Best CB set-up:

[awalter]

Scott,

I'm using the Wilson 1000 permanent mount antenna. It has an SWR reading of 1.1-1.2. I've got a mag mount firestick on my Scout, but it is a hassle with
low flying trees.

My CB is a Uniden SSB, I'll have to check on which model. It is 4-5 years old so probably not manufactured anymore. I would go with a SSB unit, as long as 1 other in the group your travelling with has sideband you can extend your range significantly.

OTHERWISE GET THAT HAM LICENSE!

 

[flyingwil]

GT has good input. With Most Cb's being limited to 4 Watts, the playing field is pretty equal. SO now the next up to bat is size and weight. In the CB selection I would go with a reputable name brand. I had my selection narrowed down to two smaller units that would fit in my ash tray location, The Uniden, Radio Shack, and the Cobra. I posted over at TTORA, and the general inputs was the Uniden for reliability, and I ended up with that.

The next most important part is your antenna, this includes your coax. A cheap radio and good coax, and antenna will perform well. Firestik.com has an excellent FAQ section that will answer everything you need to know about the coax, antenna and ground planes. A roof mount in the center of the roof is most ideal. For this I would go with a Wilson mount, and a whip.

I have seen quite a few fiberglass antenna setup fail over washboards and whoops, and would steer clear of them for that reason. (Ted knows about this... his mount stripped on the way home out of crown king, and our trail fix was just just good enough.)

Scott, there is a Cobra Unit, that has everything in the Mic, that might be best for your set up to mitigate cluttering in your rear space.

I then would go with a Wilson 5000 Roof mount

And some good co-Phase Coax.

Good luck!

Wil



PS. WaH WAH WaAaAh wahhha WWWAaaaAh!

 

[Ursidae69]

PS. WaH WAH WaAaAh wahhha WWWAaaaAh!

******** at Will :xxrotflma

To those that were not there, Will just demonstrated exactly what Scott sounded like on the CB when he would try to talk out at the EP rally. :shakin:

 

[asteffes]

While I understand the beneficial electrical properties of roof mounts, I can't see drilling a hole in the middle of the cab for, well, anything. The potential for leaks and roof damage should the antenna get caught on something is just too great IMO. I would absolutely go with a magnet mount before I permanently modified the roof.

 

[offroad_nomad]

Scott,
Do you still have an ARB front bumper? If so, you can get an ARB CB Bracket to mount your antenna to th bumper:

I added a Push-n-Twist Quick Disconnector:

and a SS Spring:

check out: http://www.4by4connection.com/cbaccessories.html

I'm running a similar set-up on my TJM, great reception, no problems yet. I also have the Cobra 75 WX ST which I really like.

 

[awalter]

I have had roof mounted antennas for both CB & 2-meter for many years without any problems. The hassle of dealing with mag-mounts with low hanging obstacles IMO ain't worth it, I've been there.

Scott,
My Uniden SSB model is PC122XL.

 

[Scott Brady]

Al,

Do you know the model of you antenna and through the roof mount? I like your set-up

 

[awalter]

Al,

Do you know the model of you antenna and through the roof mount? I like your set-up

The CB antenna is a Wilson 1000 roof mount kit.

The 2-meter is a Larson **** roof mount kit, I'll have to get back to you on model.

Both kits come complete with coax & removable whips.

I have the coax routed down the door posts, one on each side, with about 16" between antenna bases front to rear mounted centered (so,so) on the roof.

 

[BajaTaco]

Scott, if you want a roof mount setup - I would just copy Al's. He has a Tacoma and we know it works really good. I agree about not using a mag-mount. For the kind of stuff we do, I have seen way too many of them fall off, not to mention the cruddies after years of being directly on the painted roof. For the whip, definitely stay away from the ridgid fiberglass stuff. Again, I would just copy Al.

For the radio, I would keep it fairly simple and lightweight. Maybe an RF gain adjustment would be nice. No need for weather bands as you already will have that on your 2M radio. FWIW, I have heard quite a few complaints of the hand-held cobras having troubles with the buttons.

Also, FWIW - I did follow the firestik advice on the coax length and everyone seems to have good results hearing me transmit as has been mentioned not just on the last trip, but most of the trips that I go on. I'm not saying that a shorter length won't work (I don't know) but just saying that mine does work good.

