i think i need a new cb antena

Matt02 · 12-11-2007, 03:51 PM

so this afternoon i was talkin to a co-worker after work and noticed that my cb antena wasnt there.... i then saw it laying in the bed of my truck

. apon closer inspection i noticed that the screw part of the antena was broken in half

. i would have guessed that the antena itself would have broken before that screw.

sorry for the poor pic quallity.

oh and can yall sujest a good replacement. im lookin for a 4-5 foot antena that is semi flexible.... not a whip i got one sitting in the garage.

SC4Runner · 12-11-2007, 04:02 PM

Most people here use Firestik II antennas. A little bit more expensive but, a very well built product.

crolison · 12-11-2007, 04:27 PM

i like my firestick, wish i had a firestick 2 alot easier to tune

Poul D'eau · 12-11-2007, 05:43 PM

I've been very happy with my 6 foot Francis.

pitpatt · 12-11-2007, 11:06 PM

yea man lookin at a Firestik 2 myself actually... just another reason to mod your truck a little!

CJM · 12-11-2007, 11:23 PM

Firestick II here, love that thing.

Matt02 · 12-12-2007, 12:45 PM

yea thats what im endinf up with is a firestick. gona pick it up tomorrow. oh and some one in my neighborhood is gona get put in their place real soon

Matt02 · 12-12-2007, 04:47 PM

decided to go a different route. found on cheaper on ebay so i got that one instead.

4Crawler · 12-14-2007, 10:32 AM

Just be sure to put a spring on top of the antenna mount. If you did not run a spring before, it is likely the old one broke from metal fatigue.

olharleyman · 12-14-2007, 12:07 PM

wilson

Matt02 · 12-16-2007, 11:04 AM

the antena(s) where delivered yesterday morning. i was thinkin i only ordered one but when i opend the packageing i saw there was 2.

so here is a good question, would it just be better to just run? or would it be better to run duals?

pitpatt · 12-31-2007, 05:58 PM

yea it would be better just to run 1, and then sell one to someone next weekend for $10...

CJM · 12-31-2007, 06:55 PM

Duals only get you front to back excellent reception, not all around excellent reception.

Merlin · 01-01-2008, 12:31 PM

IIRC, duals require a splitter (cophased harness) and different coax than a single ant. (i.e., resistance is different, you shouldn't just use your existing coax). i think it's something like 75 ohm vs. 50 ohm or something to that effect, you may want to double-check on that one.

duals can also be trickier to tune, and have a more directional radiation pattern.

spacing is also more critical with duals, i believe either 1/4 or 1/2 wave spacing is ideal. not many vehicles are 102" or 204" wide, if you're going to run them mirror-mounted. you could run them front-rear, but that type of a backdoor setup has inherent problems of it's own. maybe good for keydowns or other directional uses, but not the best for a daily driver or trail rig.

in *most* (but not all) cases, you may have better results with a single ant. mounted to the center of your roof, or even to your toolbox. plus, they're easier to install, easier to tune, not as flashy (not so tempting to theives).

if you mag mount it as some have done, it's easy to take down for parking garages, drive-thrus, etc...

just my .02. YMMV.

Matt02 · 01-01-2008, 06:21 PM

well i am doing sinlge firestik 2 mounted on a bed bar. mounting it this upcoming weekend. got it sitting on a hd spring mounted on a firestik brand stud mount.

Matt02 · 01-01-2008, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merlin

IIRC, duals require a splitter (cophased harness) and different coax than a single ant. (i.e., resistance is different, you shouldn't just use your existing coax). i think it's something like 75 ohm vs. 50 ohm or something to that effect, you may want to double-check on that one.

duals can also be trickier to tune, and have a more directional radiation pattern.

spacing is also more critical with duals, i believe either 1/4 or 1/2 wave spacing is ideal. not many vehicles are 102" or 204" wide, if you're going to run them mirror-mounted. you could run them front-rear, but that type of a backdoor setup has inherent problems of it's own. maybe good for keydowns or other directional uses, but not the best for a daily driver or trail rig.

in *most* (but not all) cases, you may have better results with a single ant. mounted to the center of your roof, or even to your toolbox. plus, they're easier to install, easier to tune, not as flashy (not so tempting to theives).

if you mag mount it as some have done, it's easy to take down for parking garages, drive-thrus, etc...

just my .02. YMMV.

i have had the mag mounted roof antena back when my truck was stock and it was good for the high way but not trails (imo) i could range from tifton, ga to macon, ga easily with that thing. but i got tired of havong to get out and reposition it on my roof every time it hit a branch.

so after that i mounted that black one on my tool box and that was a decent spot.

