cant get CB radio working
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cant get CB radio working
I've got my grandfather's old CB radio setup in my truck. It's wired directly to the battery. The antenna I have is the same antenna that's been with the CB for 20 years.
The radio seems to work, I can get see I get signal (signal strength meter) but I can't hear anything. I can hear the clicking of my mic going on and off, but I can't hear anyone else.
I've played with the squelch and can't get the thing to work. Any ideas?
The radio seems to work, I can get see I get signal (signal strength meter) but I can't hear anything. I can hear the clicking of my mic going on and off, but I can't hear anyone else.
I've played with the squelch and can't get the thing to work. Any ideas?
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I also have a delta - and + knob that I've adjusted. I've tried adjusting multiple combos of settings.
I thought it was a blown speaker too, but it still clicks when using the mic, and I can hear interference coming from the radio inside my truck. So the speaker still works.
Is it safe to say it's broken? :-( I won't buy a new one, i'll just take this to a repair shop (too much sentimental value)
#6
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Yup. Turned it clockwise (and counterclockwise) very slowly for channels up to 13. Gave up at 13 because I figured something was broken.
I also have a delta - and + knob that I've adjusted. I've tried adjusting multiple combos of settings.
Is it safe to say it's broken? :-( I won't buy a new one, i'll just take this to a repair shop (too much sentimental value)
I also have a delta - and + knob that I've adjusted. I've tried adjusting multiple combos of settings.
Is it safe to say it's broken? :-( I won't buy a new one, i'll just take this to a repair shop (too much sentimental value)
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Antenna seems fine, as I can unplug it and watch the signal strength drop. There's a few additional switches I forgot to mention. There's 3, to be exact. One is for PA, and the other two I can't remember off-hand. would a picture help?
Last edited by DupermanDave; 03-18-2009 at 10:15 AM.
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So which shop should I try first? CB radio shop or electronics repair shop?
Last edited by DupermanDave; 03-18-2009 at 11:18 AM.
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You need to tune the antenna to the radio. Thats your problem. Go to radio shack, and purchase a RF/signal strength meter. It'll come with instructions on how to tune the antenna to the radio and the vehicle. Less than $20 (IIRC), and 1/2hr of your time.
Last edited by a4runnerfreak; 03-18-2009 at 11:42 AM.
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The antenna I have now is the one that's been with the CB radio for a long time now, so does it still need tuned?
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you have to buy the cb tuner that hooks up inline between tthe antenna and the cb, buy lifting or shorting the tip of the anteena you (tune) the cb, the meter measures ressistance and your trying to get as little ressistance as possible for the best signal
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Ah, if I have the lengthen or shorten the antenna, I'll have to buy a new one. The one I have is pre cut and shortened. IT's about 2 1/2 feet long.
Last edited by DupermanDave; 03-18-2009 at 11:56 AM.
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Could you guys also be talking about the length of coax cable running from the antenna to the radio?
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the lenght of the cable can affect tuning also. just so you know im not shure tuneing is your problem. usally the cb will work out of tune, it just usally works much better after its been tuned
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I just thought of this, but I have the antenna mounted on the toolbox behind the read window of my pickup. I know it's suggested they be mounted on the roof, but is it THAT big of an issue to have it mounted where I do?
Last edited by DupermanDave; 03-18-2009 at 12:54 PM.
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I've been researching more online, and everyone recommends having the antenna rise above your roof by 3-4 inches. I checked my antenna, and it is up by 4 inches.
-edit- it's not the speaker. I have an AUX headphone jack I can use and it still doesnt bring any signals through. Took apart the radio and used a multimeter to verify the speaker was working still, and it is.
-edit- it's not the speaker. I have an AUX headphone jack I can use and it still doesnt bring any signals through. Took apart the radio and used a multimeter to verify the speaker was working still, and it is.
Last edited by DupermanDave; 03-20-2009 at 05:06 AM.
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Third post just to get a final update: I think I'm going to take it to a shop to have it repaired. Question is, can it be repaired? Are some electronics not fixable? This thing is from the 70s, so I would think it can be fixed. I took it apart and seems pretty do-able. Anyone with experience know what it might cost? I'm going to a CB shop sunday and seeing if they can fix it.
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