I'm looking to mount a fire stick on a bracket i coppied from Alon (sorry). I was thinking about a 5' Firestik FS5 but I was wondering if it was worth it or should I just go with a 4'? What is the most popular size and model you guys use with this type of mount.

Also, do you use non grounding antenna or do you get the mounts with the ground wire OR do you use the bracket as a ground?

 

I use the bracket as a ground.

4' vs. 5' is very little difference generally. Both are "compromises" over the full 1/4 wave (about 8 feet tall).

All things being equal: longer is better for range, shorter is better for durability -- especially offroad.

When you put on your bracket, please pay close attention to where the shoulder washer goes. I have troubleshot at least 4 CB's for friends in the past year where the insulating washer was either missing or on the wrong side, resulting in a short circuit at the antenna mount.

 

Well I have a crappy Realistic TRC and I'm just using it for off road and messing around on the hway. so do you think I'll be ok with a 4' with adjustable tip? I'm probably getting an SWR meter so I can tune it.

 

That's the setup most of use, in fact. In the vast majority of offroading situations, the radio is a short range "intercom" and high performance isn't necessary. Just tight wiring and mount with the antenna reasonably well tuned will suffice.

 

Thanks a lot N3elz. When is your next meet. I'm all ready now, I just picked up some new 30x9.5 mud tires and my truck is all set up so when ever you guys go back out I'll be there.

 

ok I just bought:

Firestik "FS4 Series" CB antenna Black

Fire-Stick Coax Cable

FireStik Antenna Quick Disconnect Stud Mount QD-4A

 

I use a 4ft firestick II and I love it. Best antenna I have had.

 

There's a meet for sure on Thursday, December 28th in Wharton. There's a meet being planned in Feb. for Centralia, PA -- and I'm sure someone will propose a January Wharton meet.

 

Hey I think I have this problem with my FS2. I have it mounted and I think it's set up wrong. Does the base of the mount have to be grounded and the center (threads) going through the hole I have drilled with out touching the walls of the hole. And I assume the nylon insulater goes up top? I have a flat washer and a lock washer also that I'm not sure how they go.

 

i have a 4' one mounted on the tool box.. it takes a hell of a beating, tree branches mid way down my wind shield haha.. a 10' one looks badass... sometimes

 

Check this out bro...http://firestik.com/Tech_Docs/Testing_Continuity.htm

 

Basicly I think the hole I made on my bracket was to small so I'm going to make it bigger and try to center it better. Thanks for the link Travis.

 

Yes, you need to have that washer, which is a shoulder washer, with the shoulder IN the hole to keep the center stud from touching it.

Usually, the washer does go on top.

Just commenting -- it sounds like you already have your answer.