E250 work van help

[Shaggalicious]

I need some help getting some basic setup info for an E250 workvan. I had a Midland mobile with a K-30 mag-mount but I could never get out past 1000 yards. I had one of my trucker buddies try and "trim up" the antenna on top of the van but not much luck. I think he said something about the van being too tall or something for that kind of antenna.

I gave that radio to one of my co-workers with the same work van and I am looking at getting a new radio and antenna but I would like to know if I am going to have the same problems. I would even be willing to do a roof mount antenna if that would help, but again, I could use some of the veteran's opinions.

Thanks in advance!!!

[kd5drx]

Mag mount antennas are marginal for a tall vehicle the biggest problem is getting knocked off all the time. A van is a great vehicle for a roof mount antenna. Antenna specialist used to make a base loaded antenna that was great for a van it had a large coil and a steel whip out of it about 40 inches or so. The biggest thing is make sure you get the SWR down to 1.1 or close as you can. Then i would suggest a cobra or a uniden radio like a cobra 25 or similar simple radio and see if there is a reliable radio shop to look at it and tune it up for you. If he wants to cut anything or add anything to the radio run don't walk out with your radio in hand. that should get you started in the right direction.

[Shaggalicious]

Thanks!! I just looked at a new cobra 25 for around $80 I think that will be plenty sufficient. Also, for the base loaded antenna.... is that a lil wil or a K30 or what? I guess it shouldn't matter THAT much but if you have seen better results out of one than the other let me know. I haven't really talked to anyone that works on radios that don't want to add something in the radio itself, something about soldering and what not. Not too sure I can find a legit person to tune it up for me but I will keep searching.

If you know of anyone in the NC area near Salisbury, that would be awesome.

Anyways, thanks for the help, I will probably have something going by this weekend less the radio tuning.

[squirrellsgnwild]

Your swr was probably too high.

[Big Don]

There should not be a need to take your new radio to a tech to "get it tuned up." I've never had one out of the box that needed anything added to it.

And with the modern antennas, you should not have to do a lot of trimming.

I would not be surprised if your problem with your magnet mount involved problems with the coax where it was pinched in the door. You can see a breakdown in the insulation when the wire is pinched over and over again. I've had these on my pickup truck, (4WD F-250,) and had them work very well. For a while. The older they get, the more they deteriorate.

I also recommend a roof mount. Base loaded, mount it right in the center of the roof. Center it left to right, and front to back. That will give you your best ground plain.

A little tip here. There is nothing wrong with Radio Shack antennas. While I would not by a Radio Shack CB, their antennas have done a good job for me. And are usually cheaper than what you will pay in a truck stop for a CB antenna.

Make sure that your base is good and secure. Use a VOM to make sure you have a good ground with the vehicle, AND to make sure your mast is NOT grounded.

Route the coax where it will not rub against any metal edges that will eventually damage the insulation, and use cable ties or brackets to hold it in place. Follow the directions with your radio/antenna instructions on checking the SWR. If you don't own a VOM and a SWR meter, they are a good investment.

You will likely be able to get your antenna adjusted, (trimmed,) by just sliding it up and down in the base. You should not need to actually cut the antenna. At least under most circumstances. If you do have to cut it, do it a V-E-R-Y little bit at a time. Cut too much off, and you throw it away and go buy a new one.

[Shaggalicious]

Thnaks everyone for the big help in getting me as much information on this as you have. I don't think I have gotten this much info in 3 weeks from cb shops. Someone actually told me to put a mag mount on my van hood in front of the windshield and it would work better!!!!

Anyways, thanks Big Don, I will be running by The Shack later on to pick up a roof mount and running my a local truck stop for a Cobra 25 classic on sale for $65. I might be running by tomorrow, who knows.

As far as an SWR and a VOM, no, I have neither. But I am sure it won't take much to find one.

I appreciate all your help.

[Shaggalicious]

Ok, I got a hold of a Cobra 29 ltd and a fiberglass whip for $75 bucks.

My question is, has anyone had any experiences with a "diesel turbo" 4 foot whip? And since it has a mirror mount, can I switch it out and use a roof mount adapter without screwing it up?

Also, the so called 18' cable that the guy had with it.... yeah it is about 3 pieces of coax connected all together with those cable to cable connectors. The guy said it worked great for him, but he just isn't into the cb radio thing anymore.
I wonder if I should just buy a "real" 18' cable or not.

Any help is appreciated people(I know there are alot of women in this group)!!

[Big Don]

Yeah, get yourself enough coax to make the run without connections. You stand to loose a little with each connection made. And it makes trouble shooting a real PITA on down the road.

My only experience with a fiberglass whip was not a happy one. But then it was when they were the newest thing on the market. Lots of moons have risen and set since those days.

[Red Fox]

"Diesel Turbo" sounds pretty much wannabe to me. One great fibreglass whip is the Francis. No tuning necessary for the most part.
I agree w/ Don on everything except the stock radio comment. I never saw a stocker do more than 5 miles, so always tuned them up for carrier; I leave the modulation at 100% for clarity and distance.

[Shaggalicious]

Alright!!! I just got it installed with a rat shack roof mount kit. I know that the swr function on the cb itself is known to be a little "off" but when I checked it on 1, 20 and 40...... I got a 1.1:1 according to the radio. I can't believe it. I will have to do something about that whip though, I don't think that the roof sheet metal is quite thick enough so I thing I will secure it down with some guy wire fashion or something.

Anyways thanks for everyone's input ya'll helped me out alot.

Well, looks like I don't know how to read, it is actually a 2.1-2.4:1. this sucks. Guess I may need to just get a new antenna or something.