Sears Roadtalker 40 CB, the Eerie Sound of Only Static - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: Cyberdragon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2016, 03:30:40 am
content: I got a nice used CB antenna. So I connected it and got only static on all channels, no matter any settings, for hours. It will respond to a signal generator connected directly to the antenna though, but no actual reception. I used to be able to pick up at least some active channels, now there is nothing. I've checked the antenna for an open or short and it passed. I have not tried transmitting in case the radio is damaged. My old antenna is total cactus, so no chance there.Any ideas what could be wrong (or what I'm setting up wrong)?

author: Tomorokoshi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2016, 05:03:50 am
content: Wild guesses because I've never had one of those:1. Does your model have an SWR meter?2. Is the static the same whether or not the antenna is connected?3. Are the pins in the UHF connector stretched out or worn so the antenna connection doesn't make contact?

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2016, 09:43:42 am
content: Maybe there's just no activity?

author: Enigma-man
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2016, 03:09:50 pm
content: Tomorokoshi... Wild guesses won't help Cyberdragon.CB is pretty much dead depending where you are in the US. I don't know how active CB is up here in The Great White North.The static you hear may be due to inactivity as PAOPBZ mentioned.Channel 11 and 19 would be your best bet to hear some chatter (unless there is something wrong with your CB unit).First thing you need to do is find out if your CB unit is working. If you had a pair of walkie-talkies you couldfind out pretty quick if you are capable of receiving anything on the static only unit.Key up one to talk and it will pin your meter, but you would at least know if your CB was receiving.Cell phones have killed and replaced CB.Come to think of it, I don't notice antennas on the side mirrors of semis any more.Hmmm... Lack of activity means you have all 40 channels to yourself but nobody to talk to.(sorry)I have a Rad Shack CB that looks like a mobile phone. Don't know where it is now but I do know where I saw my ancient 4 foot fibreglass whip.I'll hook it up if I find the radio and some RG-58 cable.It won't help you much, unless atmospheric conditions permit us to "shoot skip"

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2016, 03:33:12 pm
content: With your CB antenna still connected,run a fairly long piece of hookup wire from your signal generator RF output.This should radiate enough signal for your CB to receive,even if you just let it hang down onto the ground.If you don't hearanything,it sounds suspiciously like your antenna is faulty.By the way,what did you have your sig gen output set to?A CB should be able to hear a few microvolts.If it needed a substantial signal,your CB may be deaf.

author: Cyberdragon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2016, 10:36:43 pm
content: Seemed to recieve the signal gen at lowest output on all channels.It transmits without blowing up, getting 6W on the power meter (external, connected after attempting to receive). SWR on the wire going to the meter is a bit high, but not enough to set off the warning light, getting very little SWR on the antenna, so it's good.EDIT: GOT A LIVE SIGNAL (channal 6) while posting this, IDK what I did, but I suspect loose wiring that has now connected (either internal or external) time to start jiggling to find out which one.EDIT 2: fine tuning control is really dirty or loose, causing it to recieve the wrong frequencies (that's why it picked up the analog signal gen but not actual CB transmissions)

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2016, 12:53:26 am
content: I turn on my handheld once in a while. If you're near Montreal I can try yelling into my handheld and see how far I can get, considering there's no one else out there...

author: Cyberdragon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2016, 01:26:33 am
content: All I get is some guy who also has problems with his radio (mega feedback and squealing), and some other guy ranting and calling him a "bully" and saying "baby" alot. I fix my radio for that?!Still don't know how I sound, should check with a receiver, because I'm not talking to those morons!I should get my HAM permit and get on shortwave. Although last time I was listening to the tubes some guy said he was transmitting with a window screen, then like three other guys came on and were talking to him. One of them said he was transmitting through the rebar in the concrete!Imagine what would happen if I came on there with a normal antenna! They'd probably all vanish to some secret frequency from a crystal made from a piece of gravel!On a side note...when I went to get my power supply...I noticed a strange smell.So I pulled it out...to find the cat had shit behind it!I hope it's OK (it works, but I might want to inspect it).

author: silverlego3
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2016, 11:33:54 am
content: Over here in the Eastern US there is a guy who transmits on a SSB with some kind of Amp, you can hear him anywhere on channel 6 and what ever other channels he bleeds through on. His Sound echos and is always fuzzy, ends all his sentences with "bye, bye, bye" Drives me nuts. Other than him, in my area ch32 is where everyone in this area talks on.

author: vk3yedotcom
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2016, 11:54:09 am
content: Quote from: silverlego3 on August 25, 2016, 11:33:54 amWouldn't be one of these?

author: silverlego3
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2016, 01:13:38 pm
content: Quote from: vk3yedotcom on August 25, 2016, 11:54:09 amYes, that would be it!

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2016, 04:33:18 pm
content: We hear those idiots here in the UK too.I like Owls though I've never heard them give any evidence of a Superb one.

author: Cyberdragon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2016, 04:51:07 pm
content: Quote from: silverlego3 on August 25, 2016, 11:33:54 amI bet that's him alright. Have you heard the other guy telling him to shut up saying "mmmaaan you just a bully!"