Decide to get a CB.

wormhole · 01-21-2008, 05:40 PM

Well, I decided to go ahead and get a CB. These are two that I'm looking at (will they fit into where the ash tray is at?).

http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-C19DXIV-...0965703&sr=8-6

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...6ZMNCC89A4AASM

I'm still confused when it comes to want antenna to get and how to tune it properly. If you all have any other recommendations let me know

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111db · 01-21-2008, 06:19 PM

Sorry don't know if either of those will fit in the ashtray. The Cobra 18 fits under the stock stereo though, where the little cubby hole is.

I'm not an expert on antennas either, but the 4' firestick comes pre-tuned for an 18' coax cable. Which is about the perfect length if you mount the antenna at the back of the truck. I was pretty lazy when I did my setup and went that route.

wormhole · 01-22-2008, 09:15 PM

Will this fit where the ash tray is at (coin holder)?

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4642484

**Tofer** · 01-22-2008, 09:29 PM

IIRC they should. i have my cobra 20xtr (http://reviews.cnet.com/two-way-radi...-30637936.html) in the ashtray, and before that i had a POS radioshack one in there.

the 20xtr looks to be the same size as the one your looking at

Elvota · 01-22-2008, 09:52 PM

I went with a Unden 510 XL which fit perfectly where the ashtray used to be... but that was on a 2nd Gen. Should be similiar on your 3rd Gen.

I got mine from this sight. I purchased a "as new" for a very similar price as seen here:
http://www.unidendirect.com/itemdeta...O510XL&tabid=1

Hard to beat in my opinion.

I also run a 4' Firestick, but had way better reception and broadcasting ability with a Wilson 1000 antenna mounted to the roof. I had mine hard mounted, and broke it off at the base twice in 1 month under low branches... so I am now using the Firestick.

If you go Wilson, you can get a magnetic mount which is fully removable.

CJM · 01-22-2008, 09:55 PM

All of those radios will fit.

I highly suggest you look for the cobra 19 IV as it has an RF gain knob.

111db · 01-22-2008, 10:50 PM

Elvolta graphics

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elvota

So you didn't buy your CB from the little old lady on Main street? Hmm. I told her you were coming in. She's probably hunting you right now.

Elvota · 01-22-2008, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 111db

So you didn't buy your CB from the little old lady on Main street? Hmm. I told her you were coming in. She's probably hunting you right now.

No... didn't buy from them but have been down there a few times for some tuning help and various bits. They are very helpful and seem to know there stuff.

wormhole · 01-24-2008, 08:37 PM

Did you guys hard wire it to the battery or did you run it to the fuse box?

If you ran it to the fuse how hard was it to wire it in? The CB that I got has bear wires on the end with no connections to run it directly to the battery.

Elvota · 01-24-2008, 08:45 PM

I think it's best to run the CB from the battery... something about less electrical interference.

I ran mine to a fuse box, but not the OEM one. I added a aux fuse panel some time ago for all the extra goodies I planned to add.

The CB has "bear" wires huh.... watch those, especially if they are of the Black Bear variety. They'll tear your arms right off!!

wormhole · 01-24-2008, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elvota

I think it's best to run the CB from the battery... something about less electrical interference.

I ran mine to a fuse box, but not the OEM one. I added a aux fuse panel some time ago for all the extra goodies I planned to add.

The CB has "bear" wires huh.... watch those, especially if they are of the Black Bear variety. They'll tear your arms right off!!

I guess bear wasn't the correct word. I should've said pre stripped.

Elvota · 01-25-2008, 07:23 AM

Bare is right, bear is wrong, beer is good.

I'm just being a smart ass.

wormhole · 01-25-2008, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elvota

Bare is right, bear is wrong, beer is good.

I'm just being a smart ass.

