it at the moment but I will soon.

habanero

Yeah, I've been outed from the garage already with the antenna where it is so I wouldn't mind raising it some, it just didn't look like it'd go there easily without obstructing the taillight. I don't know if grounded to the battery is good or not, it seems you couldn't get any more grounded than that, eh? Mine's grounded to the body.

tr447

So here it is. Since I can't pull into the garage with the antenna attatched I am thinking about picking up one of the firestik quick disconnects.