Thinking about replacing stock antenna/mount w/ ball mount

allscan · **Posted:** Mon Nov 21, 2005 3:06 pm

About a week ago I finally got to thinking about where to mount a CB antenna, and since I already have one for ham radio, I really didn’t want to stick another one on (I only want two antennas). I had two options, use the AM/FM antenna for CB, really bad idea; or mount a CB antenna where my AM/FM is.
So I had an idea for a good CB antenna for my KJ. I’ve seen a post before where someone modified their stock AM/FM antenna mount to handle a Firestick. I had a slightly different idea. Firestick makes a coupler that allows you to use your CB antenna as you AM/FM antenna as well, as opposed to an adapter that uses your AM/FM antenna for the CB. The second option is not such a great idea since the AM/FM antenna isn’t designed to transmit at any frequency. So…why not removed the stock antenna and mount and replace it with a nice stainless steel ball mount? I am in the process of acquiring a stainless steel ball mount and spring (SSM 1) made by Wilson, this is around $50 direct; a AM/FM/CB coupler made by Firestick (AR-1A); some coax with a PL-259 on one end an lug connectors on the other (need this for the ball mount); and of course an antenna.
For the antenna I’m having a slight debate. I want to go for the classic 102” steel whip. I would probably have to attach this to the luggage rack for normal commuting and traveling, as having 8 feet of steel wire whipping around would not be pretty. I figure once I start taking the KJ off-road more I can unhook the whip and let ‘er fly. I’m leaning towards the 102” whip because it is the exact ¼ wave in the 11 meter CB band. Since most other antennas, whether loaded or fiberglass (e.g. Firestick) are all “technically” 102” when unwound, the 102” should provide greater performance from less power.
I know many people have used Firesticks with great results; maybe I’m just looking for a better way to stand out. I am defiantly going ahead with plans for the ball mount and coupler, but will hold off on a 102” whip, mostly because I'm having trouble finding one. I saw one on E-bay for around $90, but I think that was for a bulk of 6. For now I will be using a base loaded whip I had on my Ranger before I got rid of it for the Jeep. Thoughts and comments appreciated?

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Mon Nov 21, 2005 3:54 pm

AdamisAdam and I both replaced the radio antenna and used Wilson Silver antennas in its place along with the Firestick coupler CB antenna for AM/FM reception. Works great.

Here's my write-up and pictures:

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/718416

corwyyn · **Posted:** Mon Nov 21, 2005 10:39 pm

allscan wrote:

For the antenna I’m having a slight debate. I want to go for the classic 102” steel whip. I would probably have to attach this to the luggage rack for normal commuting and traveling, as having 8 feet of steel wire whipping around would not be pretty. I figure once I start taking the KJ off-road more I can unhook the whip and let ‘er fly. I’m leaning towards the 102” whip because it is the exact ¼ wave in the 11 meter CB band. Since most other antennas, whether loaded or fiberglass (e.g. Firestick) are all “technically” 102” when unwound, the 102” should provide greater performance from less power.
I know many people have used Firesticks with great results; maybe I’m just looking for a better way to stand out. I am defiantly going ahead with plans for the ball mount and coupler, but will hold off on a 102” whip, mostly because I'm having trouble finding one. I saw one on E-bay for around $90, but I think that was for a bulk of 6. For now I will be using a base loaded whip I had on my Ranger before I got rid of it for the Jeep. Thoughts and comments appreciated?

Radio Shack has one for $19.99: 102" stainless whip I have one on my Liberty on a ball on the left side (where the trail-rated badge would go). I drilled into the luggage rack and put a small screw in, then used a bungee cord to tie the tip down. I'll try to get a pic posted soon.

73s from AD5VG

allscan · **Posted:** Tue Nov 22, 2005 7:37 pm

Picked up a 102" steel whip from Radio "Rat" Shack today. Darn!!!! This thing is bigger than I imagined 8.5 feet would be. It will be interesting to drive under some power lines if that thing is not strapped down.

corwyyn · **Posted:** Tue Nov 22, 2005 10:24 pm

Yeah, a couple of times I have gome thru drive-thrus and gotten some interesting looks; one gal at McD's started at the ball mount and craned her neck all the way around till she ended at the tip. She looked at me and said 'Thats one big antenna' :lol:

FreedomKJ · **Posted:** Fri Nov 25, 2005 3:19 am

Be very careful with a 102" whip while offroading! I have a 64" whip from Radio Shack and while bouncing around on trails it likes to slam against the windows and roof and it's left quite a few marks from doing so. A 102" whip will be even worse, and is long enough that it may hit your spotter. I highly recommend keeping the end secured even while wheeling.

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Tue Dec 13, 2005 7:45 pm

I've had my setup for a year and love it still.

You should not, and in fact are not allowed to in some places, use a metal whip antenna while off roading. It's easy to take your guide's eyes out while he's spotting for you. Then he'll be useless the rest of the day! So in a self serving way, I suggest not using the whip.

Yes, I love my mod. It works great. hardly noticeable to anyone that doesn't need to know, but very noticeable as "nice work" to anyone that can recognize a CB antenna when they see one!

pics on my web site are here:

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/325889/10

Thinking about replacing stock antenna/mount w/ ball mount

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