Battery or frame grounding for CB/accessories?

[Eskimo_Pie]

Hi all

I have a mobile in my truck getting power POS+ directly from the battery and the NEG- from a screw in the engine compartment, using 10 or 12 gauge wire. So far, no noise issues, but will be building a custom center console to hold my radio, an aux cig plug or two, switches for accessories, and a goose neck map light. Here's a link from another forum I read and post often to, all credit goes to the original poster for his/her ideas: [Please login or register to view this link] and do not gain anything from posting the link, it's just a cool idea I wanted to share. Will I get more noise by adding more accessories to the line I have currently feeding my radio? Should I tie a ground to say, like the seat frame assembly, or is the ground I have now fine? I plan on adding a cell phone/mp3 player charger, GPS charger, and maybe a powered ext speaker for the CB. I currently run a K40 mag mount and it's seen better days, but works for now, although, my SWR is a little on the high side, 1:1.9-2. On the drawing board is a 102" whip install, but do not like the height of the 102. The mag mount works for me right now, but hope someone can persuade me in to switching to the 102.

Thanks for any tips!!

-Greg

[TwentyTwo-Zero]

To eliminate the possibility of creating a ground loop, interference with onboard electronics, voltage drop, etc. I would run the main power leads (both positive and negative) directly to the battery.

[outlaw0814]

well i gotta say that is a nice console-- I would definately put bolth pos. and neg. directly to the battery--- and as far as your antenna delema , i personally use wilsons its really up to you and what works for ya-- to me a 102 just doesnt look right on some vehicles-- but good on others. My power is Two 8 guage wires directly from batter into the truck -- Positive is split to a 12ga. to radio and 12ga. to an aux. fuse box--- my ground is to heavy stainless bolt under the dash where all my grounds go to

[TheCBDoctor]

Hi Eskimo_Pie

No matter where the grounds go they all should be connected to the same point to prevent ground loops. I try and keep grounds as short as possible, when possible, to prevent the ground wire from acting like an antenna.

Respectfully,

[Eskimo_Pie]

Hi Eskimo_Pie

No matter where the grounds go they all should be connected to the same point to prevent ground loops. I try and keep grounds as short as possible, when possible, to prevent the ground wire from acting like an antenna.

Respectfully,

Thanks for all info!! Going to go and clean out truck in preparation for building my console today. Bought a scrap piece of 2'x4' ply from Home Depot for .51¢ !!