Anybody have any issues with the Radio Shack 102" whip? Looks like its the best bang for the buck..
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102428
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102428
Why am i not suprised at truckers doing 80 through houston.... hahaha
Don't forget to put the tennis ball on it so the antenna won't band against your truck.
It's been a while since I did any research...I ruled out 102" whips pretty quick, because they're just too big for my taste.
If memory serves, though, that's the ideal length for the CB frequency, which makes them easier to tune. (Shorter antennas are "wound" so they behave as though they're 102".) I'm thinking there's supposed to be a 6" spacer (coil spring or otherwise) to really be ideal, though.
Check out www.cbradioforum.com I think you have to register in order to read the posts, but you can probably pick up some good information over there.[/QUOTE
102 is "ideal", also that site wouldn't let me register..
I ruled that one out because my local store didn't have it in stock. (I was in an instant gratification mood!) I ended up with a 3 foot magnet mount whip that I've yet to tune. Works well on the highway, but poorly in my hilly hometown (CB antennas are line of sight).
Get it tuined and you will see a Big difference..
What antenna ...Depends on where you mount it.
I like a 102" mounted behind the cab on the side of the box as you need HEIGHT to help out your ground plane (your truck) the signal goes off the furthest end of your truck.
ie: mounted at back signal is stronger out the front
With it mounted behind the cab the signal pretty well goes off every direction the same. That way you can take longer with people as you approach each other and as you go away from each other.
MY preference is the 6' FiRESTICK that has a top load, which will gain some distance
I plan to mount it On the cab..
I always ran firesticks. The whips were always hitting things which annoyed me.
We'll see what happens...
That's it. I'm getting a C.B. again. Missed the c.b. radio since it seemed to fade out in the late 70's. I remember a great antenna called the K40, was the best at the time outside of dual steel whips.
This should keep you busy.
http://www.signalengineering.com/ultimate/index.html
Nick has two CB's, a scanner, and god-only-knows what else in the truck. Enough to set up a mobile repeater station in the woods for these guys.
http://www.mwave.org/
If you check out the first link, the brand of antenna is actually unimportant. How it's mounted, however, is everything.