did you tune them?

 

they're tuned. We originally had a problem with my antenna. I corrected that, and I have a consistent SWR across 1,20, and 40 below 2.0. His antenna, however, is pretty well tuned, but he's sitting with an SWR of around 2.5. It's within operating range, but a bit high. We'll inspect the cable run to see if we can find any place where we might be putting extra pressure on the cable.

We're also trying it with a bunch of homes and traffic and power lines in the way. I'm sure that isn't helping our range. Maybe we need to drive out towards Peoria, or some place a little less populated.

 

on the meter instructions it said to stay clear of buildings and power lines...so it could definitely be affecting...just find a big parking lot and try there...

 

Hey Dusty, lets just hit the desert for an afternoon, have some fun wheeling around and also tune mine in a bit more, what do you think

 

Make sure on automotive 5/8 wave antennas or any loaded antenna you use 9 18 or 27ft of coax always a multiple of 9ft and never coil your coax if you have to make it at least a 12" diameter and zip tie the middle together. Also make sure the antenna is away from any metal it will reflect the signal back into the radio, A High SWR reading also may be a lack of proper ground, I have done CBs for a long time there is a formula if the SWR is high one channel 1 but low on 40 your antenna is to short, and vise versa if high on 40 and low on 1. Springs, There nice but they do add length to your antenna and can effect your match.

They will take a lot of tuning and proper work and a good antenna will get you great results, Oh and make sure over 30% of the antenna is above the roof line if possible. it maybe more, The old saying is Hight Makes Might. Also depending on your area daytime results will bring loads of skip of other states and possibly countries.

Enjoy your radios

 

How did you run the line from the radio to the antenna?

 

i ran mine through the firewall and then just down along the driver's side over the wheel well through a hole on the inside of the bed

 

When I get a chance I will post some pics of my antenna set up. Anyone know or can instruct me on putting my end on my coax? For some reason my cable I ordered did not come with the end on it already which will make it nice for running to the cab of the truck.

Thanks

 

I highly recoment even if they are radio shack the solder on connectors

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search

They are pricy but in a pinch worth the cash

These ones are the cheeper plated ones
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2103402

they will have the RG8 to RG59 adapters in the store, There website is lame i miss there book, And they should carry better CB stuff like wilson and firestick and K40..

 

My cable came with the connector I am just trying to figure out how to attach the cable to it...I haven't had to put my own ends on any Coax cable. Where do you solder on the connection?

 

I probably didn't read that paragraph in the directions.... I'm always up for fun in the desert sometime.

 

We ran our coax behind the taillight, down the frame following the frame through a body mount and into the cab via an existing hole/plug, under the carpet to the back of the CB. I checked today, I have no kinks and the wire is in good shape. I have a 5' Firestik antenna also.

 

what is with cb's why does every one have one an thank they are so cool

 

They do come in handy if you are in an area where you cell phone has no service if you are out with your friends you can at least stay in contact. Its just another way being able to stay in contact with people.

 

o i see

 

They are great for trail's. Pardon the term small convoys in travell, Cell phones are great dont get me wrong but if you have more than one car you need to talk to, I can tell you now a CB can not be beat, FMRS and all those other short rang radios are ok, But try to talk a mile ahead of you or behind you chances are you cant, Sometimes though you can. I have also one in my boat for fishing when me and my uncle go out we can tell each other where the hot spots are.

I have from Where I live in southern cali, Talked to canada, Diamond bar, and other cities from a basestation with nothing more than a 102" whip and 3 109" Ground radials that I made when i was 14.

To me its more fun and more of an adventure using a CB vs a cell phone, Its also why I am curretly looking to get my ham license to use my 2 meter and 70cm radios I have purchased.

 

I think I might be a little late to show mounting pics, but here's mine.

 

[QUOTE=burnsdez]I think I might be a little late to show mounting pics, but here's mine.

Never to late to show off what you have. Altho I can not speak as I have not done much on mine, I am slow sometimes, I gather all things before I start, To many times have i started a project tore something down and then aww i need to go to radioshack or hardware store, So as soon as I have the first bit wired in, I will post my photos.

Its funny in my focus it took 2 months to have my stereo in, Poor ranger, ive done nothing to it yet.

 

Well I have some modding to do to mine and its parked at my parents place in Simi if you want to do a little mod meet...as soon as i get my whip in and locate my Alon bracket ill get my CB/PA system in...

 

I'm actually thinking there's something wrong with my antenna. As I drive and the antenna shakes, it seems like reception is coming in and out. I have a 4' whip (it's the k40).

When I was adjusting the SWR, it was way off the meter until I played around with the antenna a bit, then it dropped down to normal range. I'll play with it more on Saturday, but I might just try a new antenna. I'll have a better idea Saturday.

 

Here is what I have for my set up minus the whip which is a 3 foot Firestik Firefly tuneable whip.



Hopefully after the "snow storm" the news keeps talking about I can get it mounted up on the truck.

 

Im sure something could be arranged.

Also on your CB antennas with your Alon mounts, I recommend Driver side.

 

Dusty08, Where and what style mount do you have?

Gr8com I say get rid of that one connector and get the good solder on.

 

For sure driver's side, thats where I had it before...much easier to run the coax as well...by locating the mount i meant it is floating around my parent's garage somewhere...haha

 

Ok this is for all you Alon mount guys. Now don't get me wrong thats a perfect mount. Its in fact one of the best for trucks, Only one thing I am seeing wrong with it. The paint is preventing a proper ground. This in turn will cause a BAD match. Just like mag mounts you do not have a true ground, If you were to say run some power behind your unit we will say you have a ham since power on a CB is very very illegal. you would Burn the paint on a mag mount or in turn your Alon mount. Try scraping just a small bit of paint off on the mating surfaces to allow for a true ground connection, This may help you out.