CB specifics

I'd be surprised if there's enough ground plane there for that antenna, assuming that's a fiberglass topper? That's likely the cause IMO. Either move it or get a no ground plane antenna. What's the SWR if you move the vehicle further from buildings etc?

 

Yes it's fiberglass. That was my swr reading in a pretty open area with no buildings, trees or power lines etc. Maybe a small tree like 40 yards away. When you say not enough ground plane, are you referring to the mount not being big enough for adequate ground?

 

Take the Taco out in the wide open spaces and then recheck your SWR.

 

Ground plane is not the same as electrical ground, but effectively you need a large-ish metal surface under the antenna for the signal to propagate properly. In a perfect world, you need a circular area of metal at least 1/4 wavelength long directly under the antenna (this is why the center of the roof is considered the best placement). In practice this seldom happens but mounting next to the hood on a fender mount is a good substitute which is why you so often see CB antennas mounted there.

You can get "no ground plane" antennas that do not require this for mounting in areas like the back of the truck next to a giant fiberglass box

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

 

Interesting! Makes sense. So my fiberglass topper is not helping to propagate the signal! That explains why my buddy who mounted the exact same setup on the hood of his XJ (different mount obviously) had better SWR readings than me. Thank you

 

I have!

Look through my build thread in my sig, and I can answer any questions you might have

 

I call shenanigans, @11x five years later. Hi all I'm new here, first Taco, etc. was looking for 2gen suggestions for physical antenna mounting, for 2 meters/450Mhz using FM.

I am also a ham operator, I've been a General since 1981, KAOJQE. A Galaxy 33 is a CB hotrod toy. It's only AM and FM, no SSB or CW. With all due respect, you very probably were not 'playing 4000 watts' on 10 meters (unless you are counting Effective Radiated Power, and that's unlikely on 10 meters and absolutely not in any vehicle). ERP = radio/amp output minus feedline attenuation times antenna gain.

The highest output allowed for ham operation used to be measured in the input watts to the final output stage (and that was 2,000 watts). Since that required some calculation depending on the emission type, they later changed to a simpler to measure "1500 watts output".

I used to run weak signal to transmit/receive on satellites in space. My Andrews 7/8 inch air dielectric feedline alone cost twice as much as a Galaxy 33. I got it from Kennedy Space Center (since renamed back to Cape Canaveral).

I'll catch up the whole thread later, I'm still catching up from a few years ago.

 

Hey y'all
I'm wanting to mount my CB in this location (see pic). Can anybody give solid advice as to where to route the coax cable through to the CB itself?
I'm skeerd I'm going to muck something up by just drilling a hole where I "Think" its ok.

Any knowledge is appreciated.

 

So I got a bug up my ass to get my CB radio up and running again. I have been having issues with the cold weather cracking my antenna cable and then salt water getting in. After replacing the cable a few times I gave up and tried to figure out a better way to do this.

So, I got some bulkhead adapters, and I found there is a nice hole on the passenger side. This hole happens to be the same size as the bulkhead adapters! So, now I have my CB cable ran through the truck and into the engine bay where it is hooked up to the bulkhead adapter, I then plug another cable into this adapter in the engine bay and to a antenna. When the outside cable cracks and breaks, its a simple swap out and I dont need to pull up all my carpet to run the new cable.








Here it is with the waterproof cover over it for when there is no antenna plugged in. I just need to finish up some things and it will be good to go.

 

What's the SWR like with the bulkhead adapter attached to the metal in the engine room? Did it improve over what you originally had?

 

Not sure yet, I still need to secure the plug down, get a ditch light antenna mount, and hook it up the rest of the way. But I will say it should improve my ground a ton as its grounded right to the cab there.

 

I looked and used the search function, but didn't really find what I was looking for. I just purchased a President McKinley SSB/CB radio and was wondering the best mount for an antenna. I am debating on mounting on the roll bar with a 2 ft antenna or a longer 4 foot utilizing a bed mount. Anyone want to throw their $0.02 my way. Thanks

 

Finally installed my President McKinley SSB/CB in my 21 Tacoma. Installed in cubby area in front of the front cup holders. Mounted mic holder on right side of radio.

Mounted a fiberglass antenna inside right rear of bed using a homemade mount using

ProComm RA930 Right Angle Adaptor With .38 In.x24 Dome Mount

As installed the internal SWR meter shows 1.4-1.6. When I it warms up and I find an open area I will check with an external SWR meter and try tuning for a lower SWR.

I have used CB's since mid 70's. I use mainly to monitor highway and road conditions when traveling. This is my first SSB. Not sure needed or will use, but always wanted to try.

Haven't talked yet but a few days after installing was picking up loud and clear skip transmissions from NWP Nortwest corner of Washington State. I live in Missouri.

 

What radio is that? Does it interfere with the cup holders? Looks slick

 

For the average weekend warrior is there a benefit to a hard mounted cb versus a handheld?

 

President McKinley. An Ozark Trails 32 oz tumbler will fit in left cup holder but leans back a little, will not fit in passenger side cup holder due to mic cord. 16 or 20 oz glasses will fit but, you have to reach around mic cord on passenger side.

 

Go big or go home

 

President Bill FCC. Solid little radio, about to install one in my truck. I'll post some pics of the install.

It's so small I'm tempted to just throw it on a removable mount and power it via the cigarette lighter. I'd pick up a President New Virginia removable antenna and just route the coax directly to the radio.

 

What kind of antenna is that?

 

Yep ... and that's how I power mine. I'll try to update my system with pics soon.