CB Radio antenna Pics..

scarletbegonias · **Posted:** Tue Apr 08, 2008 2:15 pm

I've had my CB ready to install since xmas but ive been debating where to mount the mag whip antenna (or to instead buy a firestik & mount it on the bumper) Can you guys post a pic and/or explain where you've mounted your CB's antenna and also your wiring configuration so I can also get some wire routing ideas? This guy at the electronics shop said he would install it by fishing it thru to the back and out the top taillight..cutting out a small notch in the light to allow for the coax and sealing it up with sealant, putting the antenna mount in the top middle of my roof. Does this sound like the best way to do it? I'd love to see everyone elses setup on here first. Also, I'm assuming all of you've had your CBs tuned with an SWR meter at your local electronics shop before using it, right?

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Tue Apr 08, 2008 10:31 pm

I just did mine with the radio antenna swap. Do a search and you will find my write-up.

jelohead · **Posted:** Sat Apr 12, 2008 8:02 am

if youre gonna use a magnet mount, center of the roof is the best location, period. as for a "mounted" whip, you have a few options, mine is installed on a stainless bracket bolted on behind the driver's side tail light assembly. other folks have used a spare tire mounting bracket, some replaced the factory radio antenna, lots of options, but one thing is certain, max height above your roof with the top of the antenna is best for optimum range/performance.

Fulltimer · **Posted:** Sat Apr 12, 2008 9:31 am

Another thing to consider: will at some point will you want to put a rack on the roof. I have a mag mount on the roof and a basket. I'm sure the basket is cutting down my signal but I'm not talking much skip with it. Just trail use so I don't worry about it. You don't need must distance when on trails. If you want pics etc let me know. But really, the best place would be on the back tire mount where it is protected better.

Terry

WoodysKJ · **Posted:** Sat Apr 12, 2008 12:56 pm

Also,

Do Not assume you have a good groud on the antenna mount. Key to a good swr.

Spare tire mount is ok but i think other have had some issues with getting a good ground there. Good Bare metal to metal contact.

Use 18 feet of GOOD shielded coax. Do not coil it onto itself I know it is tempting to cut it to fit your KJ. but run it around so it does not double up on itself (OR as little as possible.) and do not trim it. get a good connection to the connector, THEN have your SWR checked BEFORE using the set up.

You want your SWR as low as you can get. that being said...

Ideally, on channels 1, 19 and 40 you want it between 1:1 and 1:2.0. IF you only plan to use ur cb on trails and most wheelers and trails use channel 2, 3 or 4, then tune those channels as low of a standing wave ratio as you can get. If you try to act like a trucker and use it on the highway alot then get the 1, 19 and 40 channels tuned as low as possible.

Center of roof is best as stated before. BUT when you tun the SWR for a given spot, you are married to that spot with a magnetic mount. don't assume you will have a good swr if you move the antenna to allow for stuff on the roof for a trip, you wont. Might not be off much, but could be enough to fry your cb. don't assume it.

A permanant mount is always best. good ground. whip OVER the top of the highest point of your KJ (the roof) and then run the coax all over the place. You will be surprised as to how fast 18 feet will run out as you run the coax. Again DO NOT CUT THE COAX DOWN. the antenna and radio are made to run on increments of 9 foot cable/antenna lengths. so since you probrably wont have a 9 foot antenna then you will need all 18 feet of the coax. More is always better. but again do not trim to make overall length of antenna/coax at 18 feet. Then get a 3 foot min. whip antenna at the end.

The longer the antenna the easier it will be to tune. A 4 foot tunable tip fire stick is a great choice. NO SUCH THING AS A PRE TUNED ANTENNA, so don't buy one.

2 footers are too hard to tune, slightest turn of the tuning screw will have HUGE results on the swr and a PITA to set a good swr. Been there done that.

Screw tunable antennas are best for obvious reasons, you can retune and work with them over and over again. the "Trim to tune antennas are good but once you cut the tip your are screwed if it is off. Also always remeber to replace the cap over the antenna BEFORE you check the swr. Not having it on there will give you a false reading. Been there done that too.

I get about 5 miles IN TOWN with my set-up in the center of my Gecko Roof basket. Had about 2 in town with the rear tail light set up mentioned before.

