If I add a 4000 watt antenna to my son's Cobra 29 LTD Chrome, will I need to buy an amplifier? What is the difference in performance on a 1000 watt vs a 5000 watt antenna. We had a 1000 watt and wasn't impressed and being its on a VW beetle set up for off road, we want to get his range farther out. Had trouble tuning the 1000 watt one on there as it was not tall enough and my swr was way high. any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Steve
antenna watts question for the experts
Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by bug eyed freak, Feb 13, 2010.
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the watts rating only means that the antenna will handle that many watts if you do add an amplifier. It doesn't mean that a 5000 watt antenna will perform better than a 1000 watt antenna all other things being equal. The most important things in antennas in mobile vehicles is height, (the higher the better), have it grounded well, and have the SWR as close to 1:1 as possible. The absolutely best mobile antenna you can get is the 102" stainless steel whip. It seems to me that would be perfect for an off road vehicle, the only problem with them for road driving is the height, (going through drive-thrus and multi-level parking lots). They are what all mobile cb antennas are based on and really one of the cheapest and the best and easiest to tune for the 11 meter cb band.squirrellsgnwild Thanks this. -
I concur with Chemcats comments.
How far can you get out now? A well tuned antenna and a barefoot radio is good for 5-10 miles on average, less than that if you're in the mountains or in a tunnel.
Also where did you have the antenna mounted? You want it dead center of the roof of the car for best results.
Another possibility is if the coil or coax has an open in it, the SWR's will go thru the roof. -
Good greaf .......
And i think of my self as a power house on 2 meters with 160 watts ..... -
He can only get out a couple of miles. The antenna is mounted on the front driver's side fender where the radio antenna used to reside. I went with a ball mount. The antenna only sticks out about 6-9 inches above the roof of the bug, which is where I think part of the problem may bee. Not enough antenna over the roof! Am I right?
Very grateful. Thanks -
Absolutely awesome answer!!!! I was wonering about the watts, not running an amp yet but may. Looks like antenna height or coax issue?
Thanks so much!! -
102" Whip I will buy and check back in!!!
Thanks again all you guys.
Steve
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