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Just relocated my CB antenna from the rear, front, driver's side bed stake hole to the front DS fender. I'm interested to see if there is any difference in performance.
I had made a plate for the stake hole and mounted my Firestick antenna there. I just fabricated a U shaped bracket from some aluminum to mount the antenna up front; the U bracket bolts to the truck using the fender bolt under that black cover.
No pic but........ I have an aluminum tri fold tonneau cover, I mounted a 3/16" x 6" diameter steel disc to the cover using nut serts. I use a Wilson 500 mag mount antenna, it sticks to the disc. After adjusting the antenna whip, my SWR is 1.1 - 1.4. For parking, I loosen the mast set screws and remove it.
I had that mount on my old Silverado and really liked it a lot... Pretty much looked stock and worked really well. If Cool Tech can't come up with a mount then I might reach out to Breedlove. Their mounts seem to be really highly recommended: https://breedlovemounts.com/
I like the idea of the antenna at the third break light...My question is with a console, 2020 Lariat, where did you mount the CB itself? I have the Sun roof and over console also.
My question is with a console, 2020 Lariat, where did you mount the CB itself? I have the Sun roof and over console also.
Pics maybe??
I actually havent installed a Children's Band radio yet. My ham radio installation is photo'ed here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...o-install.html . The main unit is mounted behind the passenger side rear seat - there's plenty of room, and a nice big positive power cable there for the OEM onboard inverter to leech off of. I was planning to get an Anytone Apollo CB, but they quit making the remote head style. The only remaining remote mount choice that I know of is a Cobra (please correct me if I'm wrong). I have seen some mount the CB inside the console...there are little gaps under the lid for the mic cord to go through with the lid closed.
Looking at installing a radio in my 2020 as well, just on hold until stores open up again and I can order all the stuff.
Was thinking about going with the fender mount, but I dont think your supposed to have a UHF antenna a few feet in front of your face. Was planning on mounting the antenna off a rack system at the rear and above the cab, and mounting the radio head just to the rear of the overhead console. Run the cord down the pillar, mount the body in the center console and run the mike cord out the lid when in use. Thinking about doing a Kenwood TM-710GA, but my only concern is that the data cable for packet attaches to the rear of the head also, so that could be an issue unless it was long enough to run it down the pillar and out somewhere below also. Again, have to wait until the stores open to figure out the last few details.
I like the idea of the antenna at the third break light...My question is with a console, 2020 Lariat, where did you mount the CB itself? I have the Sun roof and over console also. Pics maybe??
Cobra 75 WX ST....Control box is mounted (out of sight) under the passenger seat. Fuse tap from fuse panel provides 12 v. Wilson 500 mag mount antenna. Mic clip is mounted to a "dummy" cig lighter plug. Unit is easily concealed when not in use.
but my only concern is that the data cable for packet attaches to the rear of the head also, so that could be an issue unless it was long enough...
On my older Kenwood, the cables are simply ordinary CAT5 or CAT6. Kenwood tries to convince you otherwise, but they have worked fine for me, even with cable couplers.
On my older Kenwood, the cables are simply ordinary CAT5 or CAT6. Kenwood tries to convince you otherwise, but they have worked fine for me, even with cable couplers.
From looking at pictures, it looks like the main hookup cable for the head is a cat cable. The data connector looks like a round connector, its a second cable.
Last edited by Parksoffroad; Apr 13, 2020 at 09:19 AM.
Reason: posted two pictures
From looking at pictures, it looks like the main hookup cable for the head is a cat cable. The data connector looks like a round connector, its a second cable.
Im sure someone on the ARRL forums can tell you the specs for this cable, and whether its an issue to extend it. From the looks, it may be an old PS-2 style serial cable, like our keyboards and mice usta use.
it may be an old PS-2 style serial cable, like our keyboards and mice usta use.
Careful on those PS/2 cables as some cables do not contain all the wires for the pins. For example, pins 2 & 6 are not utilized by the PS/2 spec, so cable manufacturers eliminate them to save on cost.
Just ensure any cables you buy have conductors for the pins your radio or other application requires.
Another question on CBs