Stupid english lanuage (I can't spell either)

wormhole · 01-25-2008, 09:59 PM

Someone commented on another forum to wire it using the cigarette light socket. So it can be plugged in when needed or to hard wire it into the cigarette lighter wiring.

wormhole · 01-26-2008, 12:36 PM

I picked up a Wilson "lil Wil" antenna today and after some more reading I've decided to wire to the battery using an aux. fuse panel/board. What gauge of wiring do I need when I run it from the aux. panel to the battery?

111db · 01-29-2008, 06:32 AM

hey back to your original cb question i found this today from this thread

For the wiring you have to first figure out what is the max amp draw that you'll have at your aux fusebox. The one I got is rated for 30 amps, so the wire size is dependent on that. CB's are nowhere near a 30 amp draw, but if you add lights or anything else later on you need to make sure your main power wire is sufficient. Also its probably a good idea to add a fusable link right off the battery terminal to protect the power wire to the aux fusebox in case of a short. That is something on my upcoming "to do" list.

From www.the12volt.com see this chart:http://www.the12volt.com/info/recwirsz.asp

Going from their info, a 30 amp draw is equivalent to 200 watts which requires a 10ga wire for a 4 foot length. I put my aux fusebox just left of the brake pedal, which is roughly 4 feet back from the battery. I used some leftover Monster Cable power amp wire I had. Right now I only have my ARB compressor running off it, I will eventually get my CB power from the aux fusebox as well as whatever else I add in later.

edit: when you wire anything in hot to an aux fusebox, you gotta remember to turn it off!

wormhole · 01-29-2008, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 111db

edit: when you wire anything in hot to an aux fusebox, you gotta remember to turn it off!

?????

111db · 01-29-2008, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wormhole

?????

I should have worded that better... an aux fusebox wired directly to battery isn't idiot-proof. Your CB power would always be hot, meaning if you forgot to turn off your CB (or whatever) you'd most likely have a dead battery the next morning.

Elvota · 01-29-2008, 09:07 PM

^^ He means the accessories will stay on all the time until the battery is dead if you forget to turn them off.

Unlike factory equipment that is only hot when the key is in the "ACC" position and you can't leave on by accident.

EDIT: I type too slow.

111db · 01-29-2008, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elvota

EDIT: I type too slow.

Ironic since you drive like a bat out of hell.

btw, check your email.

wormhole · 01-29-2008, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 111db

I should have worded that better... an aux fusebox wired directly to battery isn't idiot-proof. Your CB power would always be hot, meaning if you forgot to turn off your CB (or whatever) you'd most likely have a dead battery the next morning.

Doh, I'm a little slow. That makes sense.

Okay, then so whats the difference if you run it directly to the battery wouldn't you still have the same problem?

-Steve did you like my idea of using a coat hanger for an antenna since you've broken your third one.

Elvota · 01-29-2008, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 111db

Ironic since you drive like a bat out of hell.

btw, check your email.

Well... I was driving up a wash at night while typing. Thus the slower keystrokes.

Which E-Mail... did I miss something? Heck... did I win something!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by wormhole

Okay, then so whats the difference if you run it directly to the battery wouldn't you still have the same problem?

-Steve did you like my idea of using a coat hanger for an antenna since you've broken your third one.

No difference. Either from the battery or fuse box you'll be responsible for turning it off when you are done. I guess you could get tricky and try and tie added accessories to your OEM "ACC" position... but you'll have to really start watching your wire gauges and OEM fuses.

Coat hanger might not be such a bad idea. This last one I snapped of the brass stud on a tree branch I was going under at about 30. The Firestick slapped once and then ejected. I had to walk back and get it.

wormhole · 01-29-2008, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elvota

No difference. Either from the battery or fuse box you'll be responsible for turning it off when you are done. I guess you could get tricky and try and tie added accessories to your OEM "ACC" position... but you'll have to really start watching your wire gauges and OEM fuses.

Um, I'll pass on that one. me no taht samrt wehn it cmeos 2 wiinrg.

CJM · 01-29-2008, 10:01 PM

Best to just wire it all hot and not forget to shut it off.

http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...ion=Fuse+Block

Thats what I have and its worked very nice for the cost. I think it was only 10 bucks in the store.

