Whip antennas or FireStiks

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FIRESTIK, 5', SELECT ASSCESORIES MAKES A LEFT FENDER MOUNT OUT OF STAINLESS THAT MOUNTS TO EXISTING FENDER MOUNTING BOLT. BIG REMOVEABLE PLUG IN FIREWALL BELLOW PB BOOSTER ALLOWS SANO INSTALL OF COAX. THIS HAS WORKED WELL FOR ME.

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1999,WHITE,2500,AUTO,QC,S/B,ANTI-SPIN,CAMPER,TOW,SLT,6CD,CB,B&M TRANS TEMP GAUGE,REFLASHED,3. 5,241HD,CUST PKG 2CG

 

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Pete;


Good post... .
What you are referring to is the vertical radiation angle of the antenna, and you are correct to assume that lowering the radiation angle will improve mobile to mobile operating distances, however, a coiled antenna does NOT mean that it will have a lower radiation angle. This only means that it is a coiled antenna. Radiation angle is a function of the operating wavelength and a few other details. It is very evident that many antennas of similar physical design can have radically different radiation patters - so buyer beware. Remember than antennas that have a low radiation angle, will typically (typically that is, although NOT the rule) have a gain associated with it - since the main spherical lobe has been "compressed" into a low angle lobe, all of the energy that was in the higher radiation angles is now focused into a lower angle, giving you gain. . . . that is provided your matching losses are not high #ad


Antenna manufacturers that provide a vertical radiation plot are the ones that you can trust will live up to their promises, as you can visibly *see* where your precious power is going #ad


And yes, Pete, you are indeed correct that you CAN have ranges mobile to mobile even farther than 12 miles... . in some cases 25 miles if the terrain is right-
I should have made a note that the distances I was referring to (7 or 8 miles) were in consideration of the "typical-poor" #ad
mounting system (mirror mount) and short vertical radiators with lossy loading coils. When operating under antenna systems like you are using (which are long, and not lossy) - with a good ground plane system - you will indeed reach the distances you have reached---- It's good to hear that folks out there are putting their money into the antennas rather than linear amplifiers !!! LOL #ad


With so many folks into this thread, you'd think we'd have more hams #ad
... ...

Keep a Hammin' and a Rammin' guys!!!!

Shawn
VE6PV

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'99 2500 ISB QC 4x4 5spd SB, Camper Special, Tow package, Intense Blue, Armourthane color matched box liner. AND I LOVE THIS TRUCK!!!

 

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Hey Guys,
Thanks for the info on antennas. It looks like the Wilson 1000 is the ticket. Which would work best, the mag mount or one that mounts on the bracket between the hood and fender? I just don't want to drill a hole.
Please let me know which mount you all think is best. I know the fender mount doesn't have much of a ground plane. Any advice welcome.
Thanks, Terry

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Terry Tucker, Terre Haute, Indiana, 99 QC,LB,4X4,5SP,3. 54 LSD,4w ANTILOCK BRAKES, SCOTTY CONE SHAPED K&N, TED J's 4 IN EXHAUST, PYRO AND BOOST GUAGES, RV INJECTORS, TST PowerMax, Prime-Loc fuel filter system, Rancho 9000 5-way adjustable shocks, BriteBox, PIAA Platinum Bulbs, PIAA Driving and Fog lites, Geno's Cup Smoothie, Mag-Hytec Diff Cover, BD Exhaust Brake.

 

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TerryTT,

Here's another mounting idea. If you're not using a canopy top, get yourself a mirror mount bracket. Grab the large "L" half with antenna connector on it (throw the other half away)and drill a 1/2" hole in the vertical part centered between the four bolt holes.

Then on either the forward left or right side bed stake pocket, (inward surface), align the 1/2" hole with the 3/4" hole in the pocket with the "L" oriented upside down. Drill through the four mounting holes of the "L" braket into pocket side, install bolts.

Run your coax from the bottom of the antenna connector, through the 1/2" hole into pocket center, down fender, along frame, up through a new 3/8" grommeted hole just forward of the transfer case shifter (about 3"), up the bottom of the panel and into the back of your radio.

Presto, instant CB. I mount a 48" fiberglass wirewound antenna and although it may not be electrically perfect, it works for me and it's out of the way (don't have to stare at it all the time I'm driving and it doesn't interfere with my fiver).

Don't work so good if you got a canopy though.

Ron.

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'00 2500, 4x4, QC, Cummins ETC/6spd, 3. 54, Camper, Trailer, SLT, 4ABS, BD E-brake, Pullrite 20. 5K 5th hitch, Tekonsha Envoy-SX Tbrake, Flame Red/Silver, Agate

 

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rwv,
Thanks for the info, but I'm running a fiberglass cap for now.
Thanks, Terry

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Terry Tucker, Terre Haute, Indiana, 99 QC,LB,4X4,5SP,3. 54 LSD,4w ANTILOCK BRAKES, SCOTTY CONE SHAPED K&N, TED J's 4 IN EXHAUST, PYRO AND BOOST GUAGES, RV INJECTORS, TST PowerMax, Prime-Loc fuel filter system, Rancho 9000 5-way adjustable shocks, BriteBox, PIAA Platinum Bulbs, PIAA Driving and Fog lites, Geno's Cup Smoothie, Mag-Hytec Diff Cover, BD Exhaust Brake.




