HELP NEEDED

[chris_53]

Hi all, im new to the world of cb radio and need a little help please, ive set up a rig at home and the antenna i am using is an 18ft 1/2 wave antenna recommended by local cb shop..What i need to know is....does height make a lot of difference, at present the top of the antenna is only about 24ft high, another thing i need to know is i have it mounted straight onto the wall of the house, would i be better mounting it onto a steel pole,..........i hope someone can help me with this questions please, ive checked my SWR and its below 2 but still seem to be having some probs getting other users more than about 5 miles from my home.
many thanks in advance.....CHRIS

 

[King Mudduck]

The higher the antenna the better it will work.Get it up on a pole or in the top of a tree as high as you safely can and you will be shocked at the difference!

 

[FL Native]

Lowes has a 30 foot push up pole for your antenna. that will get you up there.


like stated above get the bottom of antenna at or above 30+ feet and you will notice a huge difference.

 

[RoadWarrior]

The best height is 36ft or higher to the bottom of
antenna. (Where coax connector plugs in)...
If you can't get it up safely to that height, get it
up as far as you can.
Yes, use a steel mast on antenna. Your SWRS should
lower once you get it away from everything.
Also as stated by FL Native, Lowes sells 30ft push-
up telescopic mast.

 

[CDX197]

some probs getting other users more than about 5 miles from my home.

Are these users truckers? Truckers im my point dont get out as far as they want. Conditions will make a huge differance. And hight is might. Get it as high as you can.