 

[Ursidae69]

I think you're getting good advice from everyone. The most important thing is the antenna and the middle of the roof is the very best. I opted for fender mount and it shows. I have the cobra 75 wx st. For having everything all in one it is nice, takes less space, but personally I don't like it. It's too big for my hand and I have big hands, the buttons are not easy to push and the sound sucks unless it happens to be pointing right at your face. In my old truck I had a Uniden Pro520xl, it was small and worked great with the external speaker I had. That's another thing, you might want to get an external speaker. Most CBs don't have forward facing internal speakers like the ICOM V8000 does. Even the ICOM radio isn't really loud enough for me, I might get an external speaker someday again.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I agree about not using a fiberglass antenna on the roof. I see these normally used on bumpers or fenders. I currently use a "Cobra" 4' mag mount whip centered on my roof just behind my sunroof. It has never popped off from a tree, branch....or. I guess it must have a really strong magnet.

If I were switching to a through the roof type.........I would consider the one below from Firestik (once at their website, look to the left and click on the "Venice"). I also like the fact the you can tilt the antenna down for low clearance driving!

"VENICE" CB ANTENNA KIT
5/8 WAVE BASE-LOAD WITH FOLD-DOWN MOUNT
Bandwidth: 910 khz Power Rating: 150 watts

Model: E36 MSRP*: $43.99
*MSRP (Manufactures Suggested Retail Price) in U.S. Dollars


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It took Firestik® over two years of work to bring this antenna to America. You may have seen or used inexpensive base loaded antennas that were imported from the Pacific Rim countries but you are about to be exposed to an antenna like you've never seen before. Throughout the years radio enthusiasts have expected Firestik® to offer them high quality and innovative products. This new antenna will prove once again that Firestik® aims to please their customers. The "Venice" antenna is a joint effort between Firestik® and Italy's largest, premier antenna manufacture. You probably know the Itailians for their exotic sports cars, unsurpassed high quality shotguns or their exquisitely designed fine clothes. Now you are going to know them for their antennas. By combining Italian workmanship and design with Firestiks® knowledge of American antenna standards we are able to offer you an antenna that has exceptional performance, spectacular looks, and unique mechanical features. If that is what you've been looking for ... then you will want to have this antenna on your vehicle!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The "Venice" is a marvelous 5/8's wave base loaded CB antenna. The over-all length of the antenna is 36" (91.4cm). The "Venice" has a p.e.p. wattage rating of 150 watts. It also offers a sub-2.0:1 SWR bandwidth that exceeds 900 KHz (more than double the legal CB radio bandwidth)! The antenna can be mounted to any mount or surface that can accomodate its 1.5" (38mm) base diameter. The mounting base is designed to use the common American standard that calls for a 1/2" mounting hole. The tilt/fold-down mechanism allows the antenna to be adjusted more than 90 degrees in either direction parallel to its mounting surface. Even when angle adjustment isn't a requirement, the fold down option can be very helpful to those moving in and out of parking facilities. The base includes a rubber gasket/seal to protect against water leaks. All exposed metal parts are finished in classy, gloss black chrome. If additional security is needed, the optional SLS-1 key lock set may be purchased to prevent casual or criminal removal of the antenna.

To compliment the design and features of the antenna, we finished the kit off with our exclusive FireRing terminated coaxial cable. After all, if you're going to have the best antenna ... shouldn't you have the best coax carrying the information to and from your radio? The coax is 18ft (5.5m) so you can mount it just about anywhere and have plenty enough cable to make it to the radio. To get more details on the coax cable used in this kit, click here. For information on where to buy ... 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!

1-Year Limited Warranty

 

[goodtimes]

Even the ICOM radio isn't really loud enough for me, I might get an external speaker someday again.

Hmmmm....I hadn't really thought about this, Chuck. It might help me hear you on the freeway with my windows down. (or did I hear you just fine, and chose to ignore you???? )

 

[Ursidae69]

Hmmmm....I hadn't really thought about this, Chuck. It might help me hear you on the freeway with my windows down. (or did I hear you just fine, and chose to ignore you???? )

I'm pretty sure you were just ignoring me, no worries, didn't hurt my feelings.... :shakin:

Radio shack sells small external speakers for cheap. My last truck had an amplified external speaker that would blow your ears out if you turned it up too loud.

 

[Suty]

OK, CB Guys, I am using the Midland 79-290 with a Firestik 2 antenna. The antenna is attached to my Demello Bed Bar. I had a friend SWR it for me , it seems to be working ok. Is there a better Antenna mounting system ? I am planning to buy a Icom 208H in the near future and I was wondering what antenna would y'all recommend for that ? Thanks, Tu Compa, Suty

 

[BajaTaco]

The most important thing is the antenna and the middle of the roof is the very best. I opted for fender mount and it shows.

Chuck, just curious what you mean by "it shows".