CB Antenna Help

[jinks]

I had asked this in the non trucker forum but told I should ask it here.

My son gave me his old CB set up last Christmas and I have not had the opportunity to set it up and use it yet. Since I will be moving across country I guess now is as good as time as any. I assume that I will be able to hook it up in the Budget rental truck so I need some antenna recommendations. Since I will eventually hook it up in my car I will need either a magnet type antenna or one that hooks on the lip of the trunk. I assume that the antenna that I can use on my car I can also hook on the Budget rental truck, is this correct? I have not hooked up a CB for about 30 years so any help in this matter would be appreciated. Thanks.

These are pictures of what I have. Also, when you recommend an antenna will I need to get it calibrated or whatever you call it?

[WA4GCH]

any name brand

[jinks]

Any name brand?

[Turbo-T]

jinks, I highly recommend you get a Wilson 1000 mag mount antenna. Don't bother with a Lil Wil or a Wilson 5000 unless the 1000 is out of stock; the Lil Wil is an "ok" antenna but leaves some on the table and the 5000 is IMO an overkill if you're not running 2000 + watts of power. Though either will work the 1000 is the clear winner.

So with that said, go with a Wilson 1000 magnet mount.

And yes you will need to tune the antenna for the lowest SWR. It's real easy to do. You will need an SWR meter, usually they sell for $20-$50. Radio Shack used to have them, I don't know if they do anymore. Also you'll need a 2-3 foot piece of coax to connect the meter to the radio when you do this.

But you put the antenna dead middle of the center of vehicle and make sure it's not close to something metal. Then hook the meter in line with the radio and the antenna. Then get in the truck, shut the door, make sure the truck is not near any buildings, metal poles, other vehicles, etc. Then key up (DONT SPEAK INTO THE MIC) and calibrate the meter, then flip over to the SWR check, key up again once calibrated to see your SWR reading.

A SWR of 1.5:1 or lower is what you want.

Also if you have that amp turned on when doing your SWR checks, normally your SWR's will be higher, so it's best to keep it off. And that 29 does have SWR checks built into it but it's too inaccurate to use. An external SWR meter is your best bet.

HTH

[jinks]

Thank you Turbo. Do truck stops do that sort of thing? Would it be expensive if they do? Also, would I have to have it recalibrated when I transfer it from the rental truck to my car?

[Call_me_Tom]

I second the Wilson 1000 recommendation. Your SWR will change when put it on a different vehicle. You are calibrating the antenna to the vehicle.

[josh.c]

I second the mag mount Wilson 1000. You won't be able to get it at the center of the moving van, but the middle of the cab roof will be good enough, in my experience. I have a 1000 that I used when slip seating, and it always tuned in well enough to keep from hurting the radio. If you buy it at a cb shop, they'll probably come out and check it for you. I would then check to see how accurate the SWR meter in the radio is, so you can double check in the future. If it was me, I'd just use that radio without the amp for the move, it would probably be too much hassle to get hooked up safely, and you really don't need it.

[josh.c]

Too slow! I guess I third the 1000. I've got to quit trying to multi-task while I'm on here. I'm not driving, btw, just making phone calls and doing paperwork.

[Turbo-T]

Originally Posted by jinks

Thank you Turbo. Do truck stops do that sort of thing? Would it be expensive if they do? Also, would I have to have it recalibrated when I transfer it from the rental truck to my car?

Some shops will do it as part of the sales of the antenna. Personally I'd learn to do it yourself. It's really easy and doesn't take long to do at all. Yes you will have to retune it anytime you move it from vehicle to vehicle. Oh, I almost forgot to mention you want to tune for the lowest SWR for the channel you will run mostly on. If it happens to be all 40 of them, then make sure the SWR's are their lowest on both 1 and 40. I usually just tune to ch. 20 and tune from there.

[jinks]

I look into that meeter then. Are the main channels the same as they were 25 years ago? That's about the last time I was on one. I think 19 was the main channel.