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CB antenna question

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  #1  
Old 02-22-2012, 07:36 PM
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CB antenna question

Im wanting to run like a 3ft antenna in place of my am/fm radio.
I listen to CDs/ satellite radio and my am/fm ant is broken anyway.

So my question is, with running a 3 ft antenna in the spot, will it still
do a good job of picking up signal? Also, has anyone used the Firestik
Firefly? It looks like the same antenna just a little more lightweight.
Thought it might look good to throw one of those on it since it will
look a little closer to a normal am/fm antenna.

Anybody ever use this antenna/ mount a CB antenna like this?
 
  #2  
Old 02-22-2012, 09:24 PM
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Never seen a setup like that, using the radio antenna as a CB antenna, but could work.


Mines mounted on the mirror.

 
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Old 02-22-2012, 09:39 PM
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Mounted on the mirror like that would probably function better,
but I wont be using it on an everyday basis, and mirror mounted and bed rail
mounted are what everybody around here is running.. Just wantin' to be a little
different and a little more discrete about mine.

I know I can make it work using the Firestik Firefly 3'ft. The advantage
will be that I can run a shorter (cheaper) coax cable, and I won't be banging
every clearance beam and garage door I pass through.

My only hurdle here is mounting the antenna. I don't want to butcher up
the cowl of my truck. Just poking around for good ideas before I buy
and attempt to install anything.
 

Last edited by nix4x4; 02-22-2012 at 09:40 PM. Reason: spelling
  #4  
Old 02-23-2012, 09:22 AM
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I like FireStik, I have used the FireFly, I like them, but they are not for high power use.

The coax must be 18' foot period!
do NOT coil the excess, make it like a bow tie, or weave it back and forth without causing a loop, use good quality coax.

It'll be directional in that location, it won't reach through the cab.

-Enjoy
fh : )_~
 
  #5  
Old 02-23-2012, 04:34 PM
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So all these companies selling coax in 8,10,12ft lenghts are selling
Inferior product?

Not being a smart ***, just wondering..
 
  #6  
Old 02-23-2012, 04:43 PM
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Not exactly. I have always been told when running from the CB to a linear or modulator, you need the coax in lengths of 3'. like 3'(too short) then 6',9'12, ect. Then 18' from the linear/modulator to the antenna, or 18' from the CB to the antenna.

I run a 10' stainless whip. don't currently have it on my truck cuz I need a tool box.
 
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Old 02-24-2012, 09:12 AM
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Yes and No ...

If they are selling them to use from radio to antenna then yes.

As I understand it, it is the total length that matters, from radio through devices to antennas.

This 18' is also debatable, many Real Guru's say 16', Firestik says 18'.

I am currently running dual FS5's (5' Firestik II FS) and pushing a 1000 watts to them, had it tweaked and tuned while I was in the Southern San Joaquin Valley the last time I was out there, They made/had me pull my coax, they cut it down to 16' and have just under 2 feet between radio and linear. It talks soooo gooooood.

They do not like where my antennas are mounted, they say they are not far enough apart and the bases are not high enough.

However next time I'm at that little shop in the Southern San Joaquin Valley, I'm going to do a little prearranged trading up and have them tune my new system to a Wilson 1000 roof top mount.

-Enjoy
fh : )_~
 
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