Gator · 01-01-2008, 06:50 PM

I have a 102" whip mounted on my toolbox and get real good reception w/ my Cobra 29.

I have heard a lot of positive reviews regarding the Firestick antennas and think you will be very pleased so long as you mount it as close to the center of the vehicle as possible. It's real important to get as much ground plane as possible in all directions. If you are limited in your choices on mounting spots, ground it to the frame of the truck. That will help to improve any directional bias.

Merlin · 01-02-2008, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gator

I have a 102" whip mounted on my toolbox and get real good reception w/ my Cobra 29.

I have heard a lot of positive reviews regarding the Firestick antennas and think you will be very pleased so long as you mount it as close to the center of the vehicle as possible. It's real important to get as much ground plane as possible in all directions. If you are limited in your choices on mounting spots, ground it to the frame of the truck. That will help to improve any directional bias.

grounding is usually a good idea - our friends that run whips mounted to their tool boxes in the beds usually run ground straps from the mount/box to the frame. they also run ground straps from the bed and cab to the frame as well. seems to help, as far as they can tell.

Matt02 · 01-04-2008, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gator

I have a 102" whip mounted on my toolbox and get real good reception w/ my Cobra 29.

i ran one of them before. i liked it but i bent the living shiot out of it about 2 months. but it didnt work to well with my mini cobra, lol.

12-11-2007, 03:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
Matt02 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Dacula, Ga Posts: 47	i think i need a new cb antena so this afternoon i was talkin to a co-worker after work and noticed that my cb antena wasnt there.... i then saw it laying in the bed of my truck . apon closer inspection i noticed that the screw part of the antena was broken in half . i would have guessed that the antena itself would have broken before that screw. sorry for the poor pic quallity. oh and can yall sujest a good replacement. im lookin for a 4-5 foot antena that is semi flexible.... not a whip i got one sitting in the garage. __________________ just a prerunner with some stuff ------------------------------ Myspace Twin Sticked Tacoma Transfer Case for sale!!!!

12-11-2007, 04:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
SC4Runner Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 5th Gen San Diegan, California Posts: 5,179	Most people here use Firestik II antennas. A little bit more expensive but, a very well built product. __________________ 1996 4x4 3.4L 4Runner on 35's 1966 FJ40 - SOA with stock springs, stock 1F motor, and a smelly tailpipe.

12-11-2007, 04:27 PM	#3 (permalink)
crolison Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: knoxville, tn Posts: 1,594	i like my firestick, wish i had a firestick 2 alot easier to tune __________________ 97 4runner, 2.7 5speed 4wd, 4.556, 255/85/16 Maxxis Bighorns rear diff breather, 4 hella 500's driving, sliders, wilderness rack custom bumper arb locked rear toytec adjustables, ome 891's, bilstein 5125 manual hubs broken front and rear swaybars My Profile

12-11-2007, 05:43 PM	#4 (permalink)
Poul D'eau Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Shrevevegas, LA Posts: 241	I've been very happy with my 6 foot Francis. __________________ Arachnoleptic fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web. 08 FJ Cruiser, no mods yet. 72 FJ55 Getting it back to daily driver. 2nd gen. OME steering stablizer, Collander air box mod, Jardine cat back, Bridgestone Revos, OME comfort shocks with OME 900's, Hella 550 fogs and FF 50 driving lights, Uniden 68 elite cb

12-11-2007, 11:23 PM	#6 (permalink)
CJM Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Central NJ Posts: 4,580	Firestick II here, love that thing. __________________ 96' T100 SR5 4x4, ISR mod, Custom ABS snorkel, KC 57's Hella optilux el cheapo backup lights. Cobra 19III CB, Firestick 4ft antenna, Bilstein shocks. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

12-12-2007, 12:45 PM	#7 (permalink)
Matt02 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Dacula, Ga Posts: 47	yea thats what im endinf up with is a firestick. gona pick it up tomorrow. oh and some one in my neighborhood is gona get put in their place real soon __________________ just a prerunner with some stuff ------------------------------ Myspace Twin Sticked Tacoma Transfer Case for sale!!!!

12-12-2007, 04:47 PM	#8 (permalink)
Matt02 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Dacula, Ga Posts: 47	decided to go a different route. found on cheaper on ebay so i got that one instead. __________________ just a prerunner with some stuff ------------------------------ Myspace Twin Sticked Tacoma Transfer Case for sale!!!!

