Guys,

I'm planning to run my cb coax to a rear mount (yes, rear---no lectures, please) by my left tail light.

Last week I finished installing my inverter and fused distribution box and I ran the 4 awg power cable on the left side.

Is it advisable to run them next to each other? Or should i run it in the middle and to the left rear? My concern, of course, is interference of any kind that might degrade cb performance more than it will already be by running the antenna in the back.

Thanks,
Bob

 

It's my understanding that, as long as you have a well insulated cable, you shouldn't have any problems.

 

I ran my coax along the 8 gauge power line to my amp without any problems. Alan is right though... insulation makes all the difference in the world.

 

Bob,

I totally forgot what I was going to type after cracking up over your new avatar.

 

Hi;

A couple of points to share...

- The electrical current in a car is DC (Direct Current) which is a LOT less prone to inducing noise in RF or audio cable than is AC (Alternating Current) which is in your house. Running an audio cable parallel to (and right next to) a power cable in your home is generally a real bad idea in terms of noise. But, running DC next to an audio, video or RF (the antenna) cable won't cause any appreciable issue.

- The other point is one of symantics. It's not the _insulation_ of the audio/video/RF cable that helps, it's the _shielding_. Insulation refers to the rubber/teflon/vinyl jacket around the wire. Shielding is the metal overwrap that's underneath the insulation and is connected to ground. That's what helps keep stray current from entering the center core of the wire (where the signal is carried) and also helps keep the signal _on_ the center core so that it doesn't affect anything else.


In short, like the other folks have said... You'll be fine!

Mark

 

Guys,

Thanks for all the input. Looks like I have nothing to worry about.

Tom: the original pic was one of a dude who was admiring a joint. I'll post that pic later.

Bob

 

Hi,

I have yet to tackle my '03 4runner, but have done many transceiver installations in cars i've owned in the past (Amateur Radio).

You should be fine with what you're doing.

For what it's worth, i've had the best luck avoiding 'alternator whine' and other engine/microprocessor related noises when wiring the transceiver power conduit directly to the battery.

Make sure your coaxial connections are SNUG when you attach the antenna, and that you avoid pinching the cable too much.

Reflected RF can do more damage to your radio and vehicle electronics than the fact that the coax and power lay side-by-side.

Good luck with it and enjoy!

Mike

 

Mark... good clerification about shielding vs insulation.