How to Hook Up a CB Linear Amp
By Pamela Gardapee
Learning how to hook up a CB linear amp (kicker box) is easy. You do want to be careful not to hook up one that is too powerful, or you could have problems with the FCC. The CB comes with 4 watts of power as regulated by the FCC. Hooking up a linear amp can boost that wattage to 10 or even 12 watts. The linear amps help the output of the transmission. Some CB radios are just weak as far as the signal is concerned. If you live or drive in secluded areas, you may need an amp to boost your transmission signal so that people farther away can hear you. If there are homes near you when you are using a linear amp, you could bleed over onto telephones, TV and radios.
Hook up the CB to a car or as a home base. Hook up the CB antenna, and make sure that the standing wave is correct. Do not hook up a linear amp if your SWR (standing wave ratio) is bad. This can only damage your radio.
Place the linear amp in a position close to the unit. In a car, you can place the amp on the floor or mount it to the bottom of the CB radio using the side mount brackets. In a home, you can set it up on a table next to the unit.
Unhook the CB antenna coaxial cable from the CF, and plug it into the input on the amp. Then hook up the jumper coaxial cable that comes with the amp to the output on the amp. Run the other end of the jumper cable to the back of the CB, and plug into the input for the antenna.
Hook up the standing wave ratio meter to the linear amp as per the directions on the meter. Run a SWR check again to make sure that it did not change. In most cases, it will stay the same, but if it changes, you will have to correct the problem.
References
Tips
- If you get caught using a linear amp, you can be fined. People do use these amps, but they use them responsibly and have no problems with the FCC.
Warnings
- Never intentionally use a linear amp (kicker) to bleed over on someone else, or you will have problems.
Writer Bio
Pamela Gardapee is a writer with more than seven years experience writing Web content. Being functional in finances, home projects and computers has allowed Gardapee to give her readers valuable information. She studied accounting, computers and writing before offering her tax, computer and writing services to others.