12-14-2007, 10:32 AM	#9 (permalink)
4Crawler Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 6,213	Just be sure to put a spring on top of the antenna mount. If you did not run a spring before, it is likely the old one broke from metal fatigue. __________________ 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR-5, 22REC engine, dual t-cases, 4.88 gears, dual ARBs, 33x10.50 BFGs. r.c.brown@ieee.org TruckEditor@tlca.org Project: 4Crawler 4Crawler OffRoad Gettin'Off 4WD Club

12-14-2007, 12:07 PM	#10 (permalink)
olharleyman Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: maryland Posts: 1,807	wilson __________________ 1990 4 runner 5 Speed Pro Comp Stage II 4" Lift 6" coils rear Aussie Locker front 5.29's Front And Rear 35 x 12.5 x 15 MT's Micky Thompson Classic II Wheels Super Charged 3.4 on the way 1993 SAS 4runner 22re 5 speed 4" front 5"rear 5.29's 35 x 12.5 BFG KM'S Dick cepek DC 1's 1955 Harley Davidson Springer Stock 1955 Hardtail Frame 4 Speed Kick Start Only Streached 5.5 gal. tanks 16" Ape Hangers 3" open primary 1998 Harley Custom Dresser 107 rwhp 139 ft.lbs.trq.

12-16-2007, 11:04 AM	#11 (permalink)
Matt02 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Dacula, Ga Posts: 47	the antena(s) where delivered yesterday morning. i was thinkin i only ordered one but when i opend the packageing i saw there was 2. so here is a good question, would it just be better to just run? or would it be better to run duals? __________________ just a prerunner with some stuff ------------------------------ Myspace Twin Sticked Tacoma Transfer Case for sale!!!!

12-31-2007, 06:55 PM	#13 (permalink)
CJM Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Central NJ Posts: 4,580	Duals only get you front to back excellent reception, not all around excellent reception. __________________ 96' T100 SR5 4x4, ISR mod, Custom ABS snorkel, KC 57's Hella optilux el cheapo backup lights. Cobra 19III CB, Firestick 4ft antenna, Bilstein shocks. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

01-01-2008, 12:31 PM	#14 (permalink)
Merlin Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 114	IIRC, duals require a splitter (cophased harness) and different coax than a single ant. (i.e., resistance is different, you shouldn't just use your existing coax). i think it's something like 75 ohm vs. 50 ohm or something to that effect, you may want to double-check on that one. duals can also be trickier to tune, and have a more directional radiation pattern. spacing is also more critical with duals, i believe either 1/4 or 1/2 wave spacing is ideal. not many vehicles are 102" or 204" wide, if you're going to run them mirror-mounted. you could run them front-rear, but that type of a backdoor setup has inherent problems of it's own. maybe good for keydowns or other directional uses, but not the best for a daily driver or trail rig. in most (but not all) cases, you may have better results with a single ant. mounted to the center of your roof, or even to your toolbox. plus, they're easier to install, easier to tune, not as flashy (not so tempting to theives). if you mag mount it as some have done, it's easy to take down for parking garages, drive-thrus, etc... just my .02. YMMV.

01-01-2008, 06:21 PM	#15 (permalink)
Matt02 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Dacula, Ga Posts: 47	well i am doing sinlge firestik 2 mounted on a bed bar. mounting it this upcoming weekend. got it sitting on a hd spring mounted on a firestik brand stud mount. __________________ just a prerunner with some stuff ------------------------------ Myspace Twin Sticked Tacoma Transfer Case for sale!!!!

01-01-2008, 06:50 PM	#17 (permalink)
Gator Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Birmingham, AL. Posts: 232	I have a 102" whip mounted on my toolbox and get real good reception w/ my Cobra 29. I have heard a lot of positive reviews regarding the Firestick antennas and think you will be very pleased so long as you mount it as close to the center of the vehicle as possible. It's real important to get as much ground plane as possible in all directions. If you are limited in your choices on mounting spots, ground it to the frame of the truck. That will help to improve any directional bias. __________________ Current Setup: 94 X-Cab 4x4 w/ 3.0, Auto, 1.5" BJS & Shackles, 33x12.5-15 BFG MT's, Detroit locker w/ 4.88 gears, ISR and Air Box mods. Future Mods: Armor, winch, 12v Air Compressor & tank. Lottery Mods: 4.3L w/ 4L60-E tranny swap, SAS w/ Detroit locker, Budbuilt Crossmember.