CB radio getting major interferrence after hardwire.

[badmix]

I hardwired my CB into the factory fuse panel and now every electrical item I use sends feedback thru the CB. The motor, wipers, etc.

Previously i was using a cig lighter and it wasnt bad at all, I wanted to free up my cig lighter for other things.

so my options;

1) figure out how to block the noise with a filter.

2) install a 3 port "power port" somewhere and go back to cig adaptor on the CB

3) Hardwire CB somewhere else?

 

[Fordum]

Lord you bring back memories. I saw this a lot back in the CB craze days. My now dead friend and I were some of the main go-to guys for CB installs and problems.

I installed, modified, or fixed problems with literally thousands of rigs. Some were multiple instances of course.
Some people just kept on making changes and screwing things up.

In this case, I used to have a large assortment of chokes, capacitors, filter networks, you name it.
But, the quickest and easiest way to fix your problem is to just run your power lead directly to the battery.
Use a fairly heavy wire, 12 gauge or so, and fuse it at the battery with an inline fuse holder.
Route it away from obvious problems like plug wires, the alternator and the fan motor.

In a couple of extreme cases, I have run shielded wire, but if you go to the positive post clamp, its not usually necessary.

If you want to play around with it first, try different parts of the fuse block. Its all a matter of resistance. I have seen situations where they were using fuse taps, just moving it to the other end of the fuse fixed it.

But, if you see commercial installations they almost always go direct to the battery to start with.

I assume that the ground on the antenna mount is good. The noise can be coming in that way, but most likely its the power hookup.

 

[badmix]

Thanks. the antenna is good. I had it SWR tuned. I didnt have any issues when I was running it to the cig lighter, but since I hardwired it to the trucks fuse panel it picks up all the electrical.

I didnt want to go directly to battery for fear of draining the battery, even if CB is off, I dont know if itll draw power. And Id be afraid of leaving the CB on by accident and killing battery.

 

[Fordum]

Probably not that big a problem unless you leave the truck sitting for long periods. Your normal CB squelched, draws probably less than an amp.
Depending on display type or lights.

I have left mine on for almost a week before with no noticeable battery problem.
I would run it direct to the battery to make sure that fixes it.
If so, and you are still worried, a small relay turned off and on by the ignition would solve that problem.

But, all my CBs were never ignition controlled, since I did a lot of my talking while the truck was turned off and I was on top watching for deer.

 

[Got Smoke?]

I have left my severly modded CB's on overnight several times in my Chevy and in my Cummins and NEVER had a drained battery that wouldn't start. Radio does not draw hardly any power as stated if accidently left on.