To bad Wilson sold out its CB antennas to Barjan. But the Wilson cellular works good still.

 

the cobra 148's usually have a built in swr meter at least my gtl does... not sure about the newer models. I heard that ford owns wilson ( ducking)

 

Interesting stuff guys. So, if you buy an anntenna separate from the lead in, how much lead in should you start with and if you need a longer lead should you replace the entire lead, splice in a piece, or use adaptors? And does tuneing the antenna make much difference in reception?
Thanks

 

Where's the best place to buy an antenna? Truck stops seem to carry some but the guys behind the counter don't know anything about what they're selling, and I've never seen one at a department store that looks like its worth anything, any suggestions?

 

Your coax should be in 9 foot sections, if thats not enough get 18 foot DO NOT try to splice 2 pieces together it will work but your SWR's will probably be way off. Tuning the antenna will make some diff. in reception but the major reason for tuning it is for being able to transmit better and most importantly the life expectantcy of your CB. As far as where to buy an antenna if your not using an AMP then you dont have to be too picky but the other posts were dead on about where you mount it the highest most centered place is best mine is mounted on my tool box. Try a CB shop if you can find one they might be a little more expensive sometimes but they usually have good knowledge about what they are selling. K40 and Wilson are pretty good antennas for the money and have a good selections as far as styles and looks. HEY EDWIN sounds like youve heard CQCQCQDX maybe once or twice before Clint

 

The only reason to have coax in 9 foot sections is if the antenna isn't properly matched and tuned. The coax is supposed to act like a completely passive element but if you get effects from "tuning" the cable then you have a mismatch in the antenna. If you have a mismatch then the cable is radiating power which isn't a good situation.

Yes, tuning the antenna will have an effect on the reception. If you have a 1:1 swr and a properly matched and tuned antenna then you will have the best transmit and receive you can get out of that particular antenna. Don't however rely on SWR alone to determine if you're setup properly. If you "tune" the coax then your antenna isn't matched and you won't have optimum performance.

In fact, I would suggest deliberately sticking varying lengths of coax in the line to test for proper match. In all cases the SWR should be 1:1. Then you know your antenna is radiating all the power it gets.

In practice the shortest coax will work the best since the dielectric and resistive losses will be less.

Also, make sure the shield is grounded at the base of the antenna to get the ground plane. If it isn't then you have problems. On Magnetic mounts the base forms a capacitor with the roof surface which effectively grounds the coax.

Edwin

 

MY BAD!!!

 

i use a 5' firestik, it works fairly well... then again i dont really use my cb alot.

 

So that CB in my Ferd that burnt up(literally smoked) Could've been from an antenna? I have a brand new Cobra for the Dodge and really don't wanna trash it again, I just have a twin stick kit from walmart I think, I can't remember, but they're the wrapped white antennas and the split coax. Had them mounted on the sides of my tool box.

 

Most CB's nowadays have protection built in for the final amp in case your antenna is messed up. They just don't get out because the protection circuit cuts the power back.

Edwin