High efficiency antenna

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by InterstateDublin, Nov 9, 2019.

  1. InterstateDublin

    InterstateDublin Bobtail Member

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    Alright, in a nut shell I’ve been in the hobby for awhile and upgrading. Recently upgraded from a Ranger RCI69VHP with a 4 pill to a Ranger RCI69FFB4 to get rid of space the box takes. Removed the RG8X 98% shielded and installed LMR400 coax, SWR current at 1.1:1 on Predator 10k antenna... now... due to being in a Volvo (laugh now, make your smart ### comments and move on) I’ve had to mount the perch to the screw at top of the mirror mount and the Predator with 6” shaft is too long, antenna stands almost straight up at 80 mph, otherwise leans forward a good bit. So... my question to everyone, recommendation on high performance antenna, shorter the better... magnet mounts aren’t an option, and if your going to say Wilson, Francis or Firestik, please don’t even respond. I know there are a few high end ones out there, some in excess of $500... just can’t recall names to search for them. Using VHF majority and some UHF, not using SSB much. Thanks in advance!
     
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  3. rabbiporkchop

    rabbiporkchop Road Train Member

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    Short and "high performance" dont generally go together. The "Golden Rod" is the closest I can think of, but your mount probably needs to be upgraded to support the weight.
    [​IMG]
     
  4. InterstateDublin

    InterstateDublin Bobtail Member

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    Oh I completely understand. Seen one and remember talking to a gentleman about it that he had hooked to his rig. Said he had it matched with his radio and it adjusted for frequency automatically, wish I could remember what it was called. About the length of a Wilson, was a center load, and it had the six or eight prongs for planing... was about a year ago and at the time thought he was crazy for spending $400 on a mobile antenna... now I get it...
     
  5. InterstateDublin

    InterstateDublin Bobtail Member

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    Remember him also saying it covered everything from 10 meter to 40 meter, which didn’t impress me until I learned what that means really.
     
  6. Night Stalker10

    Night Stalker10 Road Train Member

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    I was a little bit confused when I first read your post, because you were talking about the predator cb antenna, but you said you use vhf the most. I believe you are asking about the tarheel Hf antenna.

    tarheel hf mobile antenna semi truck - Bing images

    Also they have an Hf antenna called the screwdriver. MFJ has something similar, but it’s not automatic tuning. You have to move a jumper on the coil depending on which HF band you want to operate on. Seems like I’ve seen prices on these antennas ranging from $200 to $600.

    tarheel hf mobile antenna semi truck - Bing images
     
  7. jessejamesdallas

    jessejamesdallas Road Train Member

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    Don't know which Predator 10K you have, but if it's just too tall for you, you can always add a second smaller coil to the antenna to get it to tune shorter...All you would need to do is buy one of the small coils, and the spacer that would go between the old coil and the new smaller one...Unscrew the top section of your 10K from the top of the coil, then add the spacer and new smaller coil, then screw the top section back on, and your good to go!

    Adding the small coil should shorten the antenna by at least a foot...(more or less)

    You can either call the number on the shaft of your 10K and talk to Kale and have him send you the parts, or check with Clay's Radio Shop, they carry parts for the Predators. Clays Radio Shop Home Page
     
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  8. VolvoTerry

    VolvoTerry Light Load Member

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    Based out of Omaha,NE
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    Your radio does not have VHF or UHF. It is a ten meter and probably converted for c.b. band all of which fall within the HF classification. The tarheel works well in most HF applications. I operate the Tarheel stubby with a cap hat mounted behind my Volvo mounted on a head ache rack. However I dont use it with a CB I run it behind my Icom 7000.
     
  9. shogun

    shogun Road Train Member

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    Like Jessie said, run a dual coil short whip 10k and get the Volvo specific mirror mount. I ground off the texture, put that hoop style mount on that clamps to the big top mirror arm and ran a ground wire from the mount to the mirror bolt. Run your radio power and ground to the battery and use the battery frame ground.

    I did this in a 2013 Volvo running a 1x4 and never had a single issue. Zero reflect, no ecm interference and excellent results TX/Rx especially talking skip. Total height is 58 inches with 12 inch shaft and heavy duty mount. Slight forward tilt.
    88C4C092-0D7C-4BF3-A5A7-8FA01AEAB48E.jpeg
     
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  10. InterstateDublin

    InterstateDublin Bobtail Member

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    Already doing that, but the tilt just seems to be to much... now I can DX like a beast but picking up entirely to much white noise. 2017 Volvo VNL 780
     

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  11. VolvoTerry

    VolvoTerry Light Load Member

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    Based out of Omaha,NE
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    Have you verified if your noise is received or through the power? With the motor running,(preferably while driving as the transmission and other moving components dont come into play until the truck is in motion) disconnect the antenna. If you still hear the noise it is most likely coming from the power or grounding on the truck not the antena reception.
     
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