Gotta Bite the Bullet

**rollingradios** · 06.29.2012

You have a switch that reads "S/RF. SWR, CAL". Switch that to CAL. You have a knob that turns left to right that reads "CALIBRATE". Key the mic and adjust that knob until the meter needle is on the red arror in the top right of meter. Move the switch to SWR. Key and hold the mic, that meter reading is what your SWR is. After that put the switch back to S/RF.

**-MadMax-** · 06.29.2012

Ok. I believe he did it right then.

I guess the lack of range could be due to the 3' antenna mounted on the mirror.

**Mad Dog 20/20** · 06.30.2012

Originally Posted by -MadMax-

Ok. I believe he did it right then.

I guess the lack of range could be due to the 3' antenna mounted on the mirror.

As a general rule on the CB band, "the bigger the antenna, the Better"

**-MadMax-** · 06.30.2012

Originally Posted by Mad Dog 20/20

As a general rule on the CB band, "the bigger the antenna, the Better"

ROGER THAT

I'm limited to the size I can go however because of cat walks located at the mill's where I load my cement from.
While I was in training, I was driving a big FreightLiner and almost pulled one off! I caught it in time, stopped, and only had to turn the bracket back and put the mirror back to user position.

I was using the CB again today on the mountain and I believe I'm only hitting about half a mile with it. This is with someone on the same side as me. I doubt I'm even getting through to someone on the other side. BUT...

I noticed it from the guys coming up, THEIR transmission was broken also. So either it's the location or my antenna.

**Tricky Rick** · 06.30.2012

If you have the clearance for a pre tuned 5 1/2 ft. Francis antenna, get a good piece of 18' coax and by- pass the factory stuff. Even if you have to run it thru the passenger door jam. Mount the antenna in the center of the cab on the airline slide bar. Should increase you range 2-4 miles. You may have to use a vise grip mount to remove the antenna when loading. Lots of trouble, but at least you might be able to get out farther.

**rollingradios** · 06.30.2012

Madmax drives a tanker. He goes under loading racks with very low clearance and the racks can grab and pull the antenna out of it's mount.

Max you could try a 3' antenna on the bar he mentioned, the one behind the cab above your window. Often that will do better.

**Tricky Rick** · 06.30.2012

I would try to use the longest antenna possible, even if I had to use one of those quick disconnect mounts every time I loaded. Its going to be about the only way to get the range acceptable, imho.

**-MadMax-** · 07.01.2012

Thanks a lot guys.

That sliding bar with a sort of "vice grip" connection sounds good. I don't mind to move the antenna every time I load. I gotta get out to open the hatch and close it after the load anyways.

I'll let you all know how it works out.

**Eaton18** · 07.01.2012

The pic of your rig is too small to see your stacks, if in fact you have them. I'm running a Wilson Trucker 2K, with the short shaft. I too have to load under some short places. What some of our other drivers do, is mount the antenna on the driver's side mirror, and tilt it forward so it is no higher than the stacks. They of course use a steel whip type, with a spring. So when running down the road, it is blown to an upright position.

**-MadMax-** · 07.01.2012

I just picked up a Uniden 68XL with what appears to be the stock mic at a flea market for $25

The guy said it worked perfectly, guaranteed, he is there every weekend (he is) money back if it doesn't.

So, I bought it.