[This message has been edited by TerryTT (edited 01-07-2000). ]

 

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Question:
How good does even the best antenna work on the hookup that fits between the hood and fender. It seems to me that there would be no ground plane at all, defeating the purpose of mounting the antenna as opposed to the mag mount.
Dumber than a rock about CBs and needing help.
Terry

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Terry Tucker, Terre Haute, Indiana, 99 QC,LB,4X4,5SP,3. 54 LSD,4w ANTILOCK BRAKES, SCOTTY CONE SHAPED K&N, TED J's 4 IN EXHAUST, PYRO AND BOOST GUAGES, RV INJECTORS, TST PowerMax, Prime-Loc fuel filter system, Rancho 9000 5-way adjustable shocks, BriteBox, PIAA Platinum Bulbs, PIAA Driving and Fog lites, Geno's Cup Smoothie, Mag-Hytec Diff Cover, BD Exhaust Brake.

 

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TerryTT, you won't be disappointed with the Wilson, that QC roof is great for the antenna to work off of. Run the coax strait down the back window, if you have the sliding rear window the coax will be invisible. Use tie-ties tie it to the crossmember between cab and bed to the passenger side of truck, in the floor pan there is a knockout plug under the jack mount,pop it out run the coax in, notch the popout put it back in seal with silicone and your done. To adjust the VSWR on the Wilson 1000 just run the stinger to the bottom bring it out an 8th of an inch and it will be flat. Hope this helps. Regards Pete

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99'3500,quad cab,4X4,a/t
3:54,all the right packages!

 

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Pete,
Thanks so much. I assume that your talking about the mag mount, since I mentioned I didn't want to cut a hole in my truck. If you are, then let me know and I'll get the Wilson 1000 mag mount setup tomorrow. You've been a big help.
In a couple of weeks, I'm starting a new job hauling 5th wheel RVs all over the country and want a good cb setup.
By the way, I've never gotten into the ham thing but was able to receive about 40-45 wpm morse code when I was in the service. Don't know the first thing about electronics. How difficult do you think it would be to get a license?
Thanks again, Terry #ad


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Terry Tucker, Terre Haute, Indiana, 99 QC,LB,4X4,5SP,3. 54 LSD,4w ANTILOCK BRAKES, SCOTTY CONE SHAPED K&N, TED J's 4 IN EXHAUST, PYRO AND BOOST GUAGES, RV INJECTORS, TST PowerMax, Prime-Loc fuel filter system, Rancho 9000 5-way adjustable shocks, BriteBox, PIAA Platinum Bulbs, PIAA Driving and Fog lites, Geno's Cup Smoothie, Mag-Hytec Diff Cover, BD Exhaust Brake.




[This message has been edited by TerryTT (edited 01-07-2000). ]

 

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Terry, Yes the magnet is the way to go, no drilling at all. Don't be cheap when you purchase your radio either, quality counts. The higher end radios have better filters to take out the harshness of the static when you listen to it all day.
As far as the ham ticket goes they are fairly easy to get. A little studying and you on your way. Shawn and some of the others should be able to help you out with the ham stuff. Me I'm a die hard CB'er, but to each his own, as long as your talking! #ad
#ad

Regards Pete

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99'3500,quad cab,4X4,a/t
3:54,all the right packages!

 

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Reading all of the posts, I have a good idea of what to do for an antenna. But I'm still considering what radio to buy. The remote Cobra 75WXST looks pretty slick, costs <$100 and it allows me to mount the radio under the seat, out of the way. Have any of you tried this radio?

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'99 Dodge Diesel 3500 Dually , hauling the Williams Racing #78 ASCS Sprint Car race team all over these great United States!

 

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Aloha Terry,
Go to radio shack and get the study book. Get yourself a hi-liter and go through the question pool and hi-lite only the right answers and just study them. Then when you can successfully answer all the questions and get the right answer, reguardless if you know what they mean, you can get the license. You will learn what they all mean as you putt down the highway in your dodge listening to and talking to guys out there who range from idiots to genius.
If you don't want to hassle with the book, check the link to AH0A's webpage I posted back up this thread. If I can be of any help to you I will be happy to. Look in your neighborhood for a ham radio club. They usually give tests frequently.
Good luck and Hope to hear you on the air here on the Island of Kauai. . Aloha, Jim

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Y2K, 2500, SLT, QC, 4X4, Medium Bronze,Trailer tow pkg, Milemarker Hydraulic winch w/Warn Transformer mount & brush guard, Highway Products 5th wheel toolbox, Con Truck rack, Genuine Steel tube steps,
Spray-in bed liner, 2mtr ham rig (HF & Screwdriver antenna soon), Ham Radio Call WH6FG

 

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MEGARAM, That radio is only okay. It has everything in the handset with a remote box put wherever you want to hook the coax to. remember the mic and the sreaker are in the hand set so both transmit and receive will not have the quailty of something like a Cobra 25 or 29. But for occasional use they are okay. Regards Pete

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99'3500,quad cab,4X4,a/t
3:54,all the right packages!