CB radio plugged into cig lighter - ground question

tomogden · #1 08-24-2010, 10:39 AM

So I have my CB radio plugged into my cigarette lighter. I know this isn't ideal because of electrical/alternator interference and all that. But, I'm hesitant to wire it into my truck. Plus I just can't for the life of me figure out where to get through the dash to the battery (tips would be appreciated - she's a 2010 Supercab Sport).

Question: I do seem to get a lot of static noise, especially at night with the headlights on, or when i turn on the wipers. Would it help if I grounded the radio power better? I'm thinking of splicing an extra wire into the black wire (where I attached the CB power wires to the cigarette lighter plug that I got at radioshack), and grounding that extra wire on a bolt inside the cab. Anybody know if that will help at all? Hoping it's not a dumb move that'll cause a fire.

Also heard that a noise filter will help, and they seem pretty cheap. Thoughts?

Thanks guys!

STL · #2 08-24-2010, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomogden

Plus I just can't for the life of me figure out where to get through the dash to the battery

You can get through the firewall right around the brake pedal and e-brake area. There are existing holes with wires going through there.

tomogden · #3 08-24-2010, 10:44 AM

I must be seriously stunned because I struggled with that the other night for a while. Found where the other wires go through but couldn't squeeze the CB ones in. I'll give it a go again tonight. Thx

MattFetters · #4 08-24-2010, 11:10 AM

just drill out a hole then and get a rubber grommet

STL · #5 08-24-2010, 11:21 AM

You can remove your dist box to bolts on the fender hold it on. That will make it easier to get the wires through

bolts marked in yellow

tomogden · #6 08-24-2010, 03:59 PM

Alright - thanks for the help guys. Got it wired into the fuse box with an Add-a-Circuit. We'll see how well it works tonight with the headlights/wipers on.

This thread can be closed.

STL · #7 08-24-2010, 04:18 PM

No need to close the thread. Others can benifit from it and can ask questions.

Areyouforcereal? · #8 08-24-2010, 06:20 PM

Interesting issues. I've been running my cb off the cig. lighter for years and have never had any interference. Static is low too, barely have to adjust the squelch.

tomogden · #9 08-25-2010, 04:07 AM

I don't know what's causing it, but I still had a lot of static on the ride home last night. Going to have to try a noise filter to see if it helps.

merlin215 · #10 08-25-2010, 06:51 AM

Maybe picking up some rf noise ? Any other gear in the truck ?

tomogden · #11 08-25-2010, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merlin215

Maybe picking up some rf noise ? Any other gear in the truck ?

Just stock stuff... sat radio, regular radio... and my blackberry (not like that would cause anything).

merlin215 · #12 08-25-2010, 05:11 PM

CB radios send out an FM band signal . Sounds like something electrical is interfering with the signal . Hmmm. Maybe some sort of a noise filter or rf reduction filter may be needed . Try like an earth ground , maybe ground from the battery and power from a better source . See if it either goes away or gets better or worse .

BananaPup · #13 08-29-2010, 12:18 PM

I own a 97 splash V6 5-speed. I am having a similar issue that I am getting "noise" only when the engine is running. The noise kind of goes with the rpm. As I go faster or the motor revs higher the noise gets higher or louder. I am as well using a cigarette lighter plug. Could I just run a extra ground wire from that plug to the body or would it be best overall to run it straight to the battery and the ground to the body?

I have a Cobra 29 LTD and use a 102" whip from RS. I mounted the whip near the front of the bed in the center and I get awesome distance. Just the noise stinks. lol