I have it wired directly from the battery + with 8 gauge wire and a wirenut on the end to protect that exposed bolt. The way i wired it is incase it ever overloads there is a 30amp circuit breaker inline with the power wire, this way if it ever overloads it just shuts everything off. Its a very HD circuit breaker btw, screw end type.

All the stuff is wired to it and its held up really well and everything is wired directly, no relays, i use fuses in the block. The wires for the switches run out the little grommet int he firewall where the fusepanel is.

Alternatively they make little add a fuse kits you canuse where you wire intot hat, or you can wire into an empty fuseslot (that has power) and ground it, or buy these little metal tabs they sell for adding into the fuseblock. My friends cb we did this way to come on with ACC, just take a testlight and figure out what comes on with a 10amp fuse when acc is on..

However I still prefer wiring directly to the block, mineis mounted on the firewall near the master cylinder. I have my CB, and 2 sets of lights on it with no issues. If I can do it, so can you. I used to be a novice at wiring when I did mine, all I used was a testlight, multimeter and some basic tools and I was done.

wormhole · 01-31-2008, 06:49 PM

For now I'm going to direct wire it to the battery (I'll get a panel down the line) but what all do I need to do so. Connectors? (I'm going to get some 10 gauge wire if I need to extend it). Stupid questions but I know that ground needs to be in contact with bare metal but will I need to extend it as well if I extend the hot wire (will it take the same guage wire)?

Someone will be helping me with this don't worry. I'm just a little stupid when it comes to wiring.

01-21-2008, 06:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
111db Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 1,215	Sorry don't know if either of those will fit in the ashtray. The Cobra 18 fits under the stock stereo though, where the little cubby hole is. I'm not an expert on antennas either, but the 4' firestick comes pre-tuned for an 18' coax cable. Which is about the perfect length if you mount the antenna at the back of the truck. I was pretty lazy when I did my setup and went that route. __________________ Jon *97 4Runner 3.4 4.88's * ARB Lockers F/R * ARB compressor * Sonoran Steel numba 1 * 285 BFG AT/KO * TJM 17 * BudBuilt Skids * Stubbs Sliders & BBQ sauce * Irbis out back * Various Electronic Gadgets**

01-22-2008, 09:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
wormhole Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bountiful, Utah Posts: 1,526	Will this fit where the ash tray is at (coin holder)? http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4642484 __________________ 2000 Toyota 4runner auto, 4x4, elocker, budbuilt skid, Sonoran Steel 7.2, 265/75/16 Yokohoma Geolanders AT-S Just call me "T" Last edited by wormhole; 01-22-2008 at 09:31 PM.

01-22-2008, 09:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tofer Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Tacoma WA. Posts: 6,908	IIRC they should. i have my cobra 20xtr (http://reviews.cnet.com/two-way-radi...-30637936.html) in the ashtray, and before that i had a POS radioshack one in there. the 20xtr looks to be the same size as the one your looking at __________________ 94 4runenr: all the good stuff....... 89 4runner: 3.0, Auto, 5.29 lockright f/r. 31x10.5 wildcountry ATs. 81 2wd pickup: 22R \| 5-sp \| long bed \|Civic SI seats \| LockRight \| Hella 500s pacific-crawlers.com For all your Trail-gear and HID lighting Solutions Needs check out yotaworks.com Online store coming soon :) Last edited by Tofer; 01-22-2008 at 09:34 PM.

