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CB Ground Plane??

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by bendbolden, Oct 9, 2011.

  1. Oct 9, 2011 at 7:20 PM
    #1
    bendbolden

    bendbolden [OP] Come and take them.

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    I tried my best to search for my answer but in all the CB threads I couldn't find it. I bought a 3' CB antenna kit from my local truck stop and have a question or two. I mounted the antenna in the front left corner of the bed. I did not use the bed rail mounts some members are using but rather bolted it into the front wall of the bed. It is not one of the NGP antenna's and the mount itself is made of aluminum and therefor not conductive. I am wondering if I run a small ground wire from the base of the stud to the frame (maybe a self tapping screw under the bed caps) if I will get decent results out of this. I know I will have to tune the antenna with a SWR meter. I have been reading alot on this and am just getting more confused with conflicting explanations. If someone could answer these few questions and elaborate on it a bit more I would appreciate it. Thanks and I will try to get a picture of my mount up tomorrow.:help:
     
  2. Oct 9, 2011 at 8:09 PM
    #2
    oledragoon

    oledragoon Well-Known Member

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    I use a CB daily, escorting oversize loads. I have a Wilson 1000 antenna, mounted back center of my roof. Mine is thru the roof, however they make a magnetic mount that is just as good. Antenna height is really important for good transmission. Best ground plane for CB is the flat roof, hood, for around signal(forward, sides and back). Behind the cab will lose some strength forward. Make sure SWR is properly tuned AFTER having a pro check the antenna mounted in/on your truck. I have had excellent results with my Cobra 29 LTD, and the Wilson 1000. I'm not a radio guy, but have used 'em for years. Good Luck
     
  3. Oct 9, 2011 at 9:23 PM
    #3
    hamNswiss on rye

    hamNswiss on rye ¡Yo Quiero Taco World!

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    the wilson mag mounts are the best way to go, for sure. i run a firestik 4' the same place as you (behind the cab, drivers side) and grounded like youre saying. i bought a thick battery cable like this one: http://www.autozone.com/autozone/pa.../N-8gcx6?counter=4&itemIdentifier=571464_0_0_ for my ground. i get a decent SWR ratio, but not the greatest. most here will tell you that a wilson on the roof is always going to be #1
     
  4. Oct 10, 2011 at 1:26 AM
    #4
    Rellik01

    Rellik01 Well-Known Member

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    Bought a Firestik no ground plane antenna. Works not fine.
     
  5. Oct 10, 2011 at 6:57 AM
    #5
    bendbolden

    bendbolden [OP] Come and take them.

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    What ratio are you getting if you don't mind. If I can't make this setup work I am just not going to have one. I don't really like the way they look an the roof and I just really won't use it that much other than hunting. I may do the NGP option but since i've already bought this 3 ft I want to try and make it work if I can get a useable setup. I don't even have a radio yet as I'm still trying to figure out my mounting options.
     
  6. Oct 10, 2011 at 6:57 AM
    #6
    bendbolden

    bendbolden [OP] Come and take them.

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    You mean it does work fine??
     
  7. Oct 10, 2011 at 11:56 AM
    #7
    Rellik01

    Rellik01 Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the catch........does work just FINE.
    Thanks Again
     
  8. Oct 10, 2011 at 3:54 PM
    #8
    SCFirefighter

    SCFirefighter on idiot patrol ;)

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    Is it true this antenna needs special coaxial cable? I'm considering a quick firestik setup for next month's trail run and would love not to have to worry about ground in our bed rail.
     
  9. Oct 10, 2011 at 4:48 PM
    #9
    maineah

    maineah Well-Known Member

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    Any CB antenna that is an electrical 1/2 wave does not need a ground plane. Most fiberglass antennas are wound with 5.5 meters of wire some are center feed with the bottom half being the ground plane. If you are going to ground it to the frame (a good ideal) use a braded wire it won't resonate. The roof is the best place it won't slew the pattern any thing else is a compromise.
     
  10. Feb 26, 2016 at 8:08 PM
    #10
    Rawlins

    Rawlins Clandestine Member

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    Sorry to resurrect this but...

    For those arriving from a search engine or some other happenstance, aluminum IS a conductor, conductivity is even better than iron and steel and almost as good as copper. So the aluminum mounts ARE conductive
     

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