cb radio

[brianwidahl]

hey guys

i got a cb for christmas and i was looking for some input on where the best place to mount dual 5' antennas





please fellas can i get some mounting location ideas











MERRY CHRISTMAS to to all CHC members





thanks for all the help

[whitehumh2]

I am just finishing my CB radio install myself and I will post some pics. I installed my antenna on the driver's side with a custom mount and it looks great!!



I will post some pics in the next couple of days!



Kev

[whitehumh2]

So Here is the mount that I used and I installed it on the driver's side just under the side louver.



FireFly ®

"No-Ground Plane" CB Antenna Kit

Featuring Molded Side Mount

Model: LG3-M2-? w/3ft antenna $50.99 (MSRP*)

Model: LG4-M2-? w/4ft antenna $52.99 (MSRP*)





*MSRP (Manufactures Suggested Retail Price) in U.S. Dollars







Whereas "?" designates antenna color; B=Black; R=Red; W=White; BB=Blue;.



PURPOSE: The LGX-M2 (where X = antenna length in feet) series, 'No ground plane" (NGP) CB antenna kits were specifically designed to solve the problems associated with the lack of ground plane (counterpoise). This normally occurs on vehicles constructed of plastic, fiberglass, wood or aluminum. This includes, but is not limited to, motorhomes, boats, automobiles and 18-wheeler trucks. Ground plane problems typically show up in the form of high standing wave ratio (SWR) and poor performance. The isolated ground plane that is built into these kits can also eliminate problems on metal base vehicles that lack the sufficient ground plane for proper operation. This could be due to the size of available ground plane (ATV, bicycle, motorcycle, wheelchair, etc.), or because the operator chooses to mount the antenna in a location that is unable too properly take advantage of available ground plane. These kits utilize a stylish mount made specifically for mounting on the vertical side of a vehicle or structure. Aside from being a NGP kit, the main feature of these kits is that they utilize a lightweight antenna. The antennas are at least 40% lighter than the heavy-duty antenna used in the FGX-648 kits. This offers a more stylish look, while at the same time reducing mount stress that is caused by physical weight and wind load.

COMPONENT INFORMATION:



ANTENNA: The antennas used in these kits utilize the same 5/8 wave design as the patented tunable-tip FireFly antennas. The antenna's frequency is altered in order to maintain a desirable center band position when used with the tuned coaxial feedline. Accordingly, these antennas may only be used with the Firestik NGP cable. The core material is a 5/16-inch (0.313" or 8mm) diameter reinforced plastic (fiberglass) tube. Our custom blended formula offers a preferred balance of flexibility and strength. The chrome plated machine brass mounting base has standard 3/8"-24 threads. A high efficiency, voltage increasing helical wind is utilized. Heavy insulated, light-gauge copper wire is used to guard against shorted coils and corrosion induced resistance commonly found on non-Firestik brand antennas. The antenna used in these kits have our patented "no tools required" tunable tip for fast and easy SWR adjustments. The rated wattage for these kits is 100 watts. Each antenna is covered with a static reducing, heavy PVC shrink tubing with both pigment and UV stabilizers mixed in. Available colors are black, red or white with a black tip.



COAXIAL FEEDLINE: The seventeen-foot (5.2 M) coaxial cable used in these kits is of the highest quality. As a matter of fact ... our NGP cable assembly utilizes a custom manufactured coaxial cable that can only be found at Firestik. Unable to find the performance characteristics in any of the commercially available coaxial cable ... we designed our own. First we use a multi-wire stranded center conductor to the prevent breakage that can occur with solid center conductor cable. A condition known as "cold working" occurs where vibration is present and this action can cause solid conductors to become brittle and eventually break. Surrounding the center conductor is a long life, flexible, polyethelene insulation. Since shielding is extremely critical on NGP systems, we used a double shield around the center conductor. First, a 100% aluminum tape covers the center conductor insulator and then a copper wire braid (averages 95% coverage versus the industry standard of 70%) is applied over the aluminum tape. The coaxial feedline, besides being the conduit for the signal to reach the antenna, serves as a tuned circuit that creates the necessary counterpoise. If a longer cable length is required, the user may add standard RG-58 A/U cable between the radio and system cable, preferably in lengths that are multiples of nine feet. Because it is a tuned circuit, the length cannot be reduced without causing non-repairable damage. Should the cable become damaged, order replacement cable model K-8NGP.



MOUNT AND HARDWARE: These kits use our molded "teardrop" side mount. The black plastic shell has a textured finish to keep it looking nice. All hardware and coax connections are hidden in the inner wall of the vehicle to maintain visual integrity and prevent weather exposure. For a closer view of the M-2 mount, click on the following: Show me the mount. For additional contact protection, a spring may be added between the antenna and the mount. If you choose to add a spring, a split-lock washer should be added between the spring and the mount for proper seating.



ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Each kit includes a FREE microphone hanger and comes complete with user installation documentation. Review important NGP Install Document.



WHERE TO BUY?



And don't forget ... ALL antennas, regardless of style or manufacturer, MUST be tuned after installation on the vehicle. Transmitting antennas are not "plug-n-play" devices. Read our article regarding this matter. Also, visit our technical library to find the answers to your most common questions or to learn how to troubleshoot and tune your CB antenna. It is unique on the Internet!



Firestik Warranty

5 Year: Antenna

1 Year: Mount & Coax Cable









And for the CB, I used a Midland http://www.midlandradio.com/CB-Radio.WYQ/75-822 I choose this type as I still use my Onstar and it gives me the ability to use my CB in or our of my Hummer!



I will post some pics once my digital camera starts working again!!!

[Road Warrior]

Would like to see how others have done their radio installs as well as antenna mounting.

I have ham radio in all my rides but looking at the same 75-822 midland unit that Polar Bear used once I can find someone in Edmonton that stocks it so I can move it from one vehicle to another as well as portable use that it is designed for to have the best of both worlds <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... ght_on.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':right_on:' />

Removed the onstar in my 05 so I may do an indash on that one to utilize the now part time cubby hole.



Any antenna mounting ideas from others would be appreciated

[Khamul]

I never even saw this post from December...



I think we need to have an Alberta CB install party and all put our heads together!

[Sugarphreak]

I think I am just going to get a magnetic antenna mount for my truck, then tune it up for my handheld... that should do the trick.

[Khamul]

So why do antenna's need to be tuned?

[Sugarphreak]

[quote name='Khamul' timestamp='1299130583' post='25628']

So why do antenna's need to be tuned?

[/quote]



To improve the reception and broadcasting signal. Also if your antenna is too far out of tune you can actually damage your radio over time.



It is pretty simple from what I understand, you hook a SWR meter up between the radio and the antenna... take a measurement; then adjust the antenna (usually a screw)... then try again until you get it as close as possible to the optimal level.

[Khamul]

[email="^&#^!@%%"]^&#^!@%%[/email]#&*(!@ I think I'm just going to order the Magnum and get someone to install it... My brain is starting to hurt!