CB Installed w/BIG BOB custom bracket

[JVolpe]

I finally got time to install my CB using the custom bracket that BIG BOB sells. Take a look, it works great. Simple install took me about 1 1/2 hours to do everything bracket, antenna, ext. speaker and CB.



Thanks BIG BOB.



You CB guys don't rag on me for my 15-16 year old Radio Shack CB and woosie Midland Window mount antenna. I had the same setup on my last Chevy truck for over 8 years and many long trips it always worked fine for my needs. I don't have long range, but 3-7 miles on the highway is all I need.

 

[Tony T.]

What sort of SWR reading do you have with that antenna set up. I like the bracket, nice and neat install with that BB bracket.



Tony

 

[JVolpe]

Tony T



I wish I could tell you, I don't know yet on the SWR reading, I backed over my SWR meter before I got a chance to tune it. I was waiting for the silicone to dry/harden on the window mount before installing the antenna in the mount. Jumped in the truck to make a quick run to the store and thump.



Hope I can find a meter tomorrow, if not may be time to upgrade CB with internal meter.

 

[Tony T.]

Sorry about your meter, I've been thinking about mounting my Uniden 2510 or Cobra 148 GTL in the truck, but can not decide on a antenna set up. I use to run a K40 and it was mounted on top of my other truck, I just do not want to drill any holes in this trucks roof. Don't really care for magnet mounts either.



When you get a new meter check the swr and post a reading, I'm curious to know how low they will be.



Tony

 

[JVolpe]

Tony T



That is the reason I am using the window mount. I have two or three old antennas and at least one magnet mounted one that has never been out of the box. I think they are in the attic above the garage, been there a long time. Not many antenna mounting options on the 3Gens.



The other truck had a different window mount, dont remember who made it. It seemed a little beefier than the Midland. My SWR on that setup was around 2 pretty much across the board and I thought that was pretty good for a window mount. Never checked after I installed it. I certainly didnt overide any sidebands, but generally I had 3-5 mile range at least. Thats really all I need, just like to keep up with the conditions up ahead. CB has saved me a lot of road time. A GPS will show alternate routes, but a Truck Driver can tell you which one of those routes to use and why.



I will let you know how it works out and what kind of readings I get.

 

[JVolpe]

Tony T



Here is a link to my gallery at DTW that has a few more pics of the CB install if your interested.



http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/account-photos.asp?album=16979

 

[testraub]

CB and Antenna mounting

I also got Big Bob's mount (large) and have just added a few photos to my Reader Rig Gallery Enjoy!

 

[JVolpe]

Tony T



SWR Readings with new SWR Meter. I took these twice, because I didnt really believe them. Not bad for a $19 Window mount and a 16 year old Radio Shack TRC-484.



Channel 1 SWR 1. 7 Transmit Power 2. 8

Channel 19 SWR 1. 5 Transmit Power 3. 5

Channel 40 SWR 1. 7 Transmit Power 2. 9



BTW the SWR meter hasnt changed in at least 16 years, except it was $10 higher now.



This is what I started with.

 

[opiefire]

Where did you run the antenna wire back to the CB? Everything looks great! How much is the bracket the Big Bob sells?

 

[JVolpe]

dmbarker I PM'd you.



I ran the antenna wire from the inside window mount under the the rear window side molding.



Then down to and under the door seal covers back and front(these just snap out).



Just before the front/front seat bracket I ran the antenna cable under the carpet and out through the hole under the front seat for the factory wiring.



This comes out about 14 inches from the CB.



Almost no antenna cable showing at all and I did not cut or modify anything.

 

[Tony T.]

Tony T



SWR Readings with new SWR Meter. I took these twice, because I didnt really believe them. Not bad for a $19 Window mount and a 16 year old Radio Shack TRC-484.



Channel 1 SWR 1. 7 Transmit Power 2. 8

Channel 19 SWR 1. 5 Transmit Power 3. 5

Channel 40 SWR 1. 7 Transmit Power 2. 9



BTW the SWR meter hasnt changed in at least 16 years, except it was $10 higher now.



This is what I started with.

Thanks for the reply back JV, those readings are not bad at all. Did you take them in a open area away from any metal buildings or houses. From looking at the antenna pic it looks like the antenna has a center load so the top part should be adjustable for swr. I may be interested in this antenna set up myself, what brand and where to purchase.



Thanks



Tony

 

[Crunch]

That is the reason I am using the window mount. I have two or three old antennas and at least one magnet mounted one that has never been out of the box. I think they are in the attic above the garage, been there a long time. Not many antenna mounting options on the 3Gens.

Consider a stake-hole mount that uses one of the stake holes in the bed. I'm using the standard stake-hole mount because I didn't want to drill any holes anywhere in the truck, either. They also make an off-set stake-hole mount so you can put a camper shell on the bed. I used the plate for the clutch master cylinder to run the coax through, the sealed the hole with silicone. One of the concerns was that I would need more than 18' of coax (I think it has to be in 3' increments after that), but it turned out to be just enough. No complaints, but I'm working on fabricating my own bracket. Anyone know the center span between bolts on the console brackets?

 

[testraub]

Antenna Mount

I like my BACKRACK for the mounting. Pictures on my readers rig site BIG RED BEAST

 

[mgonske]

Firestik www.firestik.com makes this style mount along with the extended model, which I use so my tennau cover operates properly. Will handle cb antennas with coils at the bottom like k40 and wilson1000 along with the shorter all-fiberglass models. They sell direct, like 14 bucks.

It looks like this (with FireStik's FireRing coax):

#ad
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And here it is with the topper on (sorry, no closeup):

#ad

 

[JVolpe]

Tony T



The reading were taken at the end of the driveway. When I get a chance I will get some additional readings in a more open environment.



The antenna I bought from Fry's $19. 99 (Midland: 18-258 Window Mount CB Antenna).



I think it will do fine for my needs.

 

[Tony T.]

Tony T



The reading were taken at the end of the driveway. When I get a chance I will get some additional readings in a more open environment.



The antenna I bought from Fry's $19. 99 (Midland: 18-258 Window Mount CB Antenna).



I think it will do fine for my needs.

Thanks JV for info, I agree, I believe it will be fine for my needs also.



Tony

 

[Steve.A]

JVolpe, how do you get in touch with Big Bobs, web site, 800 #?

 

[JVolpe]

SteveA



Sent you a PM with contact info.

 

[BBean]

Do you have the contact information for Big Bob? I would like to get a braket from him too. Looks great. Bob

 

[BIG BOB]

Just email or PM me.



Your my neighbor! I live in Post Falls and work in Spokane.