Two CB antennas? (not what you think) - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

*inh* · 07-10-2009, 02:36 AM

So, I'm thinking I want to have two CB antennas on my truck, one on the roof, probably a roof mounted wilson 1000 with a 66 inch whip, and the other a 4 or 5 foot Firestik mounted on the corner of the rear bumper. Both of these running to an antenna switch, so only one is in use at a time.

I'd like to have the Wilson for use on the highway, or when low hanging trail obstacles aren't an issue, like out in the desert. But when they ARE an issue, I'd like to be able to remove the Wilson (simply screw it off the mount, and cap the mount) and switch to the bumper mounted antenna, which will only be used (and only really useful for) talking close by to other 4x4 vehicles.

Whatcha think? Here's a switch:

http://www.walcottcb.com/cs201-posit...l?cPath=28_354

Kiloaman · 07-10-2009, 02:51 AM

Well, the BEST place for a CB antenna is mounted ontop of the the roof of the car. When you have an antenna place on the side rear bumper, you mostly get signals from the side that the antenna is on because the other side is blocked by your car (But you still get like a 2mi radius of reception). If I were to do 2 antennas (Which I will, I only have one on my rear bumper), I would put an antenna on both the left and right side rear bumper, and then get a Y splitter to connect both antenna's to the CB radio. That way you get signals strong from BOTH sides, not just one. And also that way you don't have to take off the antenna ontop of your exploder and no need to have a switch.

**rizzjc** · 07-10-2009, 07:45 AM

Here's a good link from Firestick, where they talk about co-phase antennas down about 2/3 on the page.
http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs/63Things.htm
Antenna switch should work too.

pickupman · 07-10-2009, 01:54 PM

your receive signal will be just as directional as your transmit signal.

co phase antennas don't really buy you much on a small vehicle - the increased directionality (co phase antennas are NOT omni-directional) is not realized like all the graphs and plots show because of the proximinity of your antennas to eachother. most plots are based on the antennas being at the ends of the cables (a co phase harness is usually 18' per leg). Co phasing antennas, in theory, would force your signal to be directional towards the front and back of your vehicle (up and down the highway).

**Maniak** · 07-10-2009, 02:09 PM

From looking at that product, he isn't trying to co-phase. He wants to be able to take off the tall antenna and not have to mess with wires...

As I see it, have one perm. mount antenna that isn't idea, and have a mag mount on the roof. Use that switch thing to change which antenna is getting the signal..

Now, if your off-roading and find the good antenna is too tall just remove the antenna (unsrew it from the base) and flip the switch..

BUT.. If you ever key the mic when the switch turned to the antenna that isn't connected you will probably burn up the finals on the radio, so just be careful.

~Mark

*inh* · 07-10-2009, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maniak

From looking at that product, he isn't trying to co-phase. He wants to be able to take off the tall antenna and not have to mess with wires...

That's exactly it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maniak

As I see it, have one perm. mount antenna that isn't idea, and have a mag mount on the roof. Use that switch thing to change which antenna is getting the signal..

Now, if your off-roading and find the good antenna is too tall just remove the antenna (unsrew it from the base) and flip the switch..

Yea, that is what I'm looking to do =] Though I'll probably permanent mount the roof antenna, the mag seems to come undone, and I hate trying to hide the coax coming in off the roof. Pluss if I remove the antenna, i gotta deal with it flopping around in the back of the truck. Even with the antenna removed from the base it's still somewhat of a pain in the patooey.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maniak

BUT.. If you ever key the mic when the switch turned to the antenna that isn't connected you will probably burn up the finals on the radio, so just be careful.

~Mark

Always good advice =] I accidentally keyed the mike the other day with the antenna in the back of the truck, luckily the radio still works fine =]

*Ilikemice* · 07-12-2009, 04:05 PM

I've got the same setup on my Blazer. A main one mounted at the back and a smaller one on the wing mirror. I've got a roof antenna on the Explorer at the moment and I'm trying to find a decent place to mount a shorter one for close range off road use.

I don't use a switch though. I'm happy enough to just screw in the other coax, obviously not when driving!

I use a permanent mount PL mount on the roof. It has a cap to cover the connector when not in use. I'll put some pics up if you like. It's very clean.

*inh* · 07-12-2009, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ilikemice

I've got the same setup on my Blazer. A main one mounted at the back and a smaller one on the wing mirror. I've got a roof antenna on the Explorer at the moment and I'm trying to find a decent place to mount a shorter one for close range off road use.

I don't use a switch though. I'm happy enough to just screw in the other coax, obviously not when driving!

