CB/Shades Poltergeist

[C310]

Originally Posted by Gasman 2

Okay what was the fix that Entegra chose not to do? There are still a few of us that would like use CBs contrary to what some say at Entegra.

Gasman, what is shown is what I did. An aluminum panel bonded to a white fiberglass panel attached to the roof. You can not have too large a ground plane but this has provided acceptable results and is all that would have been required during the build. ( I guess they didn't feel they wanted to add the aluminum panel?) Photo shows the ground plane (before sealant).


Steve

[Gasman 2]

Where did you get the material for the ground plane? Is that the antenna supplied by Entegra?
Thanks

[C310]

Originally Posted by Gasman 2

Where did you get the material for the ground plane? Is that the antenna supplied by Entegra?
Thanks

I used the antenna that was on the coach. The aluminum (I used .020" thickness) can be purchased from Aircraft Spruce or any other metal supplier and the fiberglass and retainers from a larger rv dealer.



Steve

[gjw]

Originally Posted by dusty56

Ralph I had a similar problem but instead of the shades it was the slides that would not go in when there was power to the CB. Fix was the tech ran all new power to the cb. New 12volt power and new ground. That fixed the problem. Try it.

I have the same issue with my set up. When I talked to Entegra CS they suggested I run a new dedicated power line from the compartment under the drivers seat - which I did - did not fix the issue. I did not run a dedicated ground though, I tapped into existing ground - I will have to try that.

CS indicated that the motors for the shades are reversible. When going up power may go down the positive path and the motors turn in one direction. When going down, power may travel through the negative path, thus reversing the direction the shade motor runs in. I'm not sure what the fix is/will be, but I am very interested in finding out...

[gjw]

Originally Posted by TXiceman

First thought is how you ran the CB antenna coaxial cable. Next is did you tune the antenna for proper SWR?

The problem is most likely RF related. You may need to add a capacitor to the shade motor wiring or a choke on the power wiring to the shade.

Do you know any ham radio operators in your area. They can probably help.

Ken

On my Anthem the coax cable for the antennas is run up through the A-pillar on the drivers side. I ran new coax in the pillar for mine. I can't remember at this time if the power for the shades is also run in this A-pillar or across the roof. Unfortunately, I don't know any Hams in my area for them to check things out for me...

[dave&ginny]

My shades go up when I key the mic as well.

[YC1]

Can you post a picture of your antenna install?

A .01 capacitor across the power leads that go into the shade control box might stop it. Ferrite beads may work as well. I would need to see a picture of the shade control box and better yet would be a link to a schematic.You might try wrapping the control box in aluminum foil.

These can a be quite tricky to solve. I have been in the two way radio business for 40 years. I have seen antilock brakes act up, engines stall or slow down, light bars go off, sirens go off, radios mute, windshield wipers go on etc. Lots of challenges.