cb radio questions

[Thmstec]

Just got my hands on a cb radio, and now I'm looking for an antenna. I have very little knowledge of cb radio. Was wondering if any of you guys had any favorite websites or suggestions. I'd like to keep the antenna relatively low, and easy to remove for car washes and times I just don't need it. And I don't need something with amazing range, just something good enough for a mile or two- at the time of writing this I'm not even sure what the norm is. From what i've picked up magnetic mounts are easy to take on and off. So with those how exactly does the antenna hook up to the inside of the vehicle with those magnetic mounts? Would prefer not to drill through the car if possible. What I was sorta thinking of is a mounting position on the back of the vehicle, on the rear hatch. Would that be an easy thing to do with a magnetic mount?

Thanks in advance,
Thmstec

[Ldub]

There are a few of us around here that prefer the Wilson "Lil' Will" magnetic mount...while others like the "Firestick". (can't remember manufacturer)

I zip tied my wire to the roof rack, over to the door jamb, down behind the weatherstripping, & under my floor mat to the CB. (mounted on the pass. side of the hump)

If you search, I remember seeing links to all kinds of info on the subject.

Also, a trip to the nearest truck stop will reveal a pretty good cross section of what's available.

[taylorRichie]

I originally bought a firestik, but then got chastised, so I bought a wilson fiberglass antenna that was very similar to a firestik... but worked better.

I don't recommend either :D

I was hittin the trail and had to limbo a tree and (((SNAP))) Get something that's thin and flexible, like the wilson Magnet antennas. I bought a mirror mount from the local Pilot truck stop, bought longer screws at the home depot, and Mounted it to my roof rack cross bars (OE) and it worked great, with no modification.

I then ran my wire through the back gate.

Welcome to the confusing world of CBs, and buy yourself an SWR meter.

[mdwyer]

Sadly, the wavelength of CB means that a decent antenna has got to be at least 9 feet long, electrically. Add to that that it should be in clear air, above everything else, and you've got a recipe for clearance problems.

Consequently, pretty much any CB antenna is a compromise. For what you want, though, I imagine one of those mag-mount ones would be sufficient. Keep in mind that most of the roof is covered in ridges, which sort of limits where you can put a mag-mount.

Also, you're pretty much guaranteed to scratch your paint with a magmount.

A couple of people have done permanent installs to the tailgate door, in installations that look pretty good. I think they're probably the best. There are others that will fit in the trailer hitch, if you're got one of those.

I drilled my roof, but then the antennas I use are only 19" long, and aren't any higher than the stock antenna. Hit up the search engine for other installs.

[Thmstec]

Thanks for the advice guys! I like the "lil wil" but I also managed to find a mount (http://www.walcottcb.com/firestik-mkm2-molded-side-mount-mini-kit-p-578.html) that looks like it would look very nice drilled through the back-side cladding. Guess I just gotta decide if I want to drill :rolleyes:

And on a side note- planning to be at MOAB next year! :bwgy:

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

I have the same mount you indicated but mounted mine on the sheet-metal and use the fire stik antenna with cobra radio. I personally like the look and have gotten great results with the range (like 14-15 miles).

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/2008_Moab_Utah_pics_167.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/11277)

[Thmstec]

Jolly, I like your setup, looks good! I'm thinking I'll take that idea from you, but with a shorter antenna, something that ends up just as high as the am/fm radio antenna. Thanks for post!

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

here is another place to put that style of mount:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/42my_cb_antenna_2.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/1857)

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/42new_mtr_s_3.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/1817)

http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs/TT_2drill.htm
http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs/roofrack.htm
http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs/rack-mnt.htm
http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs/BAD-INSTALLS.htm

[Ldub]

Jolly, I like your setup, looks good! I'm thinking I'll take that idea from you, but with a shorter antenna, something that ends up just as high as the am/fm radio antenna. Thanks for post!