I use a permanent mount PL mount on the roof. It has a cap to cover the connector when not in use. I'll put some pics up if you like. It's very clean.

A common place seems to be a bracket that bolts across the top two tail light screws, and lets you mount your antenna out to the side of the truck. I'll probably do that with a firestik.

For the roof I'm going to use the permanent mount too. My wilson 1k mag mount even came with a cap for when the antenna is unscrewed =]

*Ilikemice* · 07-12-2009, 07:59 PM

Mine has a beautiful cap for the mount for when I'm not using it. I managed to mangle my antenna last time I went off road so I'll have to get into the habit of taking it off.

I saw that bracket for a Cherokee but the screws for the lights are at a 45 degree angle I think. A simple straight bracket wouldn't go on anyway. Then comes the problem of routing the coax. I can't find a gap in the firewall to bring the cable in or anything. It's not like the Blazer where there are gaps and holes everywhere.

*inh* · 07-12-2009, 08:14 PM

Check this out:

From:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=188306

From http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...=antenna+mount

I'll probably do something like that, until I get a custom rear bumper and then just mount it on the corner like my dad's jeep:

*Ilikemice* · 07-12-2009, 08:20 PM

Ahh cheers for that link. Are they Firestiks? The only antennas I can find are whippy ones. The thicker ones looks good in a place like that.

I'll fab myself up a pair of them in the near future. Thanks!

*inh* · 07-12-2009, 08:32 PM

They look like firestiks but I'm not sure.. I know that's what I'll be using though!

91ROKKRAWLER · 08-19-2009, 02:19 PM

hey inh what gauge steel is your antenna brackets made of? do your taillights wobble in and out at all?

Sandy · 09-18-2009, 09:43 AM

inh,

In theory a good idea, that is what experimenting is all about but why bother.

If trail communications is the only thing you are thinking about for the second antenna, consider a Rubber Duck Antenna, tuned for CB frequency (not for low SWR) and adapted to the Wilson Mount.

I used to use this setup when I had the K-40 on the roof, worked OK not the best but it worked none the less.

Compare cost and see if it works for you.

07-10-2009, 02:36 AM	#1
inh Cooler than Ben! Fort Riley, KS '00 XLS Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,177 Vehicle Specs	Two CB antennas? (not what you think) So, I'm thinking I want to have two CB antennas on my truck, one on the roof, probably a roof mounted wilson 1000 with a 66 inch whip, and the other a 4 or 5 foot Firestik mounted on the corner of the rear bumper. Both of these running to an antenna switch, so only one is in use at a time. I'd like to have the Wilson for use on the highway, or when low hanging trail obstacles aren't an issue, like out in the desert. But when they ARE an issue, I'd like to be able to remove the Wilson (simply screw it off the mount, and cap the mount) and switch to the bumper mounted antenna, which will only be used (and only really useful for) talking close by to other 4x4 vehicles. Whatcha think? Here's a switch: http://www.walcottcb.com/cs201-posit...l?cPath=28_354 __________________ '96 4x4 4.0 OHV Auto Eddie Bauer -1354 Manual -TT and Shackles -2" BL -33x12.5 BFG A/T tires on 15x8s (RIP) '95 2wd 4.0 OHV Auto XLT -Stock Daily Driver '00 4x4 4.0 OHV Auto XLS See specs on left

07-10-2009, 02:51 AM	#2
Kiloaman Wannabe Elite Explorer Alamo, CA '99 XLT Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 41 Vehicle Specs	Well, the BEST place for a CB antenna is mounted ontop of the the roof of the car. When you have an antenna place on the side rear bumper, you mostly get signals from the side that the antenna is on because the other side is blocked by your car (But you still get like a 2mi radius of reception). If I were to do 2 antennas (Which I will, I only have one on my rear bumper), I would put an antenna on both the left and right side rear bumper, and then get a Y splitter to connect both antenna's to the CB radio. That way you get signals strong from BOTH sides, not just one. And also that way you don't have to take off the antenna ontop of your exploder and no need to have a switch. __________________ The Wise Oak

07-10-2009, 07:45 AM	#3
rizzjc Scubajoe - Radio Mod Garner, NC '97 AWD V8 XLT Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 2,817 Vehicle Specs	Here's a good link from Firestick, where they talk about co-phase antennas down about 2/3 on the page. http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs/63Things.htm Antenna switch should work too. __________________ *Joe, N1LVN* '97 XLT AWD V8 STOCK Amsoil Synthetics throughout. Amsoil Ea air filter. Bilsteins. Scanguage. Search ExplorerForum

