CB antennas: One or two?
#21
Senior Board Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 1,147
Re: CB antennas: One or two?
Originally Posted by nrvsreck
I have one antenna on my truck. I went to a CB shop to have it installed and the dude recommended one antenna. I asked about dual antennas, but he said I really didn't need more than one. Seems like he would have at least tried to sell me another one and a dual coax! Anyway, I'm wondering what y'all think. One or two? Does it really make any difference? With one I can easily hear up to ten miles. As far as getting out, I'm not sure, but one seems to enough. Why do so many drivers use two? Is it just for looks or does it actually serve a purpose?
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
#22
Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 79
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
#23
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sulphur Springs, TX
Posts: 528
Originally Posted by bcbasher
if your coax is set up for dual antennas then you need to hook up both. running an open coax end can ruin your radio. is you only want a single antenna hooked up go and get your self a single piece of coax.
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.
#25
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!
#26
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sulphur Springs, TX
Posts: 528
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.
#27
Re: CB antennas: One or two?
Originally Posted by nrvsreck
I have one antenna on my truck. I went to a CB shop to have it installed and the dude recommended one antenna. I asked about dual antennas, but he said I really didn't need more than one. Seems like he would have at least tried to sell me another one and a dual coax! Anyway, I'm wondering what y'all think. One or two? Does it really make any difference? With one I can easily hear up to ten miles. As far as getting out, I'm not sure, but one seems to enough. Why do so many drivers use two? Is it just for looks or does it actually serve a purpose?
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.
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#28
Originally Posted by Splitter
OK, here's a question. Does it matter if you have a tall cb antenna? Or, can you get a shorter one, and still get good reception?
#29
Originally Posted by dk132
Gods country :lol: Thats down here in Texas. No ice or snow here.
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#30
Senior Board Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 1,567
Originally Posted by Windwalker
Originally Posted by dk132
Gods country :lol: Thats down here in Texas. No ice or snow here.
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