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  1. #1
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    Default CB Radio Installation: Part 1 (Radio Console)

    I got bored with a radar detector alone, and I've definitely been influenced by this forum to go buy a CB Radio. Not so much for its utility, but just as a hobby and to see for myself if its really that useful on the interstate.

    I bought a Uniden Pro 510XL and a Wilson lil Wil Antenna. First step was to integrate the CB console with my radio stack.

    Several Questions.
    -What are the possible routes from the trunk to the cabin for the coaxial cable? I've three hooks for child safety seats. Do those come off? (I'll find it tomorrow when its morning)

    -Any thoughts on the structural integrity of this setup? There two mounts, 1 that came with the Uniden, another that I machined myself made out of .250inch aluminum sheet, held in place my metal screws/washers/bolts.

    -What are the easy/cheap options for covering up the excess space? Carve a piece out of wood and spray-paint it?

    Tomorrow, will be the routing of the coax from hood to trunk. Got a route planned out in my head.

    Thanks, and let me know what you think!
    Last edited by chriskohtc; 08-09-2010 at 08:05 AM.

  2. #2
    Yoda of Radar
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    Nov 2005
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    NY
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    11,015

    Default Re: CB Radio Installation: Part 1 (Radio Console)

    First off: It looks great so far!


    1) What kind of vehicle do you have? (Toyota I see)

    2) That should be just fine, the 510 is extremely light. (For a CB)

    3) I always liked using Particle-Board then going to a home-improvement store, finding a similar color (short-length) carpet to that in my car (normally either black or gray) and using that to make a 'flush-mount' look.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: CB Radio Installation: Part 1 (Radio Console)

    Quote Originally Posted by AirMoore View Post
    First off: It looks great so far!


    1) What kind of vehicle do you have? (Toyota I see)

    2) That should be just fine, the 510 is extremely light. (For a CB)

    3) I always liked using Particle-Board then going to a home-improvement store, finding a similar color (short-length) carpet to that in my car (normally either black or gray) and using that to make a 'flush-mount' look.
    1) Yeah, its a 2002 Corolla
    2) Hope so! Only one way to find out though.
    3) Sounds like a good idea. I'll go see what I can find.

    Darn, I came up 1 feet short of coax.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: CB Radio Installation: Part 1 (Radio Console)

    Anyone knows how many Amps a CB radio typically uses when transmitting? Would a 10AMP fuse be too low/high?

  5. #5
    Power User
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    Apr 2006
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    3,405

    Default Re: CB Radio Installation: Part 1 (Radio Console)

    My Uniden 520XL Pro: 1.7A at full draw.

    Page 9:
    http://www.uniden.com/pdf/PRO520XLom.pdf

  6. #6
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    Default Re: CB Radio Installation: Part 1 (Radio Console)

    You're right, its listed on the manual!

    Mine draws 1.7 Amps too at full load.

    Update: Routed the antenna and coax cables, got the improvised panel to fit.
    Next step: Hard-wiring the power cables and tuning the antenna!

  7. #7
    Power User
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    Default Re: CB Radio Installation: Part 1 (Radio Console)

    Looks good!

  8. #8
    Speed Demon
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    North Central Indiana
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    Default Re: CB Radio Installation: Part 1 (Radio Console)

    Nice customization so far...Just a thought, though, if you want something just for vanity that isn't going to need to help hold the CB in place, find some cheap flimsy plastic container and have at it with a Dremel cutting wheel. For a switch plate I made I used the top cover of an OLD IBM laptop...but for your purposes even if you found an old black piece of tupperware or rubbermaid storage bin or something, it would relieve you of the grainey appearance of the wood. Again, it looks great but I'm not sure that I could handle the grain vs. plastic contrast in my dash. Happy customizing! (and Happy Easter!)

    rc

  9. #9
    Professional
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    Default Re: CB Radio Installation: Part 1 (Radio Console)

    That's a great idea! Not to mention its probably easier to work with rubber than wood (all that sawdust has to go somewhere). Perhaps I'll do that next time.

    Its true that the plastic/grain contrast is there, but being the same color helps. Not to mention, how often does one look at the dash when driving right? Haaha.

    It was a good learning experience. I never knew that the structure under the dash was mostly empty space. I've always imagined it to be much more complex.

  10. #10
    Speed Demon
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    Default Re: CB Radio Installation: Part 1 (Radio Console)

    Oh please don't misunderstand me...you've done a great job. I only mean to suggest things to make your life easier next time around with less work. Hopefully this experience has been a confidence builder, as confidence continues to be the major "mind block" for most here on the forums. Keep your head up, try new things, and carry pride for your work. =)

    rc

 

 

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