Any interest in a CB workshop? [Archive]

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TanTJJim

04-30-2008, 08:02 PM

*Edit* This will be happening this coming Saturday the 17th. Brian has offered to host at his house around Power and University. PM me for directions if you're planning on coming. We will be starting at 9am and should be wrapping it up around. 1-2 pm. Look forward to seeing you there!

I know this is short notice, but is anyone interested in doing a CB workshop this weekend? I was also thinking about doing a workshop to take out that annoying buzzer in the dash as well. Kill two birds with one stone.

I am not an expert on CB's by any means but I do have enough knowledge to help getting one set up in a Jeep and working properly. I can also help troubleshoot problems that you're having with your CB to a certain extent.

The only hitch, I do not have the space to host this. I'm sure worst case scenario we can take over a Walmart parking lot or something but if someone had a place to offer that would be great. It would also be cool if some resident experts could show up as well.

Now if this doesn't materialize this weekend don't worry, I WILL be doing something along these lines at some point in time. The only issue is finding the place to do it at. So what do you say, you in?

KennethS

04-30-2008, 10:06 PM

I am interested, but right now all I have is a radio. I just ordered a tail light antenna mount this afternoon, and I still need to get the antenna, coax, and whatever connectors I will need. Sure would be nice to have all the parts on hand so I could get some tips on installation and assistance with tuning.

Xiled1

04-30-2008, 10:29 PM

I'm definitely interested. Would even be willing to host it. But as for when????? Who knows??

Stickbuddy

04-30-2008, 11:24 PM

Yeah, I'd be up for that, but not this weekend though.

azorr

05-01-2008, 08:18 AM

GRUNT

05-01-2008, 08:43 AM

Apollo Communications is pretty knowledgable and has parts you'd need for Jim's class. Get your stuff and then lets get together.

I need to alter my set-up so I am in as well.

My Green Jeep

05-01-2008, 09:03 AM

This weekend... its my... well never mind but Saturday is out for me..

next weekend... gone...

I am interested in taking the stinking buzzer out... I soooo hate hearing
that thing go off when the door is open..

CB... been there... have that... upgrading once WalterD gets all the
stuff done...

buzzer... yeah lets KILL the buzzer <g>

TanTJJim

05-01-2008, 04:38 PM

Definitely Interested! But I don't get my CB until the 16th (freebie!!!). What is the structure of the class going to be, would I need it to learn, or just come watch for now and then be able to do it later with my own?

Like I said, I'm far from an expert on the subject so there probably won't be a whole lot of structure. I figured it would be more of a "how to set up your CB" class than an actual RF theory class or something like that. Unless we get some more knowledgeable people that would be willing to teach, but I would plan on just being able to come out and know by the end that your CB will be set up and tuned correctly.

So the class is probably not going to happen this weekend and I'm moving next weekend so how about the weekend after that? That should be May 17th or 18th, just depends on if we want to do it on a Saturday or Sunday, either works for me. What do you say Brian, want to host this at your place that weekend?

And yes, we would also be doing a class on how to take out that annoying buzzer in your dash.

Desertlove

05-01-2008, 04:42 PM

Im interested i have my Cb sitting in my garage just need to get the rest of the goods.

KennethS

05-01-2008, 04:54 PM

May 17th or 18th, just depends on if we want to do it on a Saturday or Sunday, either works for me.

I'll be in S.E Utah that weekend, and hopefully my radio will be installed and working then...

Digger

05-01-2008, 05:23 PM

ME, I AM SO VERY INTERESTED, darn things get me all stirrd up when they don't want to work :D but I'm busy saturday and next weekend is booked for 4 day camp.

grateful

05-01-2008, 09:07 PM

I'd love to go too! - But can't do til weekend of 5/17 or later....Let me know and I'll come if I can!!! Thanks for a great idea!

ryan rich

05-01-2008, 09:21 PM

I would be interested in helping with that workshop im not an expert either but i know a lot about cbs and set up. I also might be able to get some one that works and sells cbs and accessories. He could make coax and fix radios and what ever any one would need i can talk too him if that sounds good.

TanTJJim

05-01-2008, 09:54 PM

Ryan Rich, that sounds like a good idea. I was even thinking it would be nice to have access to some parts, supplies, etc if we start setting up some CB's and realize we need more stuff. Give him a call and let me know what you find out, that would be really cool if he could help.

We also need somewhere to hold this so I'm open to suggestions there as well. And I think as it sits right now Saturday the 17th is looking like the winner. Place TBA, time starting around 9am running until we get everyone's CB's set up or it just gets to hot to work.

