CB Radio Repair
Technical Questions April,09
Q: My inline fuse blows after I start talking, it may blow right way or it may take seconds?
A: If you are using a 10 meter radio for example a Connex 3300HP check the size of the fuse! This style radio will need to use at least a 7 amp fuse. If you are only using a 2 amp fuse the radio will work fine if only receiving but as soon as you talk extra power is drawn from the power source and the two amp fuse will blow.
Some people will use the power cord that is all ready wired into their vehicle and not check the size of the fuse when they upgrade from CB to 10 meter radio. On CB radios most models will have a 2 amp fuse from the factory if the radio is peaked and tuned they should have a 4 amp fuse installed.
Q: What kind of antenna should I use?
A: This is another tough question to answer. First off I will start with every foot of antenna you use will get an increase of about 30% performance. Example: if you currently use a 2 foot antenna then get a new antenna that is 3 foot you will get an increase of at least 30% performance. If you go to a 4 foot antenna from the 2 foot you where using then you should get at least a 60% increase in performance, and so on.
If you drive an 18 wheeler and you have mirrors that you can install antenna brackets on they should be mounted as far out on the mirrors as possible. If you can mount the antenna at least 18 inches (24 inches would be better) away from the cab, then you can use any stainless steel type antenna that has the load coil 8 – 10 inches up from the bottom. If the antenna cannot be 18 – 24 inches away from the cab then you must use a fiberglass style antenna and as long as you can to be within your 13 foot 6 inch clearance. I like to see about 4 foot length fiberglass in this case.
In cars and pickups I like to see magnetic mount antenna mounted on the roof for best performance. The length as long as possible 5 foot mag mount like the Wilson 5000 mag mount.
Antenna’s mounted elsewhere on cars and pickups work but nowhere as good as on top.
Q: Where can I find more information about antenna and SWR problems?
A: There are some web sites that have great information on them the two that I use the most are:
www.wilsonantenna.com look under technical support
www.firestik.com look under tech help