07-10-2009, 02:09 PM	#5
Maniak Moderator-Stock 91-94 Vail, Arizona 1992 XLT 4x4 Join Date: Feb 1999 Posts: 6,830 Vehicle Specs	From looking at that product, he isn't trying to co-phase. He wants to be able to take off the tall antenna and not have to mess with wires... As I see it, have one perm. mount antenna that isn't idea, and have a mag mount on the roof. Use that switch thing to change which antenna is getting the signal.. Now, if your off-roading and find the good antenna is too tall just remove the antenna (unsrew it from the base) and flip the switch.. BUT.. If you ever key the mic when the switch turned to the antenna that isn't connected you will probably burn up the finals on the radio, so just be careful. ~Mark __________________ Click HERE to see our Explorer Specs Get your Serious Explorations Explorer4x4, Explorerforum and ExplorerSportruck T-shirt

07-12-2009, 08:14 PM	#10
inh Cooler than Ben! Fort Riley, KS '00 XLS Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,177 Vehicle Specs	Check this out: From: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=188306 From http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...=antenna+mount I'll probably do something like that, until I get a custom rear bumper and then just mount it on the corner like my dad's jeep: __________________ '96 4x4 4.0 OHV Auto Eddie Bauer -1354 Manual -TT and Shackles -2" BL -33x12.5 BFG A/T tires on 15x8s (RIP) '95 2wd 4.0 OHV Auto XLT -Stock Daily Driver '00 4x4 4.0 OHV Auto XLS See specs on left

07-12-2009, 04:05 PM	#7
Ilikemice The awesomest one Midlands, UK '97 Explorer Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 55 Vehicle Specs	I've got the same setup on my Blazer. A main one mounted at the back and a smaller one on the wing mirror. I've got a roof antenna on the Explorer at the moment and I'm trying to find a decent place to mount a shorter one for close range off road use. I don't use a switch though. I'm happy enough to just screw in the other coax, obviously not when driving! I use a permanent mount PL mount on the roof. It has a cap to cover the connector when not in use. I'll put some pics up if you like. It's very clean.

07-12-2009, 07:59 PM	#9
Ilikemice The awesomest one Midlands, UK '97 Explorer Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 55 Vehicle Specs	Mine has a beautiful cap for the mount for when I'm not using it. I managed to mangle my antenna last time I went off road so I'll have to get into the habit of taking it off. I saw that bracket for a Cherokee but the screws for the lights are at a 45 degree angle I think. A simple straight bracket wouldn't go on anyway. Then comes the problem of routing the coax. I can't find a gap in the firewall to bring the cable in or anything. It's not like the Blazer where there are gaps and holes everywhere.

07-12-2009, 08:20 PM	#11
Ilikemice The awesomest one Midlands, UK '97 Explorer Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 55 Vehicle Specs	Ahh cheers for that link. Are they Firestiks? The only antennas I can find are whippy ones. The thicker ones looks good in a place like that. I'll fab myself up a pair of them in the near future. Thanks!

07-12-2009, 08:32 PM	#12
inh Cooler than Ben! Fort Riley, KS '00 XLS Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,177 Vehicle Specs	They look like firestiks but I'm not sure.. I know that's what I'll be using though! __________________ '96 4x4 4.0 OHV Auto Eddie Bauer -1354 Manual -TT and Shackles -2" BL -33x12.5 BFG A/T tires on 15x8s (RIP) '95 2wd 4.0 OHV Auto XLT -Stock Daily Driver '00 4x4 4.0 OHV Auto XLS See specs on left

08-19-2009, 02:19 PM	#13
91ROKKRAWLER Wannabe Elite Explorer Bend, OR '91 Xploder Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 416 Vehicle Specs	hey inh what gauge steel is your antenna brackets made of? do your taillights wobble in and out at all? __________________ PROJECT: FLEXY 1991 Ford Explorer XLT 4 door - 33" BFG Mudz K&N Cone Air Filter - Flowmaster 40 Muffler 5.5" Superlift Lift Kit - 4" Tuff Country Nitrogen Shocks

09-18-2009, 09:43 AM	#14
Sandy Wannabe Elite Explorer Boston Area 2003 Ranger Edge Join Date: Mar 1999 Posts: 1,403 Vehicle Specs	inh, In theory a good idea, that is what experimenting is all about but why bother. If trail communications is the only thing you are thinking about for the second antenna, consider a Rubber Duck Antenna, tuned for CB frequency (not for low SWR) and adapted to the Wilson Mount. I used to use this setup when I had the K-40 on the roof, worked OK not the best but it worked none the less. Compare cost and see if it works for you. __________________ SandyB, N1MAU/W1IO NnF000@gmail.com Do It Right The First Time !