CB Radio Noise

[beretta01]

Hi everyone! I got a new CB radio a few weeks ago and shoved the hot wire into an empty fuse slot(has a fuse in the middle of the hot wire already) and put the ground on a little piece of metal behind the dash. Whenever I turn the car on, I get alot of static. When I lock my locks and turn the windshield wipers on I also get a quick bunch of static. Anyone know how to make this go away? Thanks!!

[95Sierra2500]

It's being created because you're varying the electrical draw through the fuse box. If you listen carefully to older car stereos, you can hear it in those too. I usually avoid it by hooking into the wires for the cigarette lighter. I've never had a problem doing it this way.

[c4cruiser]

You need a clean source of power to keep the noise down. There are also filters that you can add to the alternator to reduce the whine-like noise.

 

Where is the antenna located? If it's too close to a motor (like the windshield wiper motor), it can pick up noise from that. A good antenna ground is just as important as is a good power ground for the radio. I would extend the radio ground lead out to a heavier piece of metal like a fender or a large piece of the framework under the dash that is bolted or weleded to the firewall.

 

The cigarette lighter (or the accessory outlets) works if you want a always-on power source.