Cobra 29 cb install
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 53
Likes: 14
Cobra 29 cb install
I mounted my first cb in the storage pocket under the 4x4 switch bezel. I had to open it up some to make it fit, but its in. I'll take some pics tomorrow in the daylight (the interior lamps are crap for lighting). Never having cb before, I'm finding out there's more to it than just plugging it in. The radio's sole purpose is for communication when off-road with a group of fellow wheelers, and in case of emergency call out for help if there is no cell service when out alone. So for the latter, I would like all the range I can get with a few sacrifices. Mainly being the antenna mounting location. I have a 3' firestik thats tunable, and I gave thought to mounting it center of roof. I've since decided that the increase in transmission quality doesn't trump the coax routing necessary for roof mount. I have seen glass mount cb antennas that I could put right at top dead center of the windshield, but it doesn't seem like its a quality antenna either. So, any Excursion or Super Duty owners that have any recommendations be it equipment or location?
Its a 2000 v10 Excursion used for off-roading and camping.
Its a 2000 v10 Excursion used for off-roading and camping.
Last edited by Cliffordbigredford; Oct 25, 2019 at 01:42 AM. Reason: Including vehicle info
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,096
Likes: 533
From: Rock Hill, SC
Get a SWR meter, back in the day we used a K40 antenna with mag mount, they make magnetic mounts for the firestick too. That will give you the option to place the antenna in different places while tuning and see how much location makes a difference in your signal to wavelength ratio. Transmission out signals are increased with a good internal or external linear amp too. My old galaxy had a nice built in linear amp.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 42
From: Almost back in TX biotche
I ran a CB for a while but ended up removing it because it seemed like the only thing I would pick while traveling was truckers telling one another to pull over so they could whoop each others a**. I use to have great conversations with people over the radio 10-15 years ago when traveling but now it just seems like the radio took up space.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,950
Likes: 5,076
I ran a CB for a while but ended up removing it because it seemed like the only thing I would pick while traveling was truckers telling one another to pull over so they could whoop each others a**. I use to have great conversations with people over the radio 10-15 years ago when traveling but now it just seems like the radio took up space.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 264
From: KY
Have you looked into getting your HAM Technician license? Test is pretty easy easy and you will have much better communications. Out here in CO CB is all but useless in the mountains. Most of us have switched to Ham. Better radios, more power but the important part is being able to hit a repeater and get out in an emergency. I havent turned the CB on in my Jeep in over a year. The Jeep uses a Yaesu FTM-400XDR. The Excursion uses a Yaesu Ft2DR.
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,950
Likes: 5,076
Have you looked into getting your HAM Technician license? Test is pretty easy easy and you will have much better communications. Out here in CO CB is all but useless in the mountains. Most of us have switched to Ham. Better radios, more power but the important part is being able to hit a repeater and get out in an emergency. I havent turned the CB on in my Jeep in over a year. The Jeep uses a Yaesu FTM-400XDR. The Excursion uses a Yaesu Ft2DR.
Back in the day, I had an amateur license (KANG4141) and my nickname was "squirrel".
How do you spelling "irony"?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 53
Likes: 14
This is now my current position I'm favoring. I could have a elbow on the mount to lay it against the a-pillar when not in use. Do you have an idea on range? I don't even know whats normal.
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 53
Likes: 14
Get a SWR meter, back in the day we used a K40 antenna with mag mount, they make magnetic mounts for the firestick too. That will give you the option to place the antenna in different places while tuning and see how much location makes a difference in your signal to wavelength ratio. Transmission out signals are increased with a good internal or external linear amp too. My old galaxy had a nice built in linear amp.
https://www.amazon.com/Firestik-K-11...97276068&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Firestik-K-11...97276068&psc=1
Thanks
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 53
Likes: 14
Have you looked into getting your HAM Technician license? Test is pretty easy easy and you will have much better communications. Out here in CO CB is all but useless in the mountains. Most of us have switched to Ham. Better radios, more power but the important part is being able to hit a repeater and get out in an emergency. I havent turned the CB on in my Jeep in over a year. The Jeep uses a Yaesu FTM-400XDR. The Excursion uses a Yaesu Ft2DR.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,838
Likes: 187
From: NoVA
I mounted my first cb in the storage pocket under the 4x4 switch bezel. I had to open it up some to make it fit, but its in. I'll take some pics tomorrow in the daylight (the interior lamps are crap for lighting). Never having cb before, I'm finding out there's more to it than just plugging it in. The radio's sole purpose is for communication when off-road with a group of fellow wheelers, and in case of emergency call out for help if there is no cell service when out alone. So for the latter, I would like all the range I can get with a few sacrifices. Mainly being the antenna mounting location. I have a 3' firestik thats tunable, and I gave thought to mounting it center of roof. I've since decided that the increase in transmission quality doesn't trump the coax routing necessary for roof mount. I have seen glass mount cb antennas that I could put right at top dead center of the windshield, but it doesn't seem like its a quality antenna either. So, any Excursion or Super Duty owners that have any recommendations be it equipment or location?
Its a 2000 v10 Excursion used for off-roading and camping.
Its a 2000 v10 Excursion used for off-roading and camping.
This should give you some idea about the front cowl mounting of the antenna. If you are off-roading somewhere that has tight trails and trees, a roof mounted antenna may not work.
2004 F250 CB Antenna Install
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 880
Likes: 13
From: Northcentral Wisconsin
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=wilson+200...ra&ia=shopping
I like these Wilson antennas. Don't zip tie the extra coax cable, it will choke the signal. Stuff it loosely. Find a CB shop (look near truck stops) and have them tweak it. Also, buy an Astatic noise canceling mic.
I like these Wilson antennas. Don't zip tie the extra coax cable, it will choke the signal. Stuff it loosely. Find a CB shop (look near truck stops) and have them tweak it. Also, buy an Astatic noise canceling mic.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,096
Likes: 533
From: Rock Hill, SC
You could also do a bumper mount, and if you find a permanent place to mount it you could trim your coax back to only what's needed, the connector ends are PL259 connectors, which screw together, and you solder the copper wire to the tip. There pros and cons to bumper mounts.
Firestick bumper mount info
Firestick bumper mount info