I would suggest you keep using this CB shop. He/she appears to be a rare person -- HONEST.

Now as to your question.

Using matching antennas with the CORRECT matching coax a dual will give slightly better performance if the antennas are spaced 1/4 wave-lenght apart.

Creating ALL the right conditions to properly install dual antennas is NOT a easy task. While some think all it takes just adjusting the SWR and that is all. It really is a lot more than simply adjusting the SWR. Things like having the coax routed correctly and having a good ground are just a few of the many things that should be done to correctly install antennas.

My feeling is it is not worth the added expense and work needed to use a duel antenna system. I would mount the antenna on the driver's side and use the closest needed lenght coax to reach from the antenna to the CB. Make sure you have a super ground. Tune it to the Lowest SWR and use it.

I would use something in the range of a 4' - base loaded steel whip for an antenna.

Happy CBing.

kc0iv

 

I have a CB question and figure I would piggyback on the thread rather than start another one. I hope no one minds. My question is how common is it for a truck to come with a CB? And if it doesn't will it at least have a spot for one and who installs it? Also what does it run for i to be installed?

Thanks.
-paul

 

Hmm... Now you done scared me. I'll probably go ahead and get the second antenna and just have someone tune it all up for me as I don't know jack about SWR and such.

That little CB shop is at the 599 in Longview, TX in case anyone wants to know. The lady that owns it has been in business for quite a long time. The installer wasn't the most talkative fellow in the world (neither am I), but I did appreciate his honesty and was shocked he didn't try to sell me more stuff.

 

If your radio has a SWR Switch to adjust it's simple

 

http://www.vetrucking.com/
Looks to be a good outfit. I'm just not a road warrior. The economy in OH sucks and all the LTL cos are slow. I'll probably go back to a regional flatbed co that gets me home weekends anyway and still make decent money. I'd move up there in a heartbeat but my wife would never go and she's got too good a job to leave. I love it up there though, I'm jealous of you!

 

Oh! It's simple! Wow, thanks man! That clears it all up then! :roll:

Sorry! I gotta be smarta** from time to time! Can't resist! But, how exactly is it "simple"? It does have a SWR switch and meter. How on earth do I calibrate it? The manual really doesn't say much.

 

One antenna, RG-58 coax, and tune the antenna. In order to make it look balanced, I have a dummy mounted on the right, but the "live one" is on the left. With a "FACTORY-STOCK" radio, I've talked 40 miles on an unused channel. Never was able to do that with two antennas.

With 2 antennas, you can not match the impedance of the coax to the output of the radio. That means "line loss". Why do you suppose so many of those guys have to have their radios PEAKED AND TUNED? They have to overcome the line-loss.

 

When I run a route,in town,I use my 3' entenner. When Im shuttling,I use my 6' . The reason I use my 3' when I have to run a route,is because of the stupid city dept not keeping the trees trimmed. Those tree limbs will snap an antenner in no time. I cant really tell any difference between the 3',or the 6'. The only reason why I use my 6' when Im shuttling,is because Doug,the guy I run with every night told me that the 6' sounds better. He has a Wilson 5000. It has that little round thingamajig at the bottom,and the wipper on top. He can pull guys in a little bit better,but I am happy with mine.

 

Really??? I was down there last December. 19th, I believe. There was plenty of ice there then. Guys were chaining up to drive on level road. Lost count of the number of trucks wrecked in the first 35 miles from the NM line. No ice or snow??? I don't believe it was my vivid imagination.

 

It has melted since then.