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Main Forum => Tips and Tricks => Topic started by: Barry-Sue on July 19, 2013, 03:34:54 pm

Title: CB Antenna
Post by: Barry-Sue on July 19, 2013, 03:34:54 pm

We like to have a CB with us when we travel the interstates so we can get up to date information on traffic conditions from the truckers. In the past I used a magnet mounted antenna but decided to go to a permanently mounted antenna.

The installation was very easy.  I used an existing bolt and nut plus had to drill a hole in the lip of the fender (this was the hardest part of the job, not physically but mentally) for a second bolt and nut (everything is stainless steel).  The cable runs across the top of the firewall, into the passenger fender and through a existing unused grommet into passenger compartment.  I used a 9 foot cable but if I had to do it again I might go with an 18 foot cable for a little more slack once I got into the PC. 

Here is a list of parts and sources I used.  Both vendors were very fast and responsive.

Kalibur KVAN Stainless Steel Hood Channel Antenna Mount

http://www.amazon.com/Kalibur-Stainless-Channel-Mobile-Antenna/dp/B000WD3MHI/ref=sr_1_fkmr3_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374260663&sr=8-1-fkmr3&keywords=cb+van+hood+mount

Firestik FL-3 Antenna

http://www.truckers-store.com/store-products-fl3-4-FireStik-Light-Weight-Mechanical-Tunable-Tip-FireFly-Series-40-Channel-Plus-CB-Antenna_40127053.html

FireStik Fire-Flex 9 ft. Antenna Coax

http://www.truckers-store.com/store-products-k8r9-FireStik-Fire-Flex-9-ft-Single-Antenna-Coax-with-PL-259-FireRing-Termination_40129629.html

Title: Re: CB Antenna
Post by: billy on July 19, 2013, 10:29:42 pm

Barry, did u install? Did u check the SWR, standing wave ratio?

Title: Re: CB Antenna
Post by: Barry-Sue on July 20, 2013, 08:55:35 am

Billy

Yes and Yes.

Out of the box SWR for CH 1 was about 1.2 CH 40 above 3.

After adjusting antenna - Ch1 1.6 CH 40 1.7

Barry

Title: Re: CB Antenna
Post by: GoPhoenix on July 31, 2013, 12:57:47 pm

Here's our antenna.  Factory installed when built.  The box to connect the antenna and CB is under the driver's seat.  Power wire under the floor mat.

Title: Re: CB Antenna
Post by: Barry-Sue on July 31, 2013, 01:59:48 pm

I didn't have the foresight to have the factory install a CB antenna and I was not going to be allowed to drill a hole in the side of the PC.  This is what I had to do.

Is your antenna a No Ground Plane or a Ground Plane?

Barry

Title: Re: CB Antenna
Post by: Ron Dittmer on August 01, 2013, 01:19:06 pm

Quote from: GoPhoenix on July 31, 2013, 12:57:47 pm

Here's our antenna.  Factory installed when built.  The box to connect the antenna and CB is under the driver's seat.  Power wire under the floor mat.

I love GoPhoenix's CB installation.  If I wanted a CB, I would be talking with you.  For me though, the CB antenna would need to fold below the height of the a/c unit to get inside our garage.  I'm sure it could be worked out.

Title: Re: CB Antenna
Post by: GoPhoenix on August 02, 2013, 01:50:04 pm

Actually, this is my second PC.  On the first PC, I drilled a hole above the driver's door, running the wire into the storage area above the driver’s seat, and did the same basic installation.  Of course, wasn’t able to run it through the wall like the factory did, but pried up the trim and ran it down that way. It’s a No-Ground Plane:

http://www.rightchannelradios.com/firestik-ngp-antenna-side-mount-kit-right-channel-radios.html

Also, have a Quick Disconnect when I store it so that the antenna isn’t exposed to the weather during storage (no inside storage, unfortunately):

http://www.rightchannelradios.com/firestik-cb-antenna-quick-disconnect.html

Title: Re: CB Antenna
Post by: Ron Dittmer on August 02, 2013, 02:45:47 pm

Quick disconnect is good to know.  Thanks!