Cb radio

[1994xlt]

Well I still want it on my toolbox so I’ll just run a single

 

[1994xlt]

Whatever you want to do, the internet will die before CB users agree on which setup is the best.

lol

 

[1994xlt]

I believe I have read several places that multiple antennas need some separation. So, placing one on each side of the cab, like you see big truckers do, doesn't work well. Our trucks are too narrow. If you want dual antennas, opposite corners of the truck might be better.

In my opinion, just stick with one good quality antenna with optimal placement. Longer ones are often better.

Here is a thread that discusses some of this. I kind of picked the middle of the duscussion. So, scroll backward and forward a bit to get all the info.

Post in thread 'What did you do to your Ranger today? (Part Deux!)' https://www.therangerstation.com/fo...ur-ranger-today-part-deux.186616/post-2046027

Thank you for your help

 

[sgtsandman]

How long should my antennas be 3 foot 4 foot? Single, Dual?

At least half of the antenna needs to be above the cab or cap of the truck. The longer the antenna, the better. The king of CB antennas is an 102" whip. As far as location, in the middle of the cab roof is best for signal in all directions. On a rear corner, the signal will be biased toward the opposite front corner of the vehicle. Right Channel Radio has some articles on it. You can't just slap an antenna on a vehicle and call it good. That being said, you will be surprised how far you can reach with a Wilson magnetic mount antenna planted right in the center of the roof.

And our trucks are too small to run dual antennas. You need a full size truck at minimum for them to work right. If you want the look, one will have to be an unhooked up dummy.

 

[sgtsandman]

Almost same location in my 93. Not sure it will stay there once my manual transfer case shifter is installed. But moving it over toward passenger side fixes that.

My GMRS radio has all tje controls in the mic. So I mounted the radio between the seat and center console with a remote speaker hanging from the roof where it is easier to hear.

I'll invoke @sgtsandman here, since he has multiple communication radios in his 2011(?).

Radio is out. But you see where the bracket is.
View attachment 139957

Here is the remote speaker just forward of where the dome light was.
View attachment 139958

Four in the 2011 and three in the 2019 at the moment.

 

[1994xlt]

Four in the 2011 and three in the 2019 at the moment.

Were did you put yours at?

 

[1994xlt]

Were did you put yours at?

Is anybody running a 4 foot single whip and hooked up to a toolbox or back of an Ranger on here if so do they work well I’m loooking for range but also I just like the appeal of a toolbox whip setup

 

[sgtsandman]

Were did you put yours at?

The CB is mounted to the roof in between the sun visors. The GMRS radio is under the dash since it has all the controls in the microphone. And the DMR and quad band radios are mounted where a cup holder would have been on some years, in the center of the seat over the transmission hump. Antennas are all over the place for roof rack clearance and to minimize interference from one antenna to the others.

 

[1994xlt]

The CB is mounted to the roof in between the sun visors. The GMRS radio is under the dash since it has all the controls in the microphone. And the DMR and quad band radios are mounted where a cup holder would have been on some years, in the center of the seat over the transmission hump. Antennas are all over the place for roof rack clearance and to minimize interference from one antenna to the others.

Can I ask why you have so many radios

 

[sgtsandman]

Can I ask why you have so many radios

CB for on the road. GMRS for off roading with the group. The other two are for the search and rescue group and using the repeaters of the amateur radio organization I belong to. They all have a different mission and reason for being there.

 

[pjtoledo]

before you get carried away with antenna height tell us about things you drive under and park in.

any low parking garages in your plans?

 

[Jim Oaks]

​

I made a wooden console for my radios and switches. Prior to this I made one out of fiberglass.

I use a 4-foot fiberglass Firestik antenna:

Firestik FS CB Antenna | Right Channel Radios

The Firestik FS II CB antenna is heavy-duty, has a tunable tip and is built in the USA. Fast, Same-Day Shipping at Right Channel Radios!

www.rightchannelradios.com

I tried installing a 3-foot Firestik, but I couldn't get it to tune.

You'll need to tune your antenna to your radio with an SWR meter. Here's a really good article on how to do it:

How to Tune Your CB Antenna | Right Channel Radios

Step-by-step guide to tuning your CB antenna for low SWR and peak performance! Complete video walk-through and written instructions from Right Channel Radios.

www.rightchannelradios.com

If you buy a Firestik, you'll be tuning it by turning a screw under the red cap on the antenna.

• If the SWR on channel 40 is higher than that on channel 1, your antenna is too long. (turn the screw in)
• If the SWR on channel 1 is higher than that on channel 40, your antenna is too short. (turn the screw out)

The nice thing about GMRS is that it's a lot clearer, and you don't have to tune the antenna.

 

[1994xlt]

CB for on the road. GMRS for off roading with the group. The other two are for the search and rescue group and using the repeaters of the amateur radio organization I belong to. They all have a different mission and reason for being there.

Cool!

 

[1994xlt]

before you get carried away with antenna height tell us about things you drive under and park in.

any low parking garages in your plans?

No sir I live in the Midwest in a small town parking garage is not gonna be a issue I assume if I needed too I could just unbolt the antenna

 

[1994xlt]

​

I made a wooden console for my radios and switches. Prior to this I made one out of fiberglass.

I use a 4-foot fiberglass Firestik antenna:

Firestik FS CB Antenna | Right Channel Radios

The Firestik FS II CB antenna is heavy-duty, has a tunable tip and is built in the USA. Fast, Same-Day Shipping at Right Channel Radios!

www.rightchannelradios.com

I tried installing a 3-foot Firestik, but I couldn't get it to tune.

You'll need to tune your antenna to your radio with an SWR meter. Here's a really good article on how to do it:

How to Tune Your CB Antenna | Right Channel Radios

Step-by-step guide to tuning your CB antenna for low SWR and peak performance! Complete video walk-through and written instructions from Right Channel Radios.

www.rightchannelradios.com

If you buy a Firestik, you'll be tuning it by turning a screw under the red cap on the antenna.

• If the SWR on channel 40 is higher than that on channel 1, your antenna is too long. (turn the screw in)
• If the SWR on channel 1 is higher than that on channel 40, your antenna is too short. (turn the screw out)

The nice thing about GMRS is that it's a lot clearer, and you don't have to tune the antenna.

Well okay we’re do I get a swr thing at are the expensive how bad is it to just tinker around with it will I really burn my radio up? I was looking at power comm antennas but don’t know how good they are