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Mobile East Ground and Down

My antenna is tunable. But I'm hearing ZILCH except static. Perhaps I don't know how to adjust my radio? Maybe I should read the manual.
It's possible that there isn't anyone on the air right now, are you near a truckstop or major highway?

Also I never tried a roll bar but I know that headache racks are notorious for antenna tuning issues, googling for headache rack installs may provide some ideas to try.



PS: If we find out you read the manual we"ll have to revoke your man card.:whistle:
 
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CyberRider,

i understand if you are not looking to buy a new antenna right now, but know that no amount of grounding and bonding is going to make that antenna any better.

you do need a sturdy antenna, since it is going to be smacking on branches and whatnot as you wheel around, which is exactly why i suggested a base loaded whip antenna.
they are stronger, and have less wind drag. you can certainly split that fiberglass shaft with a strong enough hit, but you are going to be hard pressed to do anything to a SS whip. worst case scenario is that your truck ends up upside down and you might have to bend it back to straight.

keep your eyes open at garage sales and you can probably find one for less than 20 bucks. don't bother with anything that has a whip less than 48" long.

what's the difference between a CBer who drives a 4x4 and a four wheeler who happens to have a CB?

the antenna and it's location.
LC
 
I was a " Hillbilly " for sure w/ my 102" whip on my Toyota Fj 40 , it always did me well , even the days I came home with a lot of dents and parts ( fender flairs never last ) in the back .:LOL: I loved my Landcruiser but I'm sure it hated me !#nodentsormud, You ain't using it right !jmo;)
 
i understand if you are not looking to buy a new antenna right now, but know that no amount of grounding and bonding is going to make that antenna any better...
Took my truck to the local CB shop this morning and as it turns out my current antenna, antenna placement, etc is fine. Two hours of troubleshooting revealed the culprit was the 90 degree connector on the back of the CB. It was faulty. I had bought the cheapest one possible off eBay - that was a mistake. Replaced that connector and now all is gooooooood! I'm happy to have a functional CB!
 
... You know you're Antennas' WAY too long when...
... Kids' down the street point and ask you for a chance to play with your R/C Truck...

But on a lighter note...

I can tell you the Firestik Firefly is not a good antenna - it's more like a dummy load on a club.

3 feet!? I know I own one - and it was and will be, the ONLY one, and I used it for when I was a temp at a office with underground access parking to keep the profile down so I did not stand out from the crowd as "rich" or KONK KNOK KONK as I pass under the floor sub-bracing for the offices above...

Caught word that you got the thing fixed - good job - now get back to work, fun or whatever...

All the best!
 
... You know you're Antennas' WAY too long when...
... Kids' down the street point and ask you for a chance to play with your R/C Truck...
LOVE it!

I can tell you the Firestik Firefly is not a good antenna - it's more like a dummy load on a club.
I don't doubt what you're saying, friend. For me it's a compromise. I don't want a big, hick antenna that would probably get fantastic send/receive. I'm settling for something that looks better on my truck and works fine, at least in my own opinion. Maybe the day will come when I'm ready to give up vanity, but that day is not today. For now I'm fine with the 3' Firefly. :)
 
CyberRider,

i understand if you are not looking to buy a new antenna right now, but know that no amount of grounding and bonding is going to make that antenna any better.

you do need a sturdy antenna, since it is going to be smacking on branches and whatnot as you wheel around, which is exactly why i suggested a base loaded whip antenna.
they are stronger, and have less wind drag. you can certainly split that fiberglass shaft with a strong enough hit, but you are going to be hard pressed to do anything to a SS whip. worst case scenario is that your truck ends up upside down and you might have to bend it back to straight.

keep your eyes open at garage sales and you can probably find one for less than 20 bucks. don't bother with anything that has a whip less than 48" long.
I appreciate your advice, friend. I'm not ignoring your words.

Also I never tried a roll bar but I know that headache racks are notorious for antenna tuning issues, googling for headache rack installs may provide some ideas to try.
I hear ya! And I appreciate your advice.

I was a " Hillbilly " for sure w/ my 102" whip on my Toyota Fj 40 , it always did me well , even the days I came home with a lot of dents and parts ( fender flairs never last ) in the back .:LOL: I loved my Landcruiser but I'm sure it hated me !#nodentsormud, You ain't using it right !jmo;)
Yeah, the 102" whip is a bit too hillbilly for me at this point. We'll see what the future holds. :)
 

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I don't doubt what you're saying, friend. For me it's a compromise. I don't want a big, hick antenna that would probably get fantastic send/receive. I'm settling for something that looks better on my truck and works fine, at least in my own opinion. Maybe the day will come when I'm ready to give up vanity, but that day is not today. For now I'm fine with the 3' Firefly. :)

And I fine with that, like I said, I've used it too, it works, but not as well as it's it's longer counterparts. I do understand that's why I 'm not saying you can't use it. You can, and is far less likely to indicate you have a ton of funds at your disposal when you show up at coffee breaks. It also gets you into earshot of a traffic problem - but not a long distance runner for long haul trips. But great for hunting down friends and obnoxious ratchetjawers. It is good for short trips and caravans when you're close together in a group - at least you'd hear each other no guarantees on some days when skips rollin' in...

I just don't want you to lose the fun of radio, it's ok to think short is sweet - that may work with XYL but not for your needs if and when as you said "give up vanity" and need to make a better system with more dedicated components.

I think the route you are taking is great! I had to start out small and simple. It gives you time to acclimate to the new way (to you) things to do. As time progresses, reassess or re-evaluate your needs and you take it from there...You have to start somewhere and this is a good way to look back in life as you evolve your system into more complex and dedicated radio system for your needs.

It also nice when you have quiet moments while listening to the FM car stereo and someone sees you driving by and breaks in to get you to turn around and have you stop by to say hi. It's not long and obtrusive, its' short and when used with a quik-disconnect - comes in handy in moments of having to beat a path to your door when you forgot to have someone mow the lawn while you're away at a college reunion...

What happens with your CB, Stays with your CB...

In my experiences, it's more convenient than an awkwardly long and more expensively - dedicated antenna whip when you have to fight your way thru a group of hungry homeless people vying for your emptied bottle returns - not unlike Airplanes' Fight Scene at the terminal...



At least in using the Firefly you'd have a fighting chance to make it to a Truck Stops bathroom shower stall before anyone else does.
 
That's cool if you dig it. But I do not want that big, obnoxious thing on my truck. In my opinion it makes the whole truck look stupid. I want the antenna to compliment the truck, not shout "Hillbilly truck!" - Just my opinion.
It just tells me you don't have a clue about Ham radio and the capability the Hill Billy antenna mount. I get low swr on any band with out needing a tuner.
 
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Here is what I did and I have zero problems with it.
4373-1473024082-58ba2b4160778a175e1e668277a475eb.jpg


The stud mount allows quick changes to different bands. The PVC pipe contains six to eight FireStik type of antennas. I talked to Mumbai India on 100 watts from this mobile setup. The Firestik type of antennas are a compromise, But all antennas are.
All of these antennas are right at eight feet long and they do not tip this strong magnet mount at all.
The Sirio 5000 is a great antenna I have one that is tuned for ten meters and CB use.


How do you remove that without a pry bar? I never saw a four magnet mount like that before.
 
How do you remove that without a pry bar? I never saw a four magnet mount like that before.
The small pipe makes a good lever. Just drop it down around the stub and pull toward you. I have a tool I'm making that will not stress the stub at all. A couple of small chain hooks and a cable to a handle will work nicely.
 

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