FWIW, as I understand it, CB antennas work best mounted on the roof, as far away from body sheetmetal as possible.
I see from your gallery that you have a roof rack & it wouldn't be too difficult to fab a round (or square) piece of 1/8" steel plate of slightly larger diameter than a magnetic base. Then drill a couple holes & bolt it to the center of the rack.
Just throwin' out another option before you start drilling holes in body sheetmetal...:smilewink
Hope to see you in Moab !!!

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

FWIW, as I understand it, CB antennas work best mounted on the roof, as far away from body sheetmetal as possible.
I see from your gallery that you have a roof rack & it wouldn't be too difficult to fab a round (or square) piece of 1/8" steel plate of slightly larger diameter than a magnetic base. Then drill a couple holes & bolt it to the center of the rack.
Just throwin' out another option before you start drilling holes in body sheetmetal...:smilewink
Hope to see you in Moab !!!


From FireStik's website:

DRILLING HOLES IN VEHICLE
Compliments of Firestik® Antenna Company Technical Support Team

Copyright © 1996 Firestik® Antenna Company

If Shakespeare had been contemplating the installation of a CB antenna on his carriage, he might have said, "To drill or not to drill … that is the question!" But, you don't have to be poetic to face the same question. Having laid out a huge chunk of change for one of today's motorized carriages, it can give you goose bumps to think about boring holes through it. Perhaps this will help with your decision.

We understand the reluctance of most people to drill holes in their vehicle. The industry is always coming up with mounts that eliminate the need to drill holes in the vehicle's exterior. Aside from magnetic mounts, there are many varieties of clamp-on mirror mounts, trunk lip mounts, rain gutter mounts, and bumper mounts. There are also many types of mounts that require holes for mounting but they are placed in areas that are not exposed; such as the trunk or hood channel. Nonetheless, the auto industry continues to make changes and introduce new models in a seemingly anti-mount program. We will always be behind.

Generally speaking, permanently mounted antennas allow you to take advantage of the most efficient location on any particular vehicle. On metal base vehicles with a single antenna, the closer the antenna is mounted to the center of mass, the better. And, permanent mounts, unlike magnetic mounts, offer a solid chassis ground. Position and good grounding can make a huge difference in how your system performs. Of course, this is an idealistic viewpoint. Perfect positioning is the exception … not the rule.
The biggest problem that is encountered with the "no-holes" installer involves the coax cable. If they won't drill a hole for the mount, they certainly won't want to drill a hole for the coax cable. It is amazing how much abuse the coax gets. People bend it, stretch it, kink it, cut it, splice it, pinch it, slam it, knot it, and neglect it in unimaginable ways. Ahhhh! The coax is the main artery to your antenna. You cannot abuse it and expect your system to work efficiently. That skinny piece of cable carries the lifeblood of your communications to and from your antenna. No matter how good your antenna is, abused coax will nullify its value. If we could only convince you to drill one hole, it would be for the routing of the coax.

Before you decide not to drill, think why! If you plan to keep your vehicle for many years and plan to keep a CB in it, I would say get out the drill and do a professional install that will last. If you don't, you will probably end up replacing your coax several times or find that the damage to the coax caused damage to the radio. Worst case, drill holes for the coax. A professionally mounted antenna and cable will add value to the vehicle, especially if it is a pick-up, motorhome, or van (mini or full size). We have bought and sold many vehicles and have never heard one person say, "Gee! I'd buy it if it wasn't for the nicely installed CB system." On the contrary, buyers look at it as an added feature.

So, if you hear, or are thinking, "Holeo! Holeo! Where for art thou holeo?" Go get your drill. Your fears are "Much ado about nothing."

[Ldub]

GADZOOKS...I never expected a Shakesperian reply...:thumbup:

In my mind I hear "Cornholio, Cornholio, drill not my precious body panels...I need TP for my bunghole"...

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/bb_americn_gthic.jpg