Xiled1

05-01-2008, 10:56 PM

If my wife is working the 17th, then we can do it at my place. But if she is not, we will be camping. I won't know till the week before when she gets here schedule.

Stickbuddy

05-01-2008, 11:01 PM

17th is good for me or any weekend after that except for the 6.7.08 wedding at Butcher Jones. This will really be helpful!!

wild mustang

05-01-2008, 11:47 PM

i am willing to host if needed...we don't have a garage....but do have plenty of room...no expert on cbs; however, wanting to learn....

i am off every fri, sat, sun and at the moment have no plans for the weekends, just working around the house and property....

my other agenda is to get some knowledgeable folks over here to look at my rig and tell me what i have!!!!! then i can work on getting my skills up to what my jeep can do....

azorr

05-02-2008, 07:28 AM

Bummer, I am heading to Thatcher the weekend of the 17th to pick my CB up, it is a take out from my Uncles old Patrol Car. Oh well, If I have trouble getting it set up I will just bug you guys some other time :)

ryan rich

05-02-2008, 01:58 PM

i cant do the 17th i have a poker tournament that day any weekend after that would work or the 18th could work too

My Green Jeep

05-02-2008, 02:22 PM

awww man... didnt think i was that booked... but...

this weekend... out...
following weekend... out
after the following weekend... nope
last weekend of May... hmmmm now that looks good

1st weekend in June... 7th at a wedding... 8th I am good..
next weekend... grand baby is due around that time...

and I dont have a job... why am I so BUSY??? :willy_nilly:

TanTJJim

05-02-2008, 04:09 PM

If my wife is working the 17th, then we can do it at my place. But if she is not, we will be camping. I won't know till the week before when she gets here schedule.

I hate to say it but I hope she's working on the 17th. Then we could do the workshop and still go wheeling on the 18th :D Let me know, and you'll have your CB by then right? I think you're sig's a little outdated too ;)

Glad to see a couple people will be able to make it. If anyone is wanting to set up there CB that day please make sure you have everything you will need because I don't know if we will have a source for parts. If you have any questions on what you need beforehand please let me know and I'll try to answer them. And I will try to bring all the tools I think we'll need, if you want to bring extras that would be cool but if you don't have tools we should have you covered.

TanTJJim

05-02-2008, 04:11 PM

Digger

05-02-2008, 04:17 PM

anyone want to practice on mine??:D it's that new hand held cobra , about 5 months old and quit working. I need to make this class, I long for the knowledge of electrical wiring wizardry. I have purchased everything to wire anything I believe.... just from going and buying the wrong thing the first time:rolleyes:

TanTJJim

05-02-2008, 04:24 PM

Looking forward to seeing you there Digger. I'll make sure to bring a little extra equipment to see if we can't chase down your problem.

Ply_N_AZ

05-02-2008, 06:09 PM

I'm very interested but can't make the 17th. I am open this weekend if anyone is getting together. Send me a pm.

My Green Jeep

05-02-2008, 06:44 PM

Ok... I am out :( ... my daughters graduation party is the 17th with
family... then the 18th with friends only...

if anyone knows how to KILL the buzzer and can help me without
KILLING My Green Jeep please let me know...

Have fun guys and gals!!

Digger

05-02-2008, 10:00 PM

Where is your place Wild Mustang?
And if you are unable to host the CB ""party" , I can, don't have Garage but do have large drive way just outside my work room, with rolling tool carts, and a big shade tree. I'm at 49th street and E. Indian School Rd.,

wild mustang

05-03-2008, 05:22 PM

i am at 27th st and greenway...have a carport and lots of parking out front, plus room in the back...come to think of it...better do our thing in the front area...i have 2 burros, one of which likes to be "helpful" (which of course it never is!)...he helps out by rearranging things, carrying things off, etc....cute but not helpful....
i will hold the 17th open...

Digger

05-03-2008, 09:19 PM

Burro's are cool, friendly animal's! Went outbackin today, and the CB worked. Sure has me stumped, the last 2 times I went wheelin with AZJVC the CB didn't work, but it works when I wheel with others.

grateful

05-07-2008, 09:00 PM

Are you starting at 9? I can't be there until afternoon, and still haven't bought anything yet....perhaps someone will host another one of these in June?
smiles, karen :)

Allen

05-07-2008, 09:13 PM

I have a garage, cb, antenna, cable, wiring, some basic install knowlage, and room for a few beers in the fridge!:cool:

what I dont have is a SWR meter, expert knowlage of radio tuning, or beer in my fridge:o

I can host almost any evening for anyone in, near, or willing to drive to Queen Creek that wants to install their cb. I need to redo my install, as it is tapped into my amp now and has a lot of noise when the motor is running!

