searched, but couldnt find a solution...

[ironhauler]

Ive got a Uniden 78 and a 1000 mag mount. Im running my power from a 12v 20a power outlet, basically a cigarette lighter plug in. Ive got an 06 dodge cummins diesel and im getting some engine noise and it seems like unless someone is less than a mile away from me, all I get is static.

I tried searching under "grounding 101" but I cant seem to find my answer.

How do I ground my setup? Did i screw up by using a cig lighter as a power source? Please help...

[231]

Did i screw up by using a cig lighter as a power source?

Use power directly from the battery. It's the cleanest power available, and should alone solve the majority of problem. The lighter (or even auxiliary) plug is tied into the main circuitry of the rig...and doesn't surprise me you are getting more than normal noise. I have Cummins diesel's too...and don't have hardly any noise.

[Midlander]

Yes, I second that. Make sure you connect directly to the battery. If your still having problems try what i found below it might help.

Below is some information I found online....


f you have problems with engine noise in a mobile installation, there are several things you can do to reduce or eliminate the problem.

- Make sure you've completely installed your CB and the antenna is grounded properly. Check the amount of noise with and without the antenna connected. If the noise is greater when the antenna is connected, the source is probably the ignition system. If the noise remains unchanged after disconnecting the antenna, the source is probably in the CB's power supply.
- For ignition noise, there are several parts of the vehicle that can act like RF noise transmitters if not properly grounded. Check (and connect to ground on the chassis/frame, if necessary) the engine block, hood, muffler, and exhaust pipe.
- Ignition noise can be further reduced by installing "magnetic suppression" spark plug cables. (These are significantly more expensive than normal spark plug cables.)
- For power supply noise, check if you have a capacitor attached to your ignition coil, alternator, electric fuel pump (especially on late model Fords) and distributor. These can act as filters right at the source of the noise.
- Ensure that your antenna feedline and power lines are as far as possible from any of the noise sources mentioned above, especially the engine block.
- A shielded power cable can help as well. Make sure it is of sufficient gauge to handle your radio's power consumption and that the shielding has a good, strong connection to ground on the vehicle chassis or frame.
- Electronics stores such as Radio Shack sell low-cost power filters for noise-reduction purposes. But remember, you get what you pay for. Most comments on this newsgroup are that they are not as effective as the other measures above.

Of course, the best performance can be obtained from a more expensive radio with better noise suppression circuits. These measures, however, will improve the engine noise levels for nearly any mobile radio.

[ironhauler]

thanks for the great info midlander. Where do I connect the ground? or should I say, what part of the radio do I connect the ground to? I will try running it hot from the battery.

[King Mudduck]

Run both wires out to the battery. Hot to the battery and the ground to the frame. Make sure you clean it down to the bare metal and the once you attach your wire that you use some kind of sealant to help prevent rust.

[ironhauler]

Run both wires out to the battery. Hot to the battery and the ground to the frame. Make sure you clean it down to the bare metal and the once you attach your wire that you use some kind of sealant to help prevent rust.

such as rtv grease?

[King Mudduck]

I use something like a silicon sealent. Once it drys it stays put.