any4xx

I've got a handheld and just use a magnetic mount antenna on the hood for the rare occasions when I use it.

mhockey9090

Ok everyone heres what i am currently doing but would like a little more insight. Im trying to read in here as well so take it easy on me please.


-Mount i will be using for my CB Radio, it will be painted all black ( idea is from another member ).




- Radio will be a Uniden Bearcat 980
- 4' Firestik(R) II FS Series Tunable Tip CB Antenna - 900 Watts Black FS-4BK
- Firestik R-1a External Locking Quick Disconnect
- Firestik K-4A Stud
- 18' RG-58A/U Coaxial Cable With Pl-259 Connectors

-Mount ( Spare Tailgate mount )



How high the antenna is mounted




I would like to know if i should start looking at getting grounding straps for this set up and if so how to go about it the right/easiest way. I appreciate the help everyone.

ODONS

So I first installed my antenna around the read tire. But not being able to get good swr readings I spent hours looking into the whole grounding issue.

what I found out is that it's not an electrical ground but a RF ground which is a totally different ball game. I moved the antenna to the hood location and can send and receive signal much better! Sent from my iPhone using JK-Forum

DJ1

That's why I didn't even bother doing a rear mount. Too much crap to deal with!

Get the firering cable. It'll make that install look 1000x better my 2 cents

ODONS

True! That would look really clean!

Sent from my iPhone using JK-Forum

Ronyo

Great thread, thank you realjeep.
Not sure if you covered this, Can the fiberglass hardtop block a signal? or only metal objects do this?

MB_Pathfinder

My understanding is that the fiberglass top will interfere with the signal, just maybe not as much as a metal roof would. That's why you want as much of your antenna above the roof line as possible.

Number8

Thanks for the write up, it was a great education, but..... I went with the tire mount (:gasp

Actually works great for my application. It is a clean place to mount and I only need to communicate within the group on the densely wooded trail. The 2" on the tire suffices nicely for that purpose.

I understand the intent of this tread is to discuss maximizing range. Just wanted to throw it out there that there are alternative needs. If I ever find myself removed from the group, I am switching to the cowl.

Al Gilliland

Hi everyone. I understand the problems associated with the antenna being in between the spare tire and rear door. My thoughts were to build an L bracket to mount to my 3rd brake light. This sits above the spare tire. Then ground the L bracket and connect the firestik to the L bracket. Will have to worry about the garage but I'm thinking that there shouldn't be any problems encountered with the tire. If I go this route, what length of firestik should I get

Thoughts

Cheers
Al

MB_Pathfinder

Take a look at the Arizona Rocky Road Mounts (www.arizonarockyroad.com) instead of mounting an L bracket to the 3rd brake light. I use a 2ft Wilson antenna on a quick disconnect (the parking garage at work is just a touch to narrow.