.... but first I need to install my new radiator!:rolleyes: I dont think the JBWeld will hold forever!

TanTJJim

05-08-2008, 09:41 PM

Are you starting at 9? I can't be there until afternoon, and still haven't bought anything yet....perhaps someone will host another one of these in June?
smiles, karen :)

I'm still planning on starting at 9am but we'll probably still be going until the afternoon. And I should know shortly exactly where we will be having this. Hopefully you can make it.

grateful

05-08-2008, 09:48 PM

Cool!! I'll continue to watch the thread and see if I can connect that afternoon. If I can make it, I'll buy everything and hope someone can help hook me up and then show me how it works!!! Please let me know when a final location is determined! Many many thanks for a great idea for a gathering!!!
smiles, karen

Xiled1

05-08-2008, 09:52 PM

Well the wife has to work on that Saturday, so I will be in town. I can only host until 1 or 2 PM though as we have yet another B-day party to go to. I won't have my CB setup yet, but I can help others, I know a little about electronics.

TanTJJim

05-08-2008, 10:02 PM

I know a little about electronics.

Yeah, just a little :D Thanks for the offer to host Brian, do you just want people that are coming to PM me for directions? If so please PM me directions....... again :o

Xiled1

05-09-2008, 07:17 AM

Yeah, we can keep the directions on PM. I'm in East Mesa, near Power and University.

Everyone who is coming will need to bring supplies. I have a limitted # of crimp connectors and heat shrink. I do have a soldering station, wire strippers, and other basic electrical tools.

Jim, post up what else we may need. Plus there is a Pep Boys around the corner for parts runs.

TanTJJim

05-09-2008, 07:00 PM

Thanks for offering your place for this Brian.

So yes, the plan is if you want to come to this, PM me and I will PM you directions to Brian's house. This will be happening next Saturday the 17th. We will start at 9am and go until we're done. I would guess by 1-2pm it will be getting too hot to work so I would plan on quitting by then. I think Brian needs his house back by then anyway :)

I will buy an SWR meter for those who want to tune their radio. If you have another one please bring it, I'm sure a couple extra wouldn't hurt. The basics for installing your radio will be:

The radio with mounting bracket
An antenna
An antenna mount (or we can drill into your spare tire carrier)
Coax cable

Also, if you can bring any misc electrical parts i.e. electrical tape, butt connectors, terminals etc that would be good too. If you can't bring them I'm sure we'll have extras on hand. We should also have everyone covered on tools but if you want to bring extras that would be great too.

We can also take out that annoying buzzer if you want too. It doesn't take long and if you just want to swing by and take out the buzzer that's cool too.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there, hopefully we can get a decent turnout, I know there are alot of people who need a CB setup installed, troubleshooted, tuned etc so let's bring 'em over!

TanTJJim

05-12-2008, 05:30 PM

Bump, just wanted to remind everyone that we will be doing this workshop this Saturday the 17th if you want to come. Starting at 9am, pm me for directions, we will be doing this around Power and University.

azorr

05-12-2008, 09:08 PM

Hey, make sure you guys do a good writeup on what is covered! I cannot make it this weekend, but will be setting my CB up the week after that.

Thanks.

KennethS

05-13-2008, 07:57 PM

For those of you who have not yet decided upon where to mount your radio and/or antenna, here is some information on my recent (as in this past weekend) installation:

I purchased an overhead CB rack from Number 7 (George and Diane), a behind-the-tail light mount from Quadra Tech, and a 4 foot FireFly antenna, coax, and antenna quick disconnect from 4 Wheelers Supply (we get a discount there).

Here are pics of my setup:

The overhead rack from Number 7. It mounts to the footman loop above the windshield using the factory screws and clamps to the roll bar at the rear:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/kenneths/Jeep/1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/kenneths/Jeep/2.jpg

CB radio view from drivers seat:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/kenneths/Jeep/3.jpg

Coax was routed under the roll bar padding to the drivers side, where it exited with the speaker bar wiring:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/kenneths/Jeep/4.jpg

Coax was routed through the grommet above the drivers side tail light. I punched a hole in the grommet with a Philips screwdriver then pushed the coax through:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/kenneths/Jeep/5.jpg

Coax was routed through the opening beneath the tail light to the antenna mount:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/kenneths/Jeep/6.jpg

4 foot Fire Fly antenna attached to tail light mount with quick disconnect. Note that a 3 foot antenna would extend just slightly above the roof line, and the 4 foot antenna is significantly taller (and hopefully has a greater range):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/kenneths/Jeep/7.jpg

Radio power was tapped off the 10 Amp unswitched lead behind the glove box (so I could have radio without turning the key on). The power lead from radio was routed under roll bar padding on passengers side, then beneath the door well to the fuse box area.

