Power source for a CB radio

[chudly]

Hi

Trying to get around to installing my CB this weekend (75 wx st). Where did everyone tap for their power source and ground? I was hoping to have it tapped into somewhere by the HVAC/radio and I was looking to have it all turn off when the key was removed.

Thank you

 

[C6H12O6]

Not sure what your dash set-up is like since no vehicle info in your signature, but my truck has the port-installed DVD headrests and the box for that system pulls power and ground from the back of the cigarette lighter under the HVAC controls. If you pop that lower ash-tray/lighter outlet panel off, you'll see the power connectors on the back. Pretty easy access. Just make sure you fuse the CB power wire.

 

[ihadmail]

My OEM antenna was replaced with a non motorized Tundra antenna. I pulls power from the antenna relay that mounts onto the hvac cabin air filter box.

 

[duggy]

Pulled from cigarette lighter port

 

[hoser]

Ideally, both leads should be directly to the battery (fused). And then you'll be already set-up when you upgrade to a 2m radio. You can put a switched relay on it but most 2m radios have a selectable auto power off feature.

 

[chudly]

Pulled from cigarette lighter port

I haven't taken a look yet but which wire is it from the cigarette lighter?

Thansk

 

[duggy]

I haven't taken a look yet but which wire is it from the cigarette lighter?

Thansk

If you pull out the dash console where the cig lighter is, you'll find on the backside that there is an L-shaped connector. You can pull it off and turn your key to ACC and then use a multi meter to figure out which one is power and ground. Your CB should have a power and ground wire that you should correspond with the cig lighter wires. My Uniden had an integrated in-line fuse so I just measured which wire was the hot, and wired the 2 wires up and then hid the wires and was on my way.

I mounted my CB right under the passenger side armrest and used a CB mic holder from Amazon with double sided tape to hold the mic.

Amazon.com: RoadPro RP-232 CB Microphone Holder, Black Plastic: Automotive

 

[rusty_tlc]

Ideally, both leads should be directly to the battery (fused). And then you'll be already set-up when you upgrade to a 2m radio. You can put a switched relay on it but most 2m radios have a selectable auto power off feature.

Do this, a much better approach than taping the cigarette lighter.