Non-tuneable antenna

[reddemon71]

Currently using a 5.5ft francis anyother antenna's that i can use?

[dieselhound]

You can tune a Francis. You have to cut it. What's the problem?

[danc694u]

Originally Posted by dieselhound

You can tune a Francis. You have to cut it. What's the problem?

You cut a Francis? How did you manage that without splintering it?

Back to the original poster. Find a good shop. Francis has always been known as an antenna you stick on, and forget it. Provided you have the proper co-ax lengths, and no internal problems.

Other than that, if you have the proper co-ax length. have you coiled it up? Not a good idea. Even shielded leaks.

[dieselhound]

Originally Posted by danc694u

You cut a Francis? How did you manage that without splintering it?

Wrapped it in black tape real tight. I used a Dremel with a cutting disk.



The right length of co-ax is increments of 3 feet. The best I have found is 18 Feet.

[reddemon71]

Originally Posted by danc694u

You cut a Francis? How did you manage that without splintering it?

Back to the original poster. Find a good shop. Francis has always been known as an antenna you stick on, and forget it. Provided you have the proper co-ax lengths, and no internal problems.

Other than that, if you have the proper co-ax length. have you coiled it up? Not a good idea. Even shielded leaks.

using a 5.5ft right now but it's hitting anything under 14' I think it maybe splintered on top, I just bought a 4.5ft going to try that 1st. The problem I'm having is that the radio squeels when i honk the horn, I'm using a 8ft coax

[danc694u]

Originally Posted by reddemon71

using a 5.5ft right now but it's hitting anything under 14' I think it maybe splintered on top, I just bought a 4.5ft going to try that 1st. The problem I'm having is that the radio squeels when i honk the horn, I'm using a 8ft coax

There lies your problem. Your coax is WAY too short. Not to mention, of a very odd length.

Here's my take on your antenna. If you drive a KW T-600 it's safe to use 5 ft. If you drive a Freightliner Columbia...stick with 4 ft.

Either way, you want MORE coax...lots more.

[thetez]

go with 18' coax, that might not be the problem though, it could be many things..... and you actually can wrap a coax cable, but the loops should not be smaller than a 12" radius a wise cb tech, old school ham told me that, and i have my dual coax wrapped under each seat the loops are a little larger than the 1' loops and it works great, i get out amazing, have never got negative reports, only great reports from people a lot further than i thought i was going to reach.... oh you could also try a wilson silverload, it is tunable and its still your fiberglass... or try a wilson flex.....?

[reddemon71]

Originally Posted by danc694u

There lies your problem. Your coax is WAY too short. Not to mention, of a very odd length.

Here's my take on your antenna. If you drive a KW T-600 it's safe to use 5 ft. If you drive a Freightliner Columbia...stick with 4 ft.

Either way, you want MORE coax...lots more.

Never really knew a coax had that much impact, I drive a volvo, I'll pick up a 18ft and try that too

[thetez]

coax is just as important as an antenna and a radio... its all one item when hooked up and it works that way... it makes an impact and is normally the cause when you can find no other....

[danc694u]

Originally Posted by thetez

....snipped..... and you actually can wrap a coax cable, but the loops should not be smaller than a 12" radius a wise cb tech, old school ham told me that, and i have my dual coax wrapped under each seat the loops are a little larger than the 1' loops and it works great, ......snipped....

I do the same. But I never recommend it, cuz I ain't a tech

I'd rather be safe than concerned about my "tune" job. Too easy to snag a loose coax and fall out the cab, head first.