Dual cb antenna mounting

Nissan11

Nissan11

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 29, 2005
Location
Marston, NC
I'm sure this has been covered, but I don't have computer access for a few weeks, only Internet through my phone and I can't get the search function to work.

I've been using a Wilson lil' wil magnetic mount antenna for a few years. I finally broke the magnetic mount when driving through a parking deck a couple days ago. The magnets actually broke in half. It appears as though water was able to get into the magnets because it's very rusty. Several people reccomended that antenna to me, including two CB shop owners. I guess they just wanted my money. I decided I'm not buying another magnetic antenna for that reason....


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Today I went to radio shack and decided to try something new. I wanted a lower mount. I ended up picking up a dual set of 46" antennas. I understand that they are primarily used on vehicles with large signal barriers of some sort. I want to mount one on my front bumper and one on my rear number, but for now I've got them mounted on my bed.
How well should I expect them to work? I don't see a way to tune them like with my Wilson lil' wil. Any opinions? Did I just waste $65? I really like being able to communicate with truckers on the highway a couple of miles away.


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That's a pretty good resource if you are using firestick products.

I've searched all over the web but can't find much info on tuning antennas.
On CH 1 I am reading 1.6 on the SWR meter, and 1.6 on CH 40.

At another open location 30 min ago I read 2.0 on CH 1 and 1.6 on CH 40. If I do need to lengthen my antennas after more testing, how do I lengthen them? I know I can use a spring mount, but if I'm supposed to go in 1/4" increments, a 4" spring mount isn't going to help.
 
I've tuned a plethora of antennas, those readings are fine. I'd add springs anyway to protect the antennas from damage. The springs shouldn't change the reading that much if at all but at most you would have to cut the antennas back.

Most antenna manufacturers make their antennas without some form of hand tuning "long" so you can physically cut them back 1/4" at a time to dial in the SWR. Anything lower than 3 is safe to transmit but the closer to 1 the better. If you do find you need to cut remember to always put the cap back on before checking the SWR, it does make a difference. Also make sure the vehicle is in driving condition, i.e. doors closed, hood closed, etc these can also affect SWR.
 
I think I saw your truck at the Davidson today, those antennas are lookin nice!

Ben
 
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