Bike powered Midland CB really works!

[Flamewinger]

I've found using the battery pack on the Midland CB works but not as good as the cig power pack. I went for a nice 200+ ride yesterday and the new setup worked perfectly. I tried using the battery pack but the other riders have to be practically next to me as the CB signal needs power to get out especially after a long ride. So, I tried to use the cig power pack instead of the battery pack along with a USB to cig outlet adapter. I got the USB/Cig outlet cable from Amazon along with ferrite beads that I think might help with static interference. I also use a USB outlet in the RT's switch area with a 90 degree adapter. (because my outlet isn't in the center spot)

Worked like a charm! No engine interference. Now, I'll be getting the BRP CB antenna to connect to the antenna part of the Midland cable and a PTT button for the Sena SR10. Then I'll be figuring out how to make it waterproof and secure so I don't have to pop it on/off all the time. ( I took these images vertically with iPhone)

USB to Cig outlet with 90 degree adapter
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0793NQRYZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


USB outlet powered from fuse box (not from the battery or other power source)


USB outlet which also shows voltage
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CH8JGJX/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ferrite beads that I put on either side of the middle thing on the USB/Cig cable.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E6PLY0O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[pegasus1300]

Very nice set up

 

[Haze]

Keep us posted on new developments.
I'm very interested in your antenna exercise.
Thank you for the links to the parts from Amazon.

 

[ByronM]

I've found using the battery pack on the Midland CB works but not as good as the cig power pack. I went for a nice 200+ ride yesterday and the new setup worked perfectly. I tried using the battery pack but the other riders have to be practically next to me as the CB signal needs power to get out especially after a long ride. So, I tried to use the cig power pack instead of the battery pack along with a USB to cig outlet adapter. I got the USB/Cig outlet cable from Amazon along with ferrite beads that I think might help with static interference. I also use a USB outlet in the RT's switch area with a 90 degree adapter. (because my outlet isn't in the center spot)

Worked like a charm! No engine interference. Now, I'll be getting the BRP CB antenna to connect to the antenna part of the Midland cable and a PTT button for the Sena SR10. Then I'll be figuring out how to make it waterproof and secure so I don't have to pop it on/off all the time. ( I took these images vertically with iPhone)

USB to Cig outlet with 90 degree adapter
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0793NQRYZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
View attachment 170075

USB outlet powered from fuse box (not from the battery or other power source)
View attachment 170076

USB outlet which also shows voltage
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CH8JGJX/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ferrite beads that I put on either side of the middle thing on the USB/Cig cable.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E6PLY0O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

View attachment 170078

If I understood this correctly you are powering the CB off a USB port, I thought a USB port only supplied 5 volts, did you modify the USB port to provide 12 volts or do you have a CD that is powered by 5volts?

 

[Flamewinger]

If I understood this correctly you are powering the CB off a USB port, I thought a USB port only supplied 5 volts, did you modify the USB port to provide 12 volts or do you have a CD that is powered by 5volts?

The USB provides 5v as shown in the picture. The 6AA battery pack would provide 9v when they are new and I’ve found the radio can last a few days but I was only able to communicate with a rider near me. The riders at the tail of the group would fade as the ride wore on. So I guess the CB can work without the full voltage. Not sure if the USB/Cig cable does anything to improve it. All I can say is I don’t have to keep a full set of new batteries and I don’t have to worry about them going dead. I’ll try and measure the voltage from the cig cable.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

If I understood this correctly you are powering the CB off a USB port, I thought a USB port only supplied 5 volts, did you modify the USB port to provide 12 volts or do you have a CD that is powered by 5volts?

Look at the Amazon link. What Flame is doing is converting 12 volts to 5 via the USB adapter in the dash, and then converting back from 5 volts to 12 volts to power the CB. This power double conversion is providing a clean power supply to the CB and eliminates the RF noise present in the RT wiring.