2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Dual CB antennas

[PaulCreamer]

Need some suggestions on where to mount them. I would love to put them out on the mirrors, but they are plastic and don't ground. I am also concerned about looks too. That is to say, I havn't seen a slick looking mirror mount for our 2nd gen. tow mirrors. From what I understand a co-phase set up works best at 1 wave (8ft. ) apart.



Any thoughts would be really appreciated



Thanks and Merry Christmas

 

[bmoeller]

Have you considered using Firestik Stake pocket mounts? http://www.firestik.com/CatalogFrame.htm I am using a pair of these- #ad
I purchased mine from www.walcottcb.com One thing I did different, was to not use the bottom plate and only 2 of the screws instead of all four. I have 2x4's sitting under the crossover toolbox because of the plastic liner I have. The in bed fuel tank has to sit on 2x4's also. I stuck the antenna mount inbetween the toolbox and 2x4 and drilled two holes into the board and box for the screws. Didn't use the other two since the box is sitting on the mount.



Not all antennas need to be grounded, would depend on what kind you are going to use. I am using Barjan dual fiberglass whips w/co-phased cable on both of the CH613 Macks that I drive, and they both have fiberglass (not steel) doors without any problems.

 

[KevinO]

made me some brackets and put them on the inside wall of the bed ran the wires up between the bed panels and out the hole on the side of the stake pockets. haven't had a problem yet with them getting caught on anything. duals pick up alot better too.

 

[SmokinU]

Here is what mine looked like after the Firestick mounts were used. I really liked them because I didn't have to drill any holes.



#ad




Brandon

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Most, if not all mobile antennas will give best performance with a good grounding system. For a dual mount system, the above stake pocket setup should do well - or maybe a length of angle iron (or aluminum) across the front of the box that extends as far as you choose beyond the bed - you might be able to simply clamp it in place for fast installation/removal as desired.

 

[SmokinU]

I forgot to mention that one antenna is for the CB, and the other antenna is for my scanner. Dual co-phased whips are a real pain to keep the SWR’s closely matched. I use a Wilson whip with the matching lead. My SWR's don't go any higher than 1. 5:1.



Brandon

 

[Newf Limo]

I was just about to say that Brandon. If I were to go to Dual antenna, I would do it just for looks. One antenna for the CB and the other, either a dummy, or running some other radio/scanner. You can't get duals far enough apart on these "little" trucks. My KW T8oo is a different story. I can just reach that 8' spread. Downside, we slip seat a bit, so my radio will stay in my Ram. I use the Wilson Trucker 1000 through the roof. and get excellant performance. Love the looks of duals though. . . it was a very tough decision.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"You can't get duals far enough apart on these "little" trucks. "



SURE ya can!



Simply place one at one corner of the box, the other at the opposite corner - no big deal - no electronic law that says the antennas must be abreast of direction of travel - shucks, you COULD as easily place them at front and rear on the same side of an 8 foot bed to get the same effect - and performance.



After all, you can't at all times maintain your direction of travel to get maximum radiation pattern to the others you are in contact with anyway...

 

[K5IP]

Hi Gary,

KJ6Q, Hey that looks like an extra class amateur call sign. From another HAM, we know that most co-phased vertical antenna systems need to be spaced at 1/4 wavelengths, unless otherwise loaded. At 27MHz this turns out to be 9. 11 Ft. Unless you can obtain this spacing, or phasing modifications have been included in the set up, you may actually suffer a degrigation in radiated signall using two radiators.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"Unless you can obtain this spacing, or phasing modifications have been included in the set up, you may actually suffer a degrigation in radiated signall using two radiators. "



YUP!



YOU know that, and *I* know that - but try to convince the CBer trying for a bit more "yap power"!



And YUP, first licensed in '59 - got the Extra Class in '70... The 2x1 came later, original call was WA6KDK...

 

[gcorron]

You guys have covered the topic, just wanted to say "Hey" from AF4JH



Geeez, there's a lot of us about



Oo.

 

[JUrish]

I'll go with that. If you guys want the best range you should go with the plain wilson 1000 >>HOLE MOUNTED<< dead center on the roof.



Personally, the only use I see left for chicken band is on the trail to talk to the trail boss.



Ham radio rulez!



73 de W5GM

Originally posted by gcorron

You guys have covered the topic, just wanted to say "Hey" from AF4JH



Geeez, there's a lot of us about



Oo.

 

[K5IP]

I went with a hole in the center of the roof even for my ham gear but cutting a hole in the roof of my new truck was a really hard thing to do! Got to really like radio.

Maybe we hams should try really hard to get these guys on 10 or 2 Meters. Lots of the truckers are going there too.

73

K5IP

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

The hole-in-the-roof bit is real hard for us guys who park our trucks in the garage - ever see an HF screwdriver antenna roof mounted?

 

[K5IP]

Screwdriver? The Dodge roof is tough but not that stout.

As soon as I sent the last reply I realized I should have mentioned, to anyone interested, that the reason for suggesting 10 or 6M was that a code free technician liscense for these bands is easily obtainable. My wife and sons have even obtained tech liscenses (no code) with only minimal study. Really works great especially in remote areas where cell phones don't go.

It's the way to go!

73 Rog

 

[WadePatton]

Okay, I'll check in to the net.



First comment is that 8' is not a "wave" on CB (from original question). 102" is 1/4 wave. 102x4 is 408" for a 34' "wave". And that varies a little for what "channel" you're on.



Dual antennas look neat, but you'd be better off dummying one of them. 102" whip is the best CB all around CB antenna--durable, cheap, doesn't get stolen, can't melt it down, and performs way better that a PAIR of shorties mounted up next to the cab.



Hey hams. I'm going to put my 220 antenna on the driver side fender, the 2/440 on the toolbox and the screwdriver (Hi Q) off the receiver hitch--to the side. One of these days.



73 de W1ADE.

 

[K5IP]

Sounds like we are all on the same wavelength.

I agree with your advice to the CB folks, a 102" whip is hard to beat.

PS I run a screwdriver (Hi Serria) mounted on my rear tool box with ok results. The hole in roof is for a homebrew 5/8 vertical on 6M

Rog