Stryker SR-655HPC+ antenna suggestions?

1. A dedicated coax from the radio to the antenna to start. 2. Then you go with the longest antenna you can get by with and make sure it has a decent rf ground. Probably going to have to do some bonding to achieve the good rf ground. Running a ground wire is not going to help anything. It is a job to get a good antenna system on a truck these day. Doesn't matter how good the radio is if you don't get the antenna right to begin with.

 

As far as bonding straps go, a rule of thumb is to keep the braided straps short as possible. Here's a popular website explaining bonding.

Bonding

 

I was always told 18" max. If you strip the paint off just under the washer then make the attachment and then spray it with a shot of clear coat to keep it from rusting, it will probably not even be noticeable. The wider the bonding strap, the better. Most use 3/4" to 1", but if 1/2" or even 1/4" is what you have, use it. The important thing is it should be a braided strap. I have seen a piece of coax used with good results.

 

I've mentioned a NGP antenna system to a couple of guys on other threads. If they tried it, they never replied back. I do know one fellow (can't remember his user name) who said he used a NGP antenna, and it works okay. I would think okay is better than poor. I can't remember if he said what distance he was getting with this setup.

 

For your 2024 Cascadia, a mirror-mount antenna is usually the best option. It bolts right to the mirror arm, which keeps it secure without drilling, and generally gives better signal than sticking something random on the cab. A firestick type antenna is probably not worth it for a big truck like yours—they work on smaller vehicles but don’t give great performance on semis.

Good options are Stryker’s own antennas or Firestik FS series. They’re durable, tuneable, and made for trucks. Make sure you tune it with an SWR meter after installing, so your signal is clean and you don’t damage the radio. Also check that the mount gives a proper ground.

So in short: your Stryker radio is fine, go with a mirror mount, skip the firestick, and pick a truck-rated antenna like Stryker or Firestik FS. You’ll get much better performance that way.