noob CB antenna question

[reybie 65]

Time to research getting a CB radio for when going out where cell reception is non-existent. One thing I'm trying to accomplish is installing an antenna that can be removed for day to day driving. I understand that new antennas need to be tuned for optimum performance. Now, when it's tuned and it's removed for storage, do you have to retune again when putting it back on?

[gearhead 407]

You would not have to retune it every time you put it on, just make sure that you don't key up the mic when it is off.

Time to research getting a CB radio for when going out where cell reception is non-existent. One thing I'm trying to accomplish is installing an antenna that can be removed for day to day driving. I understand that new antennas need to be tuned for optimum performance. Now, when it's tuned and it's removed for storage, do you have to retune again when putting it back on?

[theksmith 3,828]

are you looking at getting a magnetic base antenna or doing a permanent mount with a quick-disconnect?

[reybie 65]

I was leaning towards magnetic at first but after more reading it turns out the base ends up buffing the paint off the vehicle if left on. Looking into recreating something like the mount in this post...

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309/sand-flag-1479462/#post14975368

 

Edit: I just saw your rig build and that is the same spot I was looking to put my soon to be antenna.

[AZBillyBoy 2]

I had a magnetic one once and "buffing" is an understatement. More like down to bare nekkid steel!

[gcdaz 5]

I use a heavy-duty spring that the antenna screws into. I just unscrew it by hand and reattach it finger tight. Seems to be fine. May get slightly loose after several hours of brush, but it's not a big deal to just tighten it up. (It's a hassle to get off if I wrench-tighten it, but that works too.) And no, once you've tuned it, the length doesn't change, so no re-tuning required.

[91AzXJ 2]

I made a simple mount out of 3/16" CRS. Works well and I take my 4' Firestick off when in town.

[theksmith 3,828]

couple tips:

 

there are several styles of quick disconnects available that you might want to use one of: http://www.walcottcb.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=quick+disconnect&search_in_description=0&submit.x=-869&submit.y=-59

 

i use this one, have always been able to loosen and tighten with my hand and have never had it loosen up on the trail: http://www.walcottcb.com/kdt-twist-quick-disconnect-p-263.html

 

also, the FireRing style connector/cable makes a great clean install with less stuff protruding down from the mounting tab: http://www.walcottcb.com/18-coax-removable-pl259-and-terminator-stud-p-199.html

 

be sure to pay attention to how the insulating washer goes in regardless of your mount type, and also that your mounting tab is grounded well (stainless steel is good to use so that you don't have to worry about paint preventing rust versus getting a good ground).

 

if you have excess cable, do not wind it into a small coil.. instead try to just run large loops of it around in various spots to eat up the excess. making a small coil actually creates an electronic "choke".

 

to tune it, you'll just need an SWR meter and an additional short piece of coax, they are inexpensive so i recommend just getting your own if you don't know someone with one: http://www.amazon.com/POWER-METER-Radio-Watts-Jumper/dp/B002LZB0J2/ - the instructions are included and are easy to follow. tuning doesn't affect your ability to receive, it's tuning the antenna for transmitting so that you optimize how much of the power that your radio puts out is actually converted to outgoing radio waves... if you don't tune then you risk damaging your radio at worst, or not getting out a good signal at best. as Mike mentioned, never key the mic if no antenna is attached. also, if you change the mounting location of your antenna you need to re-tune. it's best to tune with nothing close to the antenna, like in an empty parking lot or field - you might notice a different reading with another car parked right next to you. a tune of 1 is perfect, but real world you may get a 1.5 or little more. 2 or over would indicate a problem with a connection, ground, etc. you can't get a great tune on every channel, many aim for the best tune on the middle channels. you might center your tune better on lower channels if you know you are just using it for trials where everyone mostly runs channel 4.

 

 

[reybie 65]

Thanks all! K, those are really helpful links... I'm definitely going for that FireRing style connector, I will order it and then try to fab something to mount it.

[kaspily 2]

We used a magnetic one with no problems (other then trees tipping it over). We have it in the garage if you want to have it. We since replaced it with a permanent mount. We are in Tucson but make occasional trips to Phoenix and could possibly meet up.