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Mar 23, 2009 | 08:12 AM

bherbert28

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cb radio

Hey all,

I recieved a Galaxy 959 as a gift. I don't know much about cb radios. Do people really use these things, or are they just good to have in case of Red Dawn? Any way, if I have it installed (versus selling it on ebay) ideas for antenna type, mounting locations for the radio and antenna, etc. i have an '06 STX. Comes with the jump seat, vinyl floors, and a floor mounted 4 WD lever. Thanks in advance for any help.

Mar 23, 2009 | 08:31 AM

FTE Trigger

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From: Greenvile, SC

I've heard of people mounting thier cbs & scanners in the dish on top of the dash and popping a small hole in the corner of the bottom to chase your wires through. Or I think a few members on here have mounted it under the lower dash pocket in the center instrument cluster area. Imho, I'd either find a good used/new Wilson or K40 mag-mount if you really want to get out. Or you can find a el'cheapo through-the-glass mount for immediate traffic.

I myself have a custom center console which houses all of my 2-meter,motorolas, Cbs; scanners and other switch boxes and goodies. Most of all my antennas are all NMO mounts (Permanent). Except for the CB which I have a through-the-glass which is great for basic/nearby highway traffic. I have a 102" whip thats been on my agenda to go on sometime this spring / summer time.

Mar 23, 2009 | 03:06 PM

bherbert28

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Any pics of the radio mounts, I want to keep the dash open. I like to put stuff up there.

Mar 23, 2009 | 07:08 PM

jpurvis79bronco

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From: Andalusia AL

I mounted mine to two pieces of wood that catch under the seat. It looks killer because I ran the wires under the seat. I have a reg. cab xlt. The 4wd lever may be in the way on your application. oh yea and best part is you don't have to drill into the truck dash or floor. Another thing thats cool if 3 people want to ride just unplug it and its out of the way. I've found that the best antenna is a 102" whip if you don't park in a low garage. Ive got pictures if I can figure out how to post them.

Mar 23, 2009 | 09:11 PM

bherbert28

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Sounds good, pics would be a huge help. I want to try to do it myself if possible. I understand I will most likely need to have the swr adjusted at a shop. What about a 5' firestik mounted to the left rear bumper. I think an 8 1/2' tall antenna may be a bit too much for me.

Mar 24, 2009 | 08:47 PM

slomafarms

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From: Denmark,WI

ya that setup will work...i eat sleep and drink cb's

Mar 24, 2009 | 10:42 PM

Hendog

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From: Coquitlam, BC

Quote:

Originally Posted by bherbert28

I'm a radio communicantions technician: I've been doing two way since mid 80s. a 5' firestik will work but it's not the best. I haven't calculated the length for a CB whip but 102" sounds about right; that would give you the best SWR.

The thing about mounting in the bumper is the antenna is obstructed by the body of the truck. Think of the radio waves radiating from the antenna all the way around. For instance, the best place for an antenna would be in the center of the roof of a van. The waves radiate in every direction without any of it being reflected back and cancelling some power. I had a farmer way back when who mounted his VHF antenna on the very front of his van (same applies for CB). He could talk back to the base at home if he was driving away, but coming back he had no range. Every antenna needs metal under it to help radiate the waves. This is called "ground plane". If you had a 102" antenna in the middle of a sheet of metal 204" across, you would have a perfect ground plane to match your antenna. Hope this helps.

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Mar 25, 2009 | 11:07 AM

Hendog

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From: Coquitlam, BC

Quote:

Originally Posted by bherbert28

Put your 5' firestick on the roof. BTW, I hope your CB isn't a real old 23 channel unit, but rather a 40 channel unit?

Mar 25, 2009 | 01:17 PM

#10

FTE Trigger

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From: Greenvile, SC

If it were me... I'd generously wax the roof (or the general area) before sticking the antenna up there. Also follow-up as months go-by with a claybar and waxing. I didn't... so it led to a strange yellowish haze under the magnet (resembled surface rust and other weather fall-out). Eventually it polished out and what was left was removed when I put my NMO mount in the same spot.

Btw... I've only had a chance to search only a hour or so for those pics on here. I'll look again later today. Maybe the owners of the posts I'm hunting will see this and post new pics.

Mar 26, 2009 | 01:54 PM

#11

bherbert28

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It is indeed the 40 channel unit, and thanks for the advice on the antenna, do you think some type of thin rubber trimmed to fit between the magnet and the paint would help?

Mar 26, 2009 | 07:13 PM

#12

FTE Trigger

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From: Greenvile, SC

I think a bit of moisture would collect/settle under the rubber. Also, some of those mag antenna bases use the direct-to-metal contact for a grounding plane for the antenna.

I'd just use what the antenna manuf. has in place already and pay a bit more attention to it during vehicle washes/waxes.

Mar 27, 2009 | 05:37 AM

#13

bherbert28

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Thank you for all your help, I will keep an eye on this in case any pics show up.

Mar 27, 2009 | 09:29 AM

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AAK625

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Mar 27, 2009 | 02:58 PM

#15

bherbert28

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Thanks for the pics. I like the location, it looks like that is real convienient. Unfortunately I have the STX so my dash is different and the CB I have is waaaayyyy bigger than that one, even if I had that interior it wouldn't fit there.