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Cobra 75 WX ST Installation
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After checking out the market I decided to
install a Cobra 75 WX ST, compact Remote Mount CB. $120.00 |
| Being that I've worked with RF for the last 15 years, and
work with a bunch of HAMS, I couldn't very well get myself a CB system that didn't perform
the first time up and running. So with more research on the WEB, I decided the best
thing to do was go to the local CB shop (they had the only Cobra 75 WX ST in all of
San Diego in stock at the time) and they would be able to set me up with the correct
antenna, cable and mount for my Jeep. One of the guys at work told me that my rack
would be a great place for the antenna with all the ground plane it provided. So, off
to the "Mud Shack" (619 464-6855) I drove in my jeep. I knew this was
going to be the right place as soon as I pulled up, those guys in there had CB / HAM manic
written all over the place (looked like some guys' garage / workshop)! |
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First there's the mount, a Firestik Universal Flat Mount
Model K-124, Heavy-duty with a K-4 Stud $12.00 This bolted directly to my rack. |
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Then there's the Firestik 'Fire-Flex' Coax Model K-8, 18
feet of RG-58A/U with 2 lugs and 1 PL-239 connector. $11.00 Be sure to leave the
cable at the length it is or you can create a terrible mismatch with the antenna. Be
sure to read Firestiks "Things Every CB'er Should Know"
before started to install your CB antenna system. |
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| Finally we have the Firestik 'Firestik' Model KW-2, 2 foot
antenna, I choose Black with a red tip. $14.00 |
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I wanted a Spring to raise the antenna above
the rack. This was something I forgot to get at the Mud Shack, so I picked this up
at Radio Shack, Slim Spring and 3/8" Stud, Catalog # 21-962. $9.99 |
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We drilled a hole for the cable to run through
where shown. Note the pain in the butt grommet! The cable runs up the rack
support and is tie-wrapped to the support. |
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The bracket bolted directly to the bolt on the
rack. I tie-wrapped the cable to the rack support. Make sure you leave a
"service loop" when attaching the cable, this will prevent the cable from
breaking internally, also, RF doesn't like sharp turns! I soldered the connections
to the crimp lugs and used liquid electrical tape to seal the cable. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from going down the cable causing corrosion and mismatch
problem. |
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The extra length of cable is loosely wrapped in a
figure eight and tucked under the carpet next to the exit hole for the antenna.
Remember - the cable needs to stay the length it was designed for! |
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The spring raises the mounting point for the
antenna above the top of the rack, this is good. I leave the spring on all the
time. When the antenna is not installed, I put some little plastic fitting my roomie
found at HomeDepot in it's spot to keep water and dirt out of the threads. |
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There it is!
The antenna mounted on the rack! I only put the antenna on when I'm planning on
using the CB. I store the 2 foot antenna in the jeep, it's small and fits everywhere
in there. |
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Right now I have the junction box mounted under
the passenger seat, I'm planning on moving it under the glove box soon, this will keep the
cable out from under foot. The bracket for the CB is mounted to the screw on the
lower dash panel under the steering wheel. In this photo, I tried using double sided
tape to hold the bracket where shown. This worked for a while, put finally came
loose and fell off. Most of the time, it's setting in my lap when we are on the
trail. |
 
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