cant get CB radio working

DupermanDave · 03-18-2009, 09:44 AM

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?

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algranger · 03-18-2009, 09:49 AM

RF Gain all the way up and start turning your squelch up from the bottom. Done that yet?

olharleyman · 03-18-2009, 10:43 AM

blown speaker? try an external speaker see if that works

DupermanDave · 03-18-2009, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by algranger

RF Gain all the way up and start turning your squelch up from the bottom. Done that yet?

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.

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)

algranger · 03-18-2009, 10:45 AM

Or your not getting the signal from the antenna into the unit

algranger · 03-18-2009, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DupermanDave

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)

Yeah it sounds like it's broken. See what the repair shop says

olharleyman · 03-18-2009, 10:52 AM

finals shot

DupermanDave · 03-18-2009, 11:11 AM

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?

algranger · 03-18-2009, 11:16 AM

Heh i'm sure the shop will be able to get 'er goin
I've got my grandpa's old cb in my truck too

DupermanDave · 03-18-2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by algranger

Heh i'm sure the shop will be able to get 'er goin
I've got my grandpa's old cb in my truck too

Wow. Mine is mounted in the same spot in my truck, but it's a lot cleaner, lol.

So which shop should I try first? CB radio shop or electronics repair shop?

a4runnerfreak · 03-18-2009, 12:30 PM

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.

DupermanDave · 03-18-2009, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a4runnerfreak

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, and 1/2hr of your time.

Ah, ok. I'll check it out. I don't expect a detailed explanation, but how do you "tune" an antenna with a CB radio?

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?

Dirt Master80 · 03-18-2009, 12:48 PM

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

DupermanDave · 03-18-2009, 12:49 PM

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.

Dirt Master80 · 03-18-2009, 12:58 PM

correction: not the anntena just the anntena wire that is wraped around the anntena

DupermanDave · 03-18-2009, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirt Master80

correction: not the anntena just the anntena wire that is wraped around the anntena

Hmm. I'll have to look more closely for that. My antenna goes down to a springy base, and the base is then a round magnetic clump. I'll go out and check on that.

Could you guys also be talking about the length of coax cable running from the antenna to the radio?

Dirt Master80 · 03-18-2009, 01:08 PM

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

DupermanDave · 03-18-2009, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirt Master80

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

Hmm. Okay, I'll hold off messing with anything until I get more suggestions. I'm clueless when it comes to radios and tuning, but I'm an ace when it comes to computers and home audio/video equipment.

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?

DupermanDave · 03-19-2009, 07:42 AM

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.

DupermanDave · 03-20-2009, 08:11 PM

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.

03-18-2009, 09:49 AM	#2 (permalink)
algranger Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Here in the PNW Posts: 3,264	RF Gain all the way up and start turning your squelch up from the bottom. Done that yet? __________________ . . . I said lie, for me lying under a process tree . . . .

03-18-2009, 10:43 AM	#3 (permalink)
olharleyman Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: maryland Posts: 3,291	blown speaker? try an external speaker see if that works __________________ 1990 4 runner 5 Speed Pro Comp Stage II 4" Lift 6" coils rear Aussie Locker front 5.29's Front And Rear 35 x 12.5 x 15 MT's Micky Thompson Classic II Wheels Super Charged 3.4 on the way 1993 SAS 4runner 22re 5 speed 4" front 5"rear 5.29's 35 x 12.5 BFG KM'S Dick cepek DC 1's 88 stock 4runner 3.0 auto for now 1955 Harley Davidson Springer Stock 1955 Hardtail Frame 4 Speed Kick Start Only 1998 Harley Custom Dresser 107 rwhp 139 ft.lbs.trq. Last edited by olharleyman; 03-18-2009 at 10:50 AM.

03-18-2009, 10:45 AM	#5 (permalink)
algranger Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Here in the PNW Posts: 3,264	Or your not getting the signal from the antenna into the unit __________________ . . . I said lie, for me lying under a process tree . . . .

03-18-2009, 10:52 AM	#7 (permalink)
olharleyman Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: maryland Posts: 3,291	finals shot __________________ 1990 4 runner 5 Speed Pro Comp Stage II 4" Lift 6" coils rear Aussie Locker front 5.29's Front And Rear 35 x 12.5 x 15 MT's Micky Thompson Classic II Wheels Super Charged 3.4 on the way 1993 SAS 4runner 22re 5 speed 4" front 5"rear 5.29's 35 x 12.5 BFG KM'S Dick cepek DC 1's 88 stock 4runner 3.0 auto for now 1955 Harley Davidson Springer Stock 1955 Hardtail Frame 4 Speed Kick Start Only 1998 Harley Custom Dresser 107 rwhp 139 ft.lbs.trq.

03-18-2009, 11:11 AM	#8 (permalink)
DupermanDave Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Northern Colorado :-( Posts: 1,282	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? __________________ 1989 Toyota pickup 22re - K&N filter with custom air intake Last edited by DupermanDave; 03-18-2009 at 11:15 AM.

03-18-2009, 11:16 AM	#9 (permalink)
algranger Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Here in the PNW Posts: 3,264	Heh i'm sure the shop will be able to get 'er goin I've got my grandpa's old cb in my truck too __________________ . . . I said lie, for me lying under a process tree . . . .

03-18-2009, 12:48 PM	#13 (permalink)
Dirt Master80 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Maple Valley, Washington Posts: 110	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 __________________ 80 pickup- built to wheel, locked f/r 36" sx's, curently working on exo-cage and 4.3vortec/700r4 swap Strong,Good,or Cheap pick two Has anyone seen my muffler bearings? My drinkin team has a toyota problem

03-18-2009, 12:49 PM	#14 (permalink)
DupermanDave Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Northern Colorado :-( Posts: 1,282	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. __________________ 1989 Toyota pickup 22re - K&N filter with custom air intake Last edited by DupermanDave; 03-18-2009 at 12:56 PM.

03-18-2009, 12:58 PM	#15 (permalink)
Dirt Master80 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Maple Valley, Washington Posts: 110	correction: not the anntena just the anntena wire that is wraped around the anntena __________________ 80 pickup- built to wheel, locked f/r 36" sx's, curently working on exo-cage and 4.3vortec/700r4 swap Strong,Good,or Cheap pick two Has anyone seen my muffler bearings? My drinkin team has a toyota problem

03-18-2009, 01:08 PM	#17 (permalink)
Dirt Master80 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Maple Valley, Washington Posts: 110	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 __________________ 80 pickup- built to wheel, locked f/r 36" sx's, curently working on exo-cage and 4.3vortec/700r4 swap Strong,Good,or Cheap pick two Has anyone seen my muffler bearings? My drinkin team has a toyota problem

03-19-2009, 07:42 AM	#19 (permalink)
DupermanDave Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Northern Colorado :-( Posts: 1,282	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. __________________ 1989 Toyota pickup 22re - K&N filter with custom air intake Last edited by DupermanDave; 03-20-2009 at 06:06 AM.

03-20-2009, 08:11 PM	#20 (permalink)
DupermanDave Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Northern Colorado :-( Posts: 1,282	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. __________________ 1989 Toyota pickup 22re - K&N filter with custom air intake

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