Clean VHF/CB radio installs

I wouldn't tuck them too close. I always had 1m stuck in my head but it's actually variable based on 1/4 wavelength of the antenna;

The easy answer is that you should maintain a minimum mounting distance of at least 1/4 wavelength apart for the lowest frequency antenna within the same horizontal plane. For VHF antennas, that translates to roughly 19 inches.
https://www.jpole-antenna.com/2013/07/28/how-close-can-i-mount-two-vhfuhf-antennas/

 

Virtually no chance it matters, other than to the radio attached to the “radio” antenna when you transmit if they are only a few mm apart. The ham won’t care, it’s more important if it’s a ground plane dipole that it has a good center of mass location, and secondary that large vertical planes are not directly adjacent for the majority of height, as in an inch or two.

 

Wow, this is terrible advice. Having a 2m vertical a "few mm" from the broadcast antenna is going to cause a multitude of problems. 1. It's possible to couple enough energy from the 2m antenna into the broadcast antenna to damage the broadcast receiver. 2. The pattern of the 2m (TX & RX) is going to change significantly with the broadcast antenna in the nearfield.

Ideally you want antennas at least 1/4 wavelength apart. More is better.

 

Ideally (theory) yes, but in practice on mobile 2m rig this is not often as important as if feels it should be. I’m completely aware of the endless design discussion this will ensue, so I will acquiesce to the theory and the jury shall disregard the comments from the defendant.

I did imply he’d cook his music radio. But the radios in tacos suck so bad that’s another solution.

 

It looks like relentless only makes the hood mount for the 1st and 2nd gen. I’ve got a Tonneau Cover. Trying to find ideas.

 

You could get a rear mounted one like mine, I forget who makes it, but just search for tacoma cb mount

 

Sweet truck! I’ll do some more searching. I really like the upfront idea.

 

For what it's worth, I used a ditch light/antenna mount on the hood and I had a hell of a time getting the SWR levels to a reasonable level. I even used a transmission strap to ensure a solid ground between the hood mount and the frame (I am aware of the difference between electrical ground and the ground plane an antenna uses, but figured it couldn't hurt). In retrospect, I wish I would have mounted the antenna elsewhere.
If you still wish to pursue that mounting location, I believe I went with Relentless Fabrications mount:
https://www.relentlessfabrication.c...s/2016-tacoma-hood-hinge-ditch-light-brackets

 

Do you have a metal front bumper? If so you could go Australian style and mount the antenna to the bumper.

 

Most radio shops should have fender mounts available;



Works for millions of work trucks - was fine for my old 2nd gen.
I had it mounted on the 3rd gen the same but my ditch light blasted right into it.. so I moved it to the ditch bracket beside my light.



SWR is fine;

 

It's fine for CB. 27 mhz at 5w doesn't scare me. Id never use one for VHF/UHF at 50w though. It violates FCC exposure limits.

 

Yep, I've done the math and read the arguments.
I'm comfortable that mine stays at 5w, rx 99% of the time, I'm surrounded by local repeaters, don't ragchew, and avoid getting stuck in the grill of logging trucks..

 

I was going to stick with a mag mount antenna for the time being. Can one of you tell me if you were able to get the

$43 PL259 USA Made PL-259 Improved Double Shielded RG-58u for FireStik Antenna K-8A 18-Foot Single CB/Ham Coax Cable

PL259 through an existing hole into the cab?

 

Beside the grommet in the main harness fits-
Like these;

 

You could look into one of these...it's a dual band glass mount antenna. I've used them on several vehicles without any problems. As long as there are no AM/FM broadcast antennas (wire type) inside the glass you're good to go.

 

You can pull the drain for the AC condensation, put the PL-259 through, then replace the drain.

 

Couldn’t you just remove the Satellite antenna and use the existing hole to run a NMO Mount?

 

Thanks for the info gentlemen. I will look tomorrow if it isn't snowing. I still use my XM radio, at least until the free is over.

 

Or drill a new hole?

The FM is located in the shark fin too.

I ended up buying a

$43 PL259 USA Made PL-259 Improved Double Shielded RG-58u for FireStik Antenna K-8A 18-Foot Single CB/Ham Coax Cable

PL259 from my local electronics store to go through the firewall .

 

Or just cut it and re solder it on. Would make it easier to get through.