Steel Whip Info

[BigMike357]

Hello,
I was curious after reading the threads on 108" and 102" whips what is the formula you are using
to get a 108" on the CB Band? I get anywhere from 102" to 104". I have had to use whips with
and without springs. I guess curiosity killed the fat man! Thanks Big Mike 357

 

[Big Kahuna]

Here is a good thread that may have some answers to your questions - https://www.worldwidedx.com/threads/different-look-at-102-whip-discussion.135509/

 

[Highway Man]

Here is a good thread that may have some answers to your questions - https://www.worldwidedx.com/threads/different-look-at-102-whip-discussion.135509/

I haven't made it through the whole thread just yet but post #34 seemed to have nailed it. IMO, of course I may be wrong.
And I have had the understanding that a SS whip has a velocity factor of .95. Again maybe wrong..

However, interesting read

 

[M0GVZ]

The formula is only a starting point, it's something you can use to get you in the right zip code. The way the antenna is installed can have a big effect. Bumper mount it and you're likely to find you need to shorten it considerably due to capacitive coupling with nearby metal bodywork making it appear electrically longer. If you have a poor RF ground it'll need to be longer than if you have a good one, I have a very good RF ground on my vehicle installs so end up cutting whips 2-3" on antennas like a Sirio 5000. Install a spring and you'll need to shorten the whip because the spring increases the electrical length. A thicker whip will have more bandwidth than a thin one.

 

[Riverman]

102” has always worked for me. Had one set up recently as a base station. SWR:
1.2 on CH 1
1.1 on CH 20
1.2 on CH 40

 

[groundwire]

I wish i could buy 2 of them, but shipping on these things are like $40 now ridiculous

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

Hello,
I was curious after reading the threads on 108" and 102" whips what is the formula you are using
to get a 108" on the CB Band? I get anywhere from 102" to 104". I have had to use whips with
and without springs. I guess curiosity killed the fat man! Thanks Big Mike 357

Welcome!

 

[Mudfoot]

I wish i could buy 2 of them, but shipping on these things are like $40 now ridiculous

There's someplace that has reasonable shipping. I'll try to remember where I got mine. Does MFJ still sell them? Their website is still down. Been that way for week or more.

 

[Riverman]

https://www.truckers-store.com/product/hustler-ic56/

Shipping is $9.95. Free if you order two.

 

[2NC995]

I've never needed even near 108" for a match.

My current DXing antenna (which I've never measured for physical length until just moments ago) measures 102 1/16". It is not an SS whip, but a copper pipe. It would be just a smidge short if tuned to 27.205. No spring, no riser, no additional length, and mounted directly to a puck. It would need to be shorter if mounted to a typical ball mount.

 

[Blackcat630]

Had 1.5 on my mfj 259 from 26.800 to 29.200 with my 108 ss ball mounted to the fender of my old Honda. Never trimmed it.

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

I've never needed even near 108" for a match.

My current DXing antenna (which I've never measured for physical length until just moments ago) measures 102 1/16". It is not an SS whip, but a copper pipe. It would be just a smidge short if tuned to 27.205. No spring, no riser, no additional length, and mounted directly to a puck. It would need to be shorter if mounted to a typical ball mount.

Copper pipe? Do you have any pictures of it?

 

[2NC995]

Copper pipe? Do you have any pictures of it?

I do, but nothing detailed. I just whipped it up from materials on hand. The lower portion is 3/4” pipe, and upper 1/2”. The bottom has a cap soldered on with a 3/8 x 24 stainless bolt having a star washer on the inside and nut on the outside. That’s about it...nothing special.

 

[Mudfoot]

I should have kept my last two 108's. I probably should grab another before price goes up or something.

 

[Redbeard U812]

https://www.truckers-store.com/product/hustler-ic56/

Shipping is $9.95. Free if you order two.

That's twice what I paid. Guess I got lucky and found some at a shop. There are some out there for less, but in lots of 5-8.