CB Antenna Placement ???
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 30
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From: Sonova Beach, FL
CB Antenna Placement ???
I want to install a nice cb radio in my F-150. I need help with antenna placement. I prefer NOT to drill in any metal on the truck. I will, however, drill in the fiberglass topper.
Any ideas? Here's a pic of the beast for reference:
Thanks
Any ideas? Here's a pic of the beast for reference:
Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
I know you don't want to hear this, but mounting a thru hole antenna on fiberglass is not going to give you very good performance.
You need metal to provide a ground plane. Best bet if you want to put it on the topper is to drill holes in the top of the topper, then affix an aluminum or sheet metal plate (copper is best but also $$$$$$$$$$$$$$) where you'll have an antenna, fiberglass, and metal plate sandwich.
I hope a fellow ham will come by with the formula with how large the ground plane should be for 11 meters - I don't have an ARRL reference book and I've forgotten the formula.
You need metal to provide a ground plane. Best bet if you want to put it on the topper is to drill holes in the top of the topper, then affix an aluminum or sheet metal plate (copper is best but also $$$$$$$$$$$$$$) where you'll have an antenna, fiberglass, and metal plate sandwich.
I hope a fellow ham will come by with the formula with how large the ground plane should be for 11 meters - I don't have an ARRL reference book and I've forgotten the formula.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,007
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From: Oregon
I think your best option would be to use a fender mount, but if you're dead set on using the topper there's a couple things you can do.
One is to buy metal screen door netting, (make sure it's metal and not nylon). get enough to cover the entire ceiling of your topper and glue it up with a roller like you would laminate. You can paint it when you're done.
Another thing you can do is route the extra coax that comes off your antenna into a big 4 leaf clover shape on the ceiling of your topper.
Neither of these is the best way to go, but will work enough to get an OK tune on the antenna. You have to drill a few holes for a fender mount, but it's not very intrusive and doesn't hurt resale, like a 3/4 inch hole in the roof. Plus it's an easy install and will work.
One is to buy metal screen door netting, (make sure it's metal and not nylon). get enough to cover the entire ceiling of your topper and glue it up with a roller like you would laminate. You can paint it when you're done.
Another thing you can do is route the extra coax that comes off your antenna into a big 4 leaf clover shape on the ceiling of your topper.
Neither of these is the best way to go, but will work enough to get an OK tune on the antenna. You have to drill a few holes for a fender mount, but it's not very intrusive and doesn't hurt resale, like a 3/4 inch hole in the roof. Plus it's an easy install and will work.
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4
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The formula for a 1/4 wave antenna is 234/F, where F= frequency in Mhz. If you want the 1/2 wave formula (for dipole antennas) it is 468/F. The groundplane size is a harder question. For a 1/4 wave antenna, another 1/4 wavelength or more is suitable, but that type of antenna really has no gain (amplification of signal). A 5/8 wave antenna can exhibit 3dB of gain but really needs an infinite groundplane to perform at its best. Mobile setups are really not the most efficient but many people manage to make quite a few contacts with them.
Hope this helps.
David
Hope this helps.
David
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 589
Likes: 3
From: Villa Rica, GA
I have seen a lot mounted to the rear bumper off to one side where the tailgate will be able to clear it when you put it down.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,321
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From: MI
why not a magnetic mount, something like a Wilson 1000. The whip is removable in case of low clearance opening. just a thought
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Joined: Jan 2005
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I agree with crash. You can run the cable up the A or B pillar, across the roof under the headliner and exit through the hole in the back of the cab where your third brake light/cargo light is installed. With a little creative rubber gasket designing you can get to the outside without cutting any holes in your truck! And the metal roof will be a great ground plane.