01-22-2008, 09:52 PM	#5 (permalink)
Elvota Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Phx, AZ Posts: 3,436	I went with a Unden 510 XL which fit perfectly where the ashtray used to be... but that was on a 2nd Gen. Should be similiar on your 3rd Gen. I got mine from this sight. I purchased a "as new" for a very similar price as seen here: http://www.unidendirect.com/itemdeta...O510XL&tabid=1 Hard to beat in my opinion. I also run a 4' Firestick, but had way better reception and broadcasting ability with a Wilson 1000 antenna mounted to the roof. I had mine hard mounted, and broke it off at the base twice in 1 month under low branches... so I am now using the Firestick. If you go Wilson, you can get a magnetic mount which is fully removable. __________________ ================ 1990 4Runner \| V6 3.4 \| 5spd \| 240 someoddthousand miles \| SR5 \| SAS \| RLS \| 35's \| ARB \| TJM \| 217 to 1 \| W8000 - four wheels \| three sticks \| two hands \| one trail - RIGITY DIGITY visit the sticki chronicles

01-22-2008, 09:55 PM	#6 (permalink)
CJM Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Central NJ Posts: 4,561	All of those radios will fit. I highly suggest you look for the cobra 19 IV as it has an RF gain knob. __________________ 96' T100 SR5 4x4, ISR mod, Custom ABS snorkel, KC 57's Hella optilux el cheapo backup lights. Cobra 19III CB, Firestick 4ft antenna, Bilstein shocks. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

01-24-2008, 08:37 PM	#9 (permalink)
wormhole Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bountiful, Utah Posts: 1,526	Did you guys hard wire it to the battery or did you run it to the fuse box? If you ran it to the fuse how hard was it to wire it in? The CB that I got has bear wires on the end with no connections to run it directly to the battery. __________________ 2000 Toyota 4runner auto, 4x4, elocker, budbuilt skid, Sonoran Steel 7.2, 265/75/16 Yokohoma Geolanders AT-S Just call me "T"

01-24-2008, 08:45 PM	#10 (permalink)
Elvota Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Phx, AZ Posts: 3,436	I think it's best to run the CB from the battery... something about less electrical interference. I ran mine to a fuse box, but not the OEM one. I added a aux fuse panel some time ago for all the extra goodies I planned to add. The CB has "bear" wires huh.... watch those, especially if they are of the Black Bear variety. They'll tear your arms right off!! __________________ ================ 1990 4Runner \| V6 3.4 \| 5spd \| 240 someoddthousand miles \| SR5 \| SAS \| RLS \| 35's \| ARB \| TJM \| 217 to 1 \| W8000 - four wheels \| three sticks \| two hands \| one trail - RIGITY DIGITY visit the sticki chronicles

01-25-2008, 07:23 AM	#12 (permalink)
Elvota Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Phx, AZ Posts: 3,436	Bare is right, bear is wrong, beer is good. I'm just being a smart ass. __________________ ================ 1990 4Runner \| V6 3.4 \| 5spd \| 240 someoddthousand miles \| SR5 \| SAS \| RLS \| 35's \| ARB \| TJM \| 217 to 1 \| W8000 - four wheels \| three sticks \| two hands \| one trail - RIGITY DIGITY visit the sticki chronicles

01-25-2008, 09:59 PM	#14 (permalink)
wormhole Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bountiful, Utah Posts: 1,526	Someone commented on another forum to wire it using the cigarette light socket. So it can be plugged in when needed or to hard wire it into the cigarette lighter wiring. __________________ 2000 Toyota 4runner auto, 4x4, elocker, budbuilt skid, Sonoran Steel 7.2, 265/75/16 Yokohoma Geolanders AT-S Just call me "T"

01-26-2008, 12:36 PM	#15 (permalink)
wormhole Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bountiful, Utah Posts: 1,526	I picked up a Wilson "lil Wil" antenna today and after some more reading I've decided to wire to the battery using an aux. fuse panel/board. What gauge of wiring do I need when I run it from the aux. panel to the battery? __________________ 2000 Toyota 4runner auto, 4x4, elocker, budbuilt skid, Sonoran Steel 7.2, 265/75/16 Yokohoma Geolanders AT-S Just call me "T"

