I finally got around to installing my CB (been busy with life lately). I installed a Radio Shack copy of the Uniden 510 radio into the ashtray space. For power, I hooked up to the power (non-switched, always "hot") and ground leads coming from the aftermarket radio harness (hooked in prior to radio's fuse on + side, the "Chassis ground lead was unused, so I used it). The antenna is a 4' Silver Load Flex mounted to a modified mirror mount bolted to the front brushguard (antenna clears roof by 3"-4"). I did not hook any ground wires from the antenna mount to the brushguard or body (forgot actually). I used 12' of coax cable.

When I tested the SWR, I was able to tune it down to 1:1.4 for Channels 1 and 40 and 1:1.3 for Channel 20. With the truck off, the reception is crystal clear. With the truck running, there is a touch of static to incoming signals, but it does not sound like alternator whine, more like general static.

Should I change anything? Do I need the ground wire? The antenna also has a wire lead coming from it. I was told not to use that unless I can't get the SWR low enough.

thanks,
Chris

 

Sounds like it is just perfect to me. You seem to have aconsistent reading on channels 1,20, and 40. I would leave it alone.

 

That was what I thought, but I kept reading about hooking up ground wires and such. I wanted to make sure it was correct before I needed it.

Thanks,
Chris