Intro Hi I am new

[MadVeteran]

After bout 43 years since my last CB Radio, I just set one up. 43 years ago I had a 5/8ths wave antenna on my second floor chimney. I am building a 1/2 wave diploe but am using a Workman b100 indoors (not enough range for me).
I did set up some computer speakers which I feel really improves the sound. However, every time I key up I get loud noise. This happens even when speakers are unplugged so, I think it is rf interfering with speaker wire.

Is there a way to insulate the wires or, do I need a CB speaker ?

Thanks in advance

MadVeteran

 

[cralt]

Hello and welcome!

If they are amplified computer speakers they are likely picking up the RF from your indoor antenna and amplifying it. CBs are normally designed to power their own speaker so if you wired any old speaker to the CB “external speaker” jack it may work better for you.

I think the dipole outside would work much better for you then that little workman inside. The workman really needs to be bolted to a big pole or something with a lot of metal to not send tons of RF down the shield of the coax.

Does your CB have a built in SWR meter or do you own an external one? That really is a must when playing with antennas.

Have fun!

 

[AmericanEagle575]

Welcome back to the hobby

 

[MadVeteran]

Thanks for the replies.
Yes, it is an amplified set of one bass + 2 midrange computer speakers.
Would ferrite filters change my situation ?

I have SWR meter. reading 1.2 from channel 1-40

 

[w9cll]

Welcome to the site!

 

[MadVeteran]

Welcome to the site!

Thanks for the welcomes.

 

[cralt]

Would ferrite filters change my situation ?

I have SWR meter. reading 1.2 from channel 1-40

It could fix it if they are mix #31 or #43. Most of the cheap ones you get on amazon or ebay are not that and don't do anything at 27Mhz.

https://palomar-engineers.com/ferrite-products/ferrite-cores/ferrite-mix-selection

 

[nomadradio]

First, thank you for your service!

Second, get a passive speaker. Amplified speakers just don't play well with RF. Doesn't mean it can't be done, but a passive speaker will be just as loud and better yet, only on receive.

73

 

[MadVeteran]

Thanks for all the help.
I am really encouraged to find an active radio site like this.
And, nomadradio, thank you for your support and for your thanks.

 

[Crawdad]

Welcome Mr. Veteran and thank you for defending our nation.

A wire dipole will work quite well for you. An inverted "V" dipole will allow you to play both local and DX (if DX ever returns that is).

Lots of good folks with good knowledge here, so yell for more help if you need it.

 

[S&W357]

Welcome to the forum! Good idea to move that dipole outside if you can.

Inverted V ain't bad for DX...or install it fully horizontal by raising the ends.




A-99 antenna is good to go no hassle to install vertical antenna. I like mine...works great.

 

[Crawdad]

Hey Ralph,
Hope you are well......

73

 

[secret squirrel]

The Workman B100 antenna uses the coax as the ground plan for the antenna so your coax will radiate RF. Once you get an antenna up outside, you should see improvements. Welcome back to CB radio.

 

[Slowmover]

I’ve spent plenty there with zero regrets in trying things out as experiment.

It could fix it if they are mix #31 or #43. Most of the cheap ones you get on amazon or ebay are not that and don't do anything at 27Mhz.

https://palomar-engineers.com/ferrite-products/ferrite-cores/ferrite-mix-selection

.

 

[MadVeteran]

The Workman B100 antenna uses the coax as the ground plan for the antenna so your coax will radiate RF. Once you get an antenna up outside, you should see improvements. Welcome back to CB radio.

All great points .. Thanks all.
I just ordered another CB external speaker.
I intend for the dipole to go outside but, it will most likely be used from inside at first.

CBs are proving to be fun even if its just setting them up.