Author Topic: Wiring for CB radio, can FM radio  (Read 2010 times)

Offline teamcurtis

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Wiring for CB radio, can FM radio
« on: March 23, 2018, 02:28:01 PM »
Ive got the dash out of my truck and figure while I'm in here i might as well get a radio and CB installed as I want to do them anyway.

The radio has a constant power, acc power and negative lead which makes sense to me.

Wiring the CB, do i just tie the red power into the ACC? Or do most people turn these on and off every time? Or is there a better way to wire this so it gets cleaner power while still cutting on and off with the key?

78 C10
1978 C10 Short Bed
350 smogged for CA

Offline Captain Swampy

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Re: Wiring for CB radio, can FM radio
« Reply #1 on: March 25, 2018, 12:32:04 PM »
I'd try to find a spot in the fuse panel that has power with key on and ACC.
1987  350TBI 700R4  4X4  4.56 gears  33" BFG All Terrain


http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=32209.0

Offline kennyw

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Re: Wiring for CB radio, can FM radio
« Reply #2 on: March 25, 2018, 10:41:44 PM »
I would run the CB wiring directly to the battery. If you want to get fancy you could use a relay to the ignition circuit.

Offline teamcurtis

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Re: Wiring for CB radio, can FM radio
« Reply #3 on: November 14, 2018, 11:58:58 AM »
Say i was running a car radio, a CB and an amplified loud horn ....
can i just run one relay for them or should they have their own?
1978 C10 Short Bed
350 smogged for CA

Offline 75gmck25

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  • 1975 GMC K25 Camper Special, 350/TH350/NP203
Re: Wiring for CB radio, can FM radio
« Reply #4 on: November 15, 2018, 07:34:41 AM »
The relay is a great idea, but you need to check the amperage if you have multiple things connected to the same circuit.  30 amps is about max you want for any single circuit, even if you do have a relay.  The CB probably has low draw when first turned on, but much higher draw when you key the mike.  The horn is similar. 

Bruce