CB specifics

Thanks @MikeyD.25 very useful.

 

Those are HF radios. While the CB band is in the HF band its at the upper end. Antenna lengths are matched to frequency range, that's the tuning people keep talking about. The lower the frequency the longer the antenna, although the length can vary because the wavelength should be some multiple of the antenna length for proper tuning. For example you can get a 1/2 or 1/4 wavelength antenna.

I have a ham radio that covers the entire HF frequency spectrum that I've thought of doing something similar with. In that case I would use an antenna tuner in line between the radio and the antenna to "adjust" the length of the antenna based on the frequency being transmitted on. The actual length of the antenna wouldn't physically change but it would be matched to the signal. Some HF mobile antenna's actual lengthen or shorten but that's a different subject.

Anyway, you want to use a CB antenna because its tuned to work on CB frequencies. Just get the longest CB antenna you can find, mount it on a spring, and tie the tip to something up front, like a luggage rack, when you enter the parking garage.

 

Like others have already mentioned, get your power direct from the battery. Positive to the positive post and negative to the negative ground point on the fender. Also a good heavy gauge wire. Filters generally don't do shit.

 

While the antenna base that is sitting higher up is intended for VHF, the one sitting lower is an Ab-15 which can be used just fine on CB. I have an AB558 that is essentially the same thing, minus the ceramic components of the AB15 and some other housing differences, and it works perfectly for CB. The AB558 is really just a coax+spring within a fiberglass housing that mates to the whip. Plenty of guys run them on CUCVs for CB.

I've also seen a guy modify the internals on the VHF antenna that is seen in the pic so it could be used on the CB bands. However, the expense sourcing the VHF antenna base, mount, and whip is hardly worth the effort, unless someone is purely after looks and has money to burn.

 

Wondering what would be a good weatherproof speaker for the PA system on my Bearcat 980XL ?

Anyone?

 

How loud do you want it? I'm running a little pyle speaker directly off my CB via the 3.5mm jack and it does OK. Cost about $10 on Amazon. It's good for parking lots, on the trail, at a stoplight, etc but as soon as you're moving then it becomes too quiet. To remedy this, you can get an amp, and run a 65 watt PA speaker from that, and it'll be loud as hell. That'll run you ~$100

 

Pyle is what i have, cheap even if it doesn't hold up, but mine has so far

 

Thanks for the info, guys!

I just want it for trail running, nothing fancy.

I'm a noob to this. I'm just getting all the parts together for the install. I still need an antenna/mount/cable. I'll probably mount the antenna to the BAJA rack using a folding mount as seen here.

http://www.theantennafarm.com/catal...ts-467/pl-259-style-luggage-rack-mounts-1209/

Any suggestions on a decent antenna/couplings/cable? I don't even know what a PL-259 is! LOL

 

Look for FireStik's FireRing cable. It provides a good cable with a very low profile connection at the antenna mount. Like this:

 

Cable type noted...

I saw your install. Very cool, but I don't need that big whip.

Will a 3 to 4" Firestick antenna be enough of the top of the cap? ... Oh, and what spring/etc. would I need for bush trails?

 

So, don't look to me as an expert, I'm only a couple weeks into this whole CB thing. From my reading, a 3' - 4' FireStik shouldn't be a problem.

A couple things to keep in the back of your mind:

- a better antenna beats a better radio all day long

- have a basic understanding of ground plane. It could make our break your set up. Mounting on top of a fiberglass cap means you'll have to know more about ground plane and either create one or look at a No Ground Plane antenna.

- antenna length is important, and adding a spring will change the effective length of your antenna. With a shorty fiberglass antenna you'll have to tune it to your set up (SWR meter, you'll need one) and the spring may or may not impact that tuning. Make sure the back of your radio is somewhat accessible, the SWR meter is run in-line between your radio and your antenna, on the radio side. Also, keep in mind, the tip of the antenna is where tuning happens.

- take everything I said with a grain of salt, and commit to reading a lot to firm up your understanding of your own setup.

 

This...

 

... f*ck me. This is getting complicated.

-------------------------------------------
Edit: Got it!

http://www.wearecb.com/cb-antenna-ground-plane.html

 

I have a 3' and works just fine. Also a fire ring works good for limited space. For a spring, I personally like a stiffer spring. The antenna bounces around to much with a smaller spring.

 

This!! Find something that works for you and stick with it.

 

Get the heavy duty or bell type spring, get the heavy duty stud connector too. 3 or 4' antenna will work, also read reviews on the fire ring coax, I haven't heard great things.... It's pricey too for just a cable. Mine works great with generic cables and connections

 

If you've got a topper, your antenna is gonna smack into it. I'd go with a hood mounted 3 or 4'. Another thing to remember. when you're routing your coax, you don't want any excess. If you just coil up there excess it can heat up, and get poor readings.

 

I have ditch lights, so negate the hood mount idea. And where is your AM/FM antenna? ... or do 3rd Gens don't have one?

... and how's that gonna happen if the antenna base/mount is above the truck?

This is what I have to work with:






The Thule rack will be moved to the cab (for an RTT) and a Baja Rack Mega Mule is going on the topper.

 

Oh my bad! I skimmed, and assumed you were going to mount it above the tail light.

 

3rd gens have a fin on the roof for the antenna.