01-29-2008, 06:32 AM	#16 (permalink)
111db Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 1,215	hey back to your original cb question i found this today from this thread For the wiring you have to first figure out what is the max amp draw that you'll have at your aux fusebox. The one I got is rated for 30 amps, so the wire size is dependent on that. CB's are nowhere near a 30 amp draw, but if you add lights or anything else later on you need to make sure your main power wire is sufficient. Also its probably a good idea to add a fusable link right off the battery terminal to protect the power wire to the aux fusebox in case of a short. That is something on my upcoming "to do" list. From www.the12volt.com see this chart:http://www.the12volt.com/info/recwirsz.asp Going from their info, a 30 amp draw is equivalent to 200 watts which requires a 10ga wire for a 4 foot length. I put my aux fusebox just left of the brake pedal, which is roughly 4 feet back from the battery. I used some leftover Monster Cable power amp wire I had. Right now I only have my ARB compressor running off it, I will eventually get my CB power from the aux fusebox as well as whatever else I add in later. edit: when you wire anything in hot to an aux fusebox, you gotta remember to turn it off! __________________ Jon *97 4Runner 3.4 4.88's * ARB Lockers F/R * ARB compressor * Sonoran Steel numba 1 * 285 BFG AT/KO * TJM 17 * BudBuilt Skids * Stubbs Sliders & BBQ sauce * Irbis out back * Various Electronic Gadgets** Last edited by 111db; 01-29-2008 at 06:35 AM.

01-29-2008, 09:07 PM	#19 (permalink)
Elvota Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Phx, AZ Posts: 3,436	^^ He means the accessories will stay on all the time until the battery is dead if you forget to turn them off. Unlike factory equipment that is only hot when the key is in the "ACC" position and you can't leave on by accident. EDIT: I type too slow. __________________ ================ 1990 4Runner \| V6 3.4 \| 5spd \| 240 someoddthousand miles \| SR5 \| SAS \| RLS \| 35's \| ARB \| TJM \| 217 to 1 \| W8000 - four wheels \| three sticks \| two hands \| one trail - RIGITY DIGITY visit the sticki chronicles

01-29-2008, 10:01 PM	#24 (permalink)
CJM Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Central NJ Posts: 4,561	Best to just wire it all hot and not forget to shut it off. http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...ion=Fuse+Block Thats what I have and its worked very nice for the cost. I think it was only 10 bucks in the store. I have it wired directly from the battery + with 8 gauge wire and a wirenut on the end to protect that exposed bolt. The way i wired it is incase it ever overloads there is a 30amp circuit breaker inline with the power wire, this way if it ever overloads it just shuts everything off. Its a very HD circuit breaker btw, screw end type. All the stuff is wired to it and its held up really well and everything is wired directly, no relays, i use fuses in the block. The wires for the switches run out the little grommet int he firewall where the fusepanel is. Alternatively they make little add a fuse kits you canuse where you wire intot hat, or you can wire into an empty fuseslot (that has power) and ground it, or buy these little metal tabs they sell for adding into the fuseblock. My friends cb we did this way to come on with ACC, just take a testlight and figure out what comes on with a 10amp fuse when acc is on.. However I still prefer wiring directly to the block, mineis mounted on the firewall near the master cylinder. I have my CB, and 2 sets of lights on it with no issues. If I can do it, so can you. I used to be a novice at wiring when I did mine, all I used was a testlight, multimeter and some basic tools and I was done. __________________ 96' T100 SR5 4x4, ISR mod, Custom ABS snorkel, KC 57's Hella optilux el cheapo backup lights. Cobra 19III CB, Firestick 4ft antenna, Bilstein shocks. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

01-31-2008, 06:49 PM	#25 (permalink)
wormhole Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bountiful, Utah Posts: 1,526	For now I'm going to direct wire it to the battery (I'll get a panel down the line) but what all do I need to do so. Connectors? (I'm going to get some 10 gauge wire if I need to extend it). Stupid questions but I know that ground needs to be in contact with bare metal but will I need to extend it as well if I extend the hot wire (will it take the same guage wire)? Someone will be helping me with this don't worry. I'm just a little stupid when it comes to wiring. __________________ 2000 Toyota 4runner auto, 4x4, elocker, budbuilt skid, Sonoran Steel 7.2, 265/75/16 Yokohoma Geolanders AT-S Just call me "T"

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