Am I over thinking this CB thing??
 

Ok. So I got a Cobra dx CB for Christmas and I am trying to figure out what I need to get it up and running. I emailed RadioWorld and tried getting the info I wanted but I think we are not understanding each other.

Anyways. I am driving a 1999 XJ and I like the look for the fiberglass antennas so I kinda want to go that way. I don't really know if one antenna is better then another but I do get that the longer the antenna the better it is. I will be using it for around the city area most but when I do go camping it will be in and around Algonquin Park, for those not around here that is a woody and hilly area.

1) So other then length is there a reason to go with metal or is a fiberglass antenna going to be fine?

I know I need Coax cable so I need to measure and find where to run the stuff to the antenna from the radio unit. I am thinking about putting the radio unit in the center console under the armrest so I am guessing I will need to make some venting for getting the heat away from the unit.

2) Would the heat from the radio be the only real issue other then low sound quality for not putting it in there?

I will be making up a roof basket with lights and some hard storage and was thinking about putting the antenna up there. I will be putting a canoe up there and with the hard storage area, it will be kinda molded to alow the canoe to sit over it, I am not sure if this is going to mess with the signal. anyways I'm thinking about making a mount for the antenna that will fold or rotate down and sit/lay horizontal on the drivers side running along the roof rack/basket when not in use. When I want to have the CB on I can put it up but when I am away from the jeep I can turn it down so people don't mess with it.

3) So. What is messing my head up is.. Is an antenna mount just something to hold the antenna or is there something about the mount that I don't understand? I mean why am I being told to buy a mount for $100.00 when I think I can make one for about $3.00?

If I run a ground from the antenna to a good spot and make sure the mount doesn't move is that all I need? I hope I'm just over thinking this. And lastly...

4) With this mount in the up possition and the canoe on the rack do you think I would still get good signal? Or should I think about maybe running a fiberglass antenna off the back taillight area for around the city and another long whip for when I go camping out in the wild?

I hope this all makes sense and you can help me. Thanks in advance

Re: Am I over thinking this CB thing??
 

I think a hundred bucks for a mount is over the top, but making your own might not be the best idea ether. The canoe should not interfer with the signal unless it is aluminum. Check out the firestik brand out of the US, really good stuff. You should check these guys out www.truckers-store.com, Got all my cb gear from them.

Cheers

Re: Am I over thinking this CB thing??
 

Good place to buy cb stuff is the flying J truck stop they have good prices weather it be here in Canada or the US. I don't understand the heat your talking about from ur radio, there all transistors (tube's went out years ago) Just make sure whatever height u go in the antenna put a small or large spring between the mount and antenna, so when it hits something in the brush u don't kiss the antenna goodbye as I did with my 102" steel antenna.Once everything is all install get hold of an SWR meter and have the standing wave checked. Some newer CB's have a SWR meter built into it which is nice.

Re: Am I over thinking this CB thing??
 

Very helpful info on CB antennas on this web site: http://www.rightchannelradios.com/ch...est-cb-antenna.

Re: Am I over thinking this CB thing??
 

Your mount is very important for an antenna. It not only has to be ground but it needs toget a ground plain off your vehicle. CB wavelenght is around 36ft an antenna is either a 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, or full wave. A full wave antenna is usually best, that doesn't mean it is 36ft long, somewhere in the base will be a coil, that plus the length of antenna will be 36ft for a full wave. Anything around your antenna will affect it, metal or not. Running the ground wire to the mount will definately help. Some people say that your coax has to be in 1/4 wave lengths also, most are 18ft, as a 25 year ham i'll tell u that that isn't really important.
No difference in fiberglass or steel antenna, manufacturer way more important, firestick mention above is a really popular and good working antenna.
Get it tuned with a good swr meter. This measures the amount of signal getting reflected back at your radio from your antenna. Higher reflection, less signal out, more load on the finals in your radio, meaning a shortened life. Tune to ch20 because its in the middle, if swr higher on 40 then on 1 antenna is to long. If higher on 1 then 40 antenna is to short. There should be a set screw at base of antenna to adjust, mark with marker where u start, move in very small increments. Best to do this somewhere away from buildings and trees and stand away from antenna when checking. Radiowaves act a little like voodoo dolls sometimes. If u can't get it to a 1 or close reading, try screwing with your mount a bit or moving it, strangest things seem to effect this.
As Mr White said there is not near the heat off radios now as the tube days. But if in a small enclosure they will still get hot if u are talking alot. Would put under the seat or vent a bit. Cobra 75 is a nice compact unit if u want to trade up. Getting long winded hope this was of some help!