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HAM & CB antenna ground

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by kai38`, Apr 13, 2013.

  1. Apr 13, 2013 at 3:37 PM
    #1
    kai38`

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    kai38` [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'm installing both a HAM & CB this weekend. I have antenna mount tabs on the side of a bed rack
    Bed%20Rack%20Antenna%20mount%20%20(2)_7b725fdba8433b181c001976ed1b117f1e0aa36e.jpg

    Since the rack sits on the plastic bed rail and is mounted with the OEM tracks in the bed I don't think mounting the antennas will be grounded.
    What do I need to do to install them?
    Thanks for any help
     
    kai38`, Apr 13, 2013
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  2. Apr 13, 2013 at 3:52 PM
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    LUSETACO

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    LUSETACO Here for the Taco Pron

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    Some say the bed rails are grounded. You have a lot of metal there so you should be ok. Install them, test them and add a ground wire if need be. Sorry that's all I got.....
     
    LUSETACO, Apr 13, 2013
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  3. Apr 13, 2013 at 4:36 PM
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    kai38`

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    kai38` [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks, Should I ground under the antenna mount or run a screw into the bed rack and run a ground to the frame from there?
    I don't want to key the mic and maybe fry the radios if its not grounded correctly.
     
    kai38`, Apr 13, 2013
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  4. Apr 13, 2013 at 4:43 PM
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    LUSETACO

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    LUSETACO Here for the Taco Pron

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    Ground the mount to the frame with as little wire as possible. I think you will be ok though. You have an SWR meter to check?
     
    LUSETACO, Apr 13, 2013
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  5. Apr 13, 2013 at 4:44 PM
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    kai38`

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    kai38` [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have access to a meter
     
    kai38`, Apr 13, 2013
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  6. Apr 13, 2013 at 4:47 PM
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    LUSETACO

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    LUSETACO Here for the Taco Pron

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    Hook up the meter, key it up and take it from there. Good luck!
     
    LUSETACO, Apr 13, 2013
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  7. Apr 14, 2013 at 4:05 PM
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    BarefootBandit

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    BarefootBandit Well-Known Member

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    Running a ground strap directly to the rack should work.

    Just be sure that the antenna mount touches bare metal and isn't insulated by paint. Same with the connections for the ground strap.

    Best way to check is to take a multi-meter and ohm it out. In the end you should see continuity between the antenna connector's ground and the frame.
     
    BarefootBandit, Apr 14, 2013
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  8. Apr 14, 2013 at 4:39 PM
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    charles leandro

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    charles leandro Well-Known Member

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    cb or sw lw requiees 208 lin ft ground for signel
     
    charles leandro, Apr 14, 2013
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  9. Apr 14, 2013 at 5:08 PM
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    LUSETACO

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    Wut?
     
    LUSETACO, Apr 14, 2013
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  10. Apr 14, 2013 at 5:12 PM
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    blake5995

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    blake5995 Well-Known Member

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    blake5995, Apr 14, 2013
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  11. Apr 14, 2013 at 6:59 PM
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    TXPROMAN

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    TXPROMAN Well-Known Member

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    TXPROMAN, Apr 14, 2013
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  12. Apr 14, 2013 at 7:10 PM
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    RevAdam

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    RevAdam Impressive Member

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    Antenna "ground" isn't an electrical ground as most people think of it... Just mount the antenna to the rack and you'll be good.

    Make sure the shield side of the antenna mount has a good connection to the rack and then the rack acts as the counterpoise or image plane (ground plane) for the antenna.
     
    RevAdam, Apr 14, 2013
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    Dcsleeper408 likes this.
  13. Apr 14, 2013 at 7:12 PM
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    RevAdam

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    RevAdam Impressive Member

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    ...Looking at where your antenna tabs are, it's going to do interesting things with a U/VHF antenna.... Loading coils don't like being beside metal.

    But it'll work....
     
    RevAdam, Apr 14, 2013
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  14. May 2, 2013 at 9:08 PM
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    kd8bao

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    kd8bao Well-Known Member

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    They do make what's called ground plane independent antennas. The ground on an antenna is the ground plane. Typically the ground plane would be the roof of the vehicle as it helps to direct and radiate the signal. The GPI antenna is designed different.

    Good luck.
     
    kd8bao, May 2, 2013
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  15. Jun 18, 2013 at 6:03 PM
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    ZeroKingCobra

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    ZeroKingCobra Member

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    What's the name of that sweet looking rack? I'm surprised no one commented on it.
     
    ZeroKingCobra, Jun 18, 2013
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  16. Jun 18, 2013 at 6:25 PM
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    kai38`

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    kai38` [OP] Well-Known Member

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    The bed rack was made by http://anbcustomfabrication.webs.com/apps/webstore/

    They also make one that's shipable
    They will soon be making a rear bumper with dual swing outs for my Tacoma
     
    kai38`, Jun 18, 2013
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  17. Jun 18, 2013 at 7:07 PM
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    ZeroKingCobra

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    ZeroKingCobra Member

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    What Version is yours bolts or welded, is the middle vertical pole slightly located more to the rear of the truck, if so I like that.

    I wonder with abit of ingenuity it can be place onto a 2002 Tacoma or fab to it fit it.


    Thanks for The Reply.
     
    ZeroKingCobra, Jun 18, 2013
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  18. Jun 18, 2013 at 8:55 PM
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    kai38`

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    kai38` [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Mine is the welded version, I had it made a little taller then he usually makes them so my RTT would clear the roof
    The bars are evenly spaced but he can adjust it for your needs
     
    kai38`, Jun 18, 2013
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