dual CB antenna setup suggestions
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 33
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From: Oak Ridge, TN
dual CB antenna setup suggestions
I got a toolbox and headache rack for my 1999 F250 Lariat Scab. Any suggestions on where I should mount my dual 4ft firestik antennas. I was thinking on the box closest to the cab. I also though about on the headache rack, but it would be hard to keep an overall clean look. I don't like to see wiring exposed. What do you guys think?
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
For a clean look, you could get some of those adjustable ball mounts, that way all the wiring is contained inside the tool box. I used to run that setup, but now I have them mounted on my mirrors.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,233
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From: shawnee KS
Mine are on the mirrors of my big 4X. Love the look! A little advice I was given on a previous truck-If you mount them on your tool box, run a ground from the mounting bracket to the truck. Been too long to remember the specifics of why, but I figured it was worth a little time and wire to be safe and not fry anything!
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 181
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From: NJ
Go to this site.
www.k0bg.com
A wealth of info on mobile installs. Best place for a CB (or any other band) is smack dab in the middle of the cab roof. Best radiation pattern.
www.k0bg.com
A wealth of info on mobile installs. Best place for a CB (or any other band) is smack dab in the middle of the cab roof. Best radiation pattern.
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 63
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From: Pullman/Tenino, WA.
Originally Posted by cfrives3
10-4 on the best place for the antenna. That's what I've always been told. Mine, I'll admit, are half for show since I rarely use it.
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 31
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From: Strokin in Texas.
how about you dont do dual antennas, they are worthless... the radius on em and the signal they send out is like a doughnut and once the two of them are that close its nothing more than interfearence... Just get a single, with a lubed spring, and lots of copper pref.. and bigger doesnt always mean better
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 181
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From: NJ
Also Dual antennas require a specific measured distance to be effective. Best is an antenna in the middle of the cab roof in a permanent mount so you have a good ground plane. Silly too are the 18-wheelers with the duals in a 45 deg angle to earth.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,294
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From: Neptune Beach, FL
Originally Posted by rmo1
Also Dual antennas require a specific measured distance to be effective. Best is an antenna in the middle of the cab roof in a permanent mount so you have a good ground plane. Silly too are the 18-wheelers with the duals in a 45 deg angle to earth.
As for the 45 deg angle, it's not for looks.. Unless the idiot has no springs.. The concept is simple, I have springs on my cophase and when I'm doing 70 my antenna's are kicked back 45 degrees.. To compensate (especially on truckers) they use springs and 45 degrees forward so that when they are driving at 65-70mph their antennas are straight up unlike mine which are bent backwards.. Its a risk we take, I for sure won't go without springs as my last set of Wilsons got broke off at a Drive Through due to stiffness.. Now they just bend back as I drive through
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,294
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From: Neptune Beach, FL
Originally Posted by skunked
As said the duals are kinda tricky, I have a 1/4 whip and my range is I kind you not something like 14 miles! (once..)
I just have to rebuild my mount now for 3 radios lol
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 181
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From: NJ
I use a Yaesu FT8800r 2/440 with a Larsen 2/70 in the middle of the CC roof on a NMO mount in a 3/4" hole.
Power is 8-gauge wire run right from the battery to a bus (Rig-Runner 5-outlet) under the dash. Use PowerPole connectors.
No plans on a CB.
Power is 8-gauge wire run right from the battery to a bus (Rig-Runner 5-outlet) under the dash. Use PowerPole connectors.
No plans on a CB.
New User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 22
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From: Vandalia, IL
Ask around for some local radio guy. My local guy can get me everything cheaper and stands behind everything he sells. Bought my radio and ant from him and he peak/tuned for only $5. Unlike the truck stops $65. He recomends using dual ant for looks only. run coax to only one and use the other as a dummy for looks. He said that if you wire both up that close together that it will decrease the preformance. I have a Uniden68 peaked/tuned and he adjusted the ant. The results are with his setup, I have a range of about 12 miles.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 181
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From: NJ
Originally Posted by 222mjh
Ask around for some local radio guy. My local guy can get me everything cheaper and stands behind everything he sells. Bought my radio and ant from him and he peak/tuned for only $5. Unlike the truck stops $65. He recomends using dual ant for looks only. run coax to only one and use the other as a dummy for looks. He said that if you wire both up that close together that it will decrease the preformance. I have a Uniden68 peaked/tuned and he adjusted the ant. The results are with his setup, I have a range of about 12 miles.
MMM? What is tune? Adjust VSWR? Increase power by a few Watts by "tweaking" the radio (by not adding an AMP)? Just curious.