I had thought about a tailgate antenna mount, but the resistance from the tailgate to chassis/body was over 1.5 KOhms, so I would have had to install a ground strap from the tailgate to the chassis/body, which just complicated matters. The behind-the-tail light mount was much simpler and gave me less than 1 Ohm to ground, plus it moved the antenna to the side so it didn't interfere with opening the rear glass. I was able to achieve an SWR reading of 1.2:1 on Channel 19 (mid-band), with 1.4:1 on Ch 1 and 1.6:1 on Ch 40, so I think I have a pretty good setup.

Hope this helps some of you with your installation.

TanTJJim

05-13-2008, 09:02 PM

Looks good Kenneth, that's a pretty clean install. Are you pretty happy with how everything turned out? I bet you can get out pretty far with that setup.

KennethS

05-13-2008, 09:16 PM

Yes, I am pleased with the setup, but I haven't had an opportunity to see how far I can transmit yet as I just finished everything a few days ago.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I bought a Vanco SWR-3 meter from Fry's Electronics for around $10. I don't know how accurate it is, but I figure even if it's not extremely accurate, the relative readings are good for tuning to the lowest possible SWR.

Digger

05-13-2008, 09:20 PM

Hey Kenneth, no more Orphan left for dead in the canyons... eh. ;):D
Looks like a real nice install!! Seeya on the trails!!

TanTJJim

05-13-2008, 09:22 PM

If you have good line of sight you should be able to get out 4-5 miles with that setup. Let us know what you think after you've taken it for a "test drive."

Digger, were you still going to try and make it to the workshop on Saturday?

KennethS

05-13-2008, 09:23 PM

Hey Kenneth, no more Orphan left for dead in the canyons... eh. ;):D
EXACTLY!!! That is the entire reason why I did this!

Number 7

05-14-2008, 06:33 AM

That looks like a very nice install Kenneth. :drummer: George

Clay

05-14-2008, 08:02 PM

My Green Jeep

05-14-2008, 08:15 PM

Nice... good job!!!

Stickbuddy

05-15-2008, 03:28 PM

I had an overnight job at Grand Canyon come my way, so I won't be able to make it Saturday morning. :disappointed: Thank you though.

KennethS

05-15-2008, 04:16 PM

Very nice install Kenneth. I bought one of those cb mounts from Joe at Absolute offroad at the open house. The mount looks to be made by George. The one mounting change I made was to mount the back with two wire ties instead of the clamp that came with the setup. I use a safari top and was concerned about the clamp in the back rubbing on the soft top. The wire ties work very well for my installation.

I like how you routed the antenna cable and will make the switch from the cigarette lighter to the fuse box like you did.

George has two different versions of the rack - one with the clamp at the rear and one that wire ties to the roll bar. I am not certain, but from the pictures I saw here on the forum I think the one that wire ties on is a bit longer so it sits on top of the roll bar for stability.

Wire tie / Quick connect version (longer):
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showthread.php?t=33457&highlight=overhead

Clamp-on version:
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showthread.php?t=31231&highlight=overhead

Clay

05-15-2008, 07:20 PM

I got the one with the clamp. Very happy with it. If anybody needs a mount for a CB radio, I would suggest you get one of these.
:)

George has two different versions of the rack - one with the clamp at the rear and one that wire ties to the roll bar. I am not certain, but from the pictures I saw here on the forum I think the one that wire ties on is a bit longer so it sits on top of the roll bar for stability.

Wire tie / Quick connect version (longer):
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showthread.php?t=33457&highlight=overhead

Clamp-on version:
http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showthread.php?t=31231&highlight=overhead

wild mustang

05-15-2008, 07:35 PM

have a great workshop...i need to stick closer to home on sat....catch ya'll the next time....

grateful

05-15-2008, 08:17 PM

Bummer...doesn't look like I"ll make it either...That irrigation job is pretty big and I haven't had a chance to even pick up any of the stuff that I need.....I hope you do another workshop someday soon and I can make that one....:aagh:
smiles, karen

TanTJJim

05-16-2008, 03:47 PM

Well, it looks like this is pretty much dead at this point. We have actually had more people offer to come out and help than people who wanted help so I guess you can't complain about that! Thank you to everyone who has offered to help. I'll pm everyone just incase and let them know that this isn't going to happen. Guess there's always next time :)

The Ben

05-17-2008, 07:06 AM

we were going to come since hackberry tanked. pm me when next one is.

azorr

05-17-2008, 01:12 PM

Bummer that this one didn't go though, but hopefully that means I can make the next one (if there is one...)