Firestik cable too short.

My 18" firestik coax is too short. Do they make a 25" version?

If I splice the cable to extend it will that cause issues?

Thoughts?
Salt

 

Lengthening really isn't an option as it introduces a point for interference. I would find a 25' cable.

 

18 feet is required to keep wavelength. For 11 meter radios. It will change your SWR If you make it longer. You might have to trim your antenna.

 

Hmmm...so what cables are you guys running for a Tacoma with a rear bumper mounted antenna.

Thanks TXproman.

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I have a 18" firestik cable but upon first look it's way too short based on my routing plan.

 

Do not splice but find a cable that is made to extend the current one. They are available or a good technician can make you one. That way you do not get one longer than what you need. Test it before using it for long conversations. Have done this many of times while employed as a communications technician. Or get someone to just put a longer cable on the antenna for you. Again not hard.

 

Don't know what mount you are using but the coax should have screw on connecters [

$38 PL259 USA Made PL-259 Improved Double Shielded RG-58u for FireStik Antenna K-8A 18-Foot Single CB/Ham Coax Cable

PL259] check local truck stop they sell coax [you want mini RG8U] made up in several lengths or you can buy the cable and connecters and make it any length you want.

 

Yes, but I'm sure there are several different ways I haven't considered. I was planning to go from the rear passenger mount on my CBI bushmaster bumper, under the truck up the passenger side to the engine bay, then across the bay to main electrical boot located near the drivers front wheel. Is there another access into the cab or alternate route that I should consider?

This is new to me...obviously. I've been to every single auto parts store and Radio shack in the area...nothing.

I know that Firestik makes a coupler called the "Barrel Connector" but I haven't found it online yet. Yes, I believe

$38 PL259 USA Made PL-259 Improved Double Shielded RG-58u for FireStik Antenna K-8A 18-Foot Single CB/Ham Coax Cable

PL259 is what I need, plus the extension cable.
(EDIT) I think I found it on Amazon.

Suggestions welcome. I'm clearly grasping and need to complete this next week, as the week after we are headed to the FJ Summit.

Cheers.
Salt

 

A few things:

I have been researching this question on these forums in anticipation of my first radio install later this month.

I think it is best to avoid the engine bay when routing the antenna coax, to avoid interference.

There is a hole in the floor of your doublecab. Driver's side, behind the front seat. You can see it from underneath, inside from the frame. There is a round rubber grommet filling the hole. Others report that this is an ideal point of entry to the cab for the coax, make a hole in the rubber for the coax and run it under the carpet to your radio.

 

Just input CB coaxial cable and look for the barrel or a cable with a male on one end and a female connector on the other. No need for the barrel connector. Or go to a big commercial truck stop and they may have one. Radio Shack is going out of business and has very little left.

 

Thank you Canoehead! I found the hole, not sure how I missed that yesterday. That should solve all my woes. Cheers!

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Let us know how it works out.

 

Worked like a charm. 18' coax was more than enough. I still need to mount the antenna and thread the connection on the in-cab end but otherwise i'm good to go. SWR meter should arrive Tuesday. Thanks again.