Need CB opinions - single vs. dual antennas

[David Muench]

I'm trying to figure out whether to put single or dual CB antennas on my truck. I plan to mount it/them on my aluminum cross the bed toolbox. I was planning on putting it in the center for the best all-direction reception, but the toolbox has some latching hardware in the way.



But it would be easy (and stronger) if I put dual antennas on, one on each side of the toolbox. The problem is they'd only be about 5'3" apart, and I think I've read that duals aren't that effective unless they're about 8' apart.



I'm thinking 3' antennas, 4' looks a bit tall when mounted that high on the truck.



Will they be effective that close together? Is it worth it?



Thanks. .

 

[Rob Thomas]

Actually dual antennas need to be 9' apart to be effective. Semi's use duals because of the large trailer. If you tow a tall trailer, those 3' antennas your talking about won't be of much use, you need to go higher than the trailer.



If you don't tow, the short ones are fine, but duals will not help you any.



Later, Rob

 

[David Muench]

What about looking at it from the point of view of duals like I described vs. a single that's on the side of the truck? I was planning a single in the center but it won't work easily. I don't see the cost of duals being much of a factor.

 

[Rob Thomas]

I ran into the same thing when I had my toolbox in the bed, so I said screw it, and used a mag mount on the center of the roof, works well, and it doesn't get any easier to do.



The cost of duals isn't much more, true, but like I said, they're not going to help your signal, and may hurt it.



Rob

 

[Cooker]

Rob,

Do you have an the compass in the upper console in your truck? If so does the magnet affect it? Just curious.

 

[Rob Thomas]

Yes I have the compass, and it doesn't seem to be a problem, the mag mount is all the way in the back of the quad cab, just above the rear window, FWIW.



Rob

 

[shoveljunk]

Wilson 1000 magnet mount

The Wilson 1000 works plenty well but you may want to place a sticker in the location of the magnet to keep scratches to a minimum. My radio gets out well even with the 5er. Most of the time you'll want to know what's going on in front of you anyway. when I talk to people behind me, there usually close. If anyone knows of a good path for the coax (instead of out the door) Let us know.

 

[Rob Thomas]

Re: Wilson 1000 magnet mount

Originally posted by shoveljunk

If anyone knows of a good path for the coax (instead of out the door) Let us know.

You could always drill a hole in your roof, and gob if full of silicone. I wouldn't do it though. Really, if anyone has a better idea on routing, don't keep it to yourself, do tell.





Later, Rob

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

I find my Co-Phase duals quite impressive! I have them juuust behind the cab (4' firestiks) and find I can send and recieve equaly as well in ALL directions. In fact the last convoy we had I was picking up another member some 10 miles behind us and left everyone else in the convoy wondering who I was talking to.



i used 2 fender mounts sandwiched between my tool box and bed rail.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Oh as for routing i simply found dead center of the cab at the rearwardmost portion of the cab in the floor to come up thru. Then ran down the passenger side to the radio up in its home in the glove box. I have ZERO cable left over and have a perfectly straight run with no coils between the radio (in glove box and with a remote speaker) and masts.

 

[Rob Thomas]

Thats what I did when I had my antenna mounted in the bed, but now it would look sorta dorky with coax runnin' down from the roof (where the mag mount is), down the rear window, and all the way under the truck.





Rob

 

[David Muench]

Thanks for the info TMTT, that's the same basic setup I am pondering - dual 3' or 4' firestiks. Glad to hear it works well.



A tech note I found on Firestik's site also seems to indicate that while 9' apart is the best, anything over 5' should work.



http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs/SNGL-or-Dual.htm

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

So well in fact it took 3 secconds worth of tuning to acheive a perfect 1. 0 on swr. Yes you reead that right 1. 0!