Just DO NOT USE CB TILL IT IS TUNED, inspite of the tempation to go "Breaker 1-9, How bout a radio check?" you could do some serious damage to the radio.

MiniDevil · **Posted:** Sun Apr 13, 2008 4:22 am

I like my spare tire mount. it attaches to the screws behind the spare tire mount. gets pretty good ground. pretty good SWR and it swings 31watts

jerseykj · **Posted:** Sun Apr 13, 2008 9:05 am

I have mine atached to my spare tire mount and get an excelant swr reading and no grounding problems, didn't even have to use a ground strap. but hey, every jeep and cb is different. you can have two of the same make/model,cb,antenna, all installed the same and get two different swr readings. everybodys different.

scarletbegonias · **Posted:** Sun Apr 13, 2008 10:17 am

awesome writeup woodyskj..some great "from experience" info there, thanks!
hey minidevil, what brand is your spare tire mount? I'm guessing its the one that screws into the bottom bolt?

MidnightLiberty · **Joined:** Mon Oct 08, 2007 6:42 pm **Posts:** 270

I've got my antenna up front on the drivers side. If you do put it up there use a spring.

EDIT: I just moved my antenna back a bit, it involved drilling though.

doubleajaybrock · **Posted:** Wed Apr 16, 2008 6:51 pm

So were do you go to have it tuned? Any particular stores around the northern Denver metro area?

Thanks

MidnightLiberty · **Joined:** Mon Oct 08, 2007 6:42 pm **Posts:** 270

You can buy a SWR meter. They run about $20 at the places where they sell CB stuff.

WoodysKJ · **Posted:** Wed Apr 16, 2008 10:14 pm

MidnightLiberty wrote:

You can buy a SWR meter. They run about $20 at the places where they sell CB stuff.

get a meter and a short 2 foot jumper. learn how to tune it and then you will be able to check it once in a while. You will also be able to tune everybody you know who has a CB.

Lucky you.

Just kiding. some places can charge 20-30 bucks to tune or even check, well worth the expense of owning and knowing how to use the meter.

Link to explain how: http://www.firestik.com/Meas-SWR.htm#Setting%20SWR

scarletbegonias · **Posted:** Wed Apr 16, 2008 10:23 pm

cool..im gunna buy one.

MiniDevil · **Posted:** Thu Apr 17, 2008 11:57 am

scarletbegonias wrote:

awesome writeup woodyskj..some great "from experience" info there, thanks!
hey minidevil, what brand is your spare tire mount? I'm guessing its the one that screws into the bottom bolt?

I got mine from Arizona Rocky Road.

You can google it and go to their site. Just email the guy if you want one.

I just upgraded to a 5' Black FireStik on it. Looks awesome

Nope, it doesnt screw in. You remove the spare tire and it actually slips onto the top 2 bolts of the spare tire carrier. The spare tire protects the mount. The screw in ones are too flimsy for my taste. This mount is pretty solid.

scarletbegonias · **Posted:** Thu Apr 17, 2008 1:14 pm

Anyone here ever replace their OEM plastic antenna cover? If so are there any tricks to putting it on without snapping??? :shock:

scarletbegonias · **Posted:** Thu Apr 17, 2008 1:46 pm

HAH, nevermind...I just got it in the mail and I replaced it easily..snap off, snap on

WoodysKJ · **Posted:** Thu Apr 17, 2008 3:30 pm

Here is the Gecko Basket from Rocklizard (Marty) with the 3 foot firestick tunable antenna in the center of the 4 lights. VERY solid mount and great signal location.

On a folding mount so I can go in parking garages, ones with a 7 foot max clearance that is.

riptricket · **Posted:** Thu Apr 17, 2008 5:08 pm

is the antenna on the back glass a cell phone antenna?

WoodysKJ · **Posted:** Thu Apr 17, 2008 5:46 pm

riptricket wrote:

is the antenna on the back glass a cell phone antenna?

Bingo

MiniDevil · **Posted:** Thu Apr 17, 2008 7:01 pm

WoodysKJ wrote:

Here is the Gecko Basket from Rocklizard (Marty) with the 3 foot firestick tunable antenna in the center of the 4 lights. VERY solid mount and great signal location.

On a folding mount so I can go in parking garages, ones with a 7 foot max clearance that is.

Now that's awesome.

CB Radio antenna Pics..

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