New Firestik CB/ Radio Antenna Install

[Devortex]

My factory antenna had been heading for the trash can for some time and bending it more while I was installing the snorkel was the final nail in the coffin. Add to that the frustration of my old magnetic mount CB antenna and the foundation was laid for a new combo antenna.

So...a visit to Wagongear for an antenna mount,
Antenna Mount
and a little shopping spree at Walcott CB Sales online store and I now have my new antenna installed.

I won't bore you with a detailed description of the install, Kevin has an excellent write-up on his page. The install included Kevin's bracket and rod, a 4' Firestik Firefly antenna, spring mount, Fire-Ring w/ coax cable, AM/FM-CB splitter and an SWR meter so that I can tune the thing correctly.

The only part retained from the original antenna is the rubber grommet at the fender. Mine disintegrated so I robbed one from another car but I would really like the correct one so if anyone has a spare they like to send me, let me know.

 

[stocksail]

Looks Great!

when you mention combo, this has a whip for the FM/AM radio as well?

 

[tag3]

Want to rent me the SWR meter when I finally get around to doing the same as you, have all parts, now the time, yes the time.

 

[Devortex]

Looks Great!

when you mention combo, this has a whip for the FM/AM radio as well?

I installed a splitter that allows the antenna to function as both.
Firestik AR1A - CB Antenna to AM/FM Splitter at WalcottCB.com

 

[Devortex]

Want to rent me the SWR meter when I finally get around to doing the same as you, have all parts, now the time, yes the time.

Sure, I'm going to loan it to my brother to set up the antenna on his G-wagen and then I can loan it to you.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I've got the same setup, works amazingly well.

 

[Benjaman]

G-wagen.

There's one down the street, in the Fj70 style, beautiful rig.

 

[stocksail]

I installed a splitter that allows the antenna to function as both.
Firestik AR1A - CB Antenna to AM/FM Splitter at WalcottCB.com

very cool. I followed your link to WagonGear to read all about it.... thinking about the same setup but in 3' config. Thanks for posting up.

 

[haryv]

Devortex,

It may look aesthetically good, but that is not the most ideal location for the antenna to get the best range off of the right front corner of the truck.

 

[OyajiJon]

Devortex,

It may look aesthetically good, but that is not the most ideal location for the antenna to get the best range off of the right front corner of the truck.

So, where is the "most ideal location for the antenna to get the best range" on an FJ60?

 

[Devortex]

The best place for optimal groundplane effect is center of the roof but that's not practical for me with a roof rack. This works very well and it does look cool too!

Devortex,

It may look aesthetically good, but that is not the most ideal location for the antenna to get the best range off of the right front corner of the truck.

 

[tag3]

Thanks, PM me when brother is done.

 

[franklin40]

i know this thread is getting a little old but thought i'd ask what antennas you guys are running with the splitter? i need to replace my am/fm antenna and have a CB sitting waiting to be used so though i'd do this upgrade to my 62. i like firestik but they have so many different models so i thought i'd see what works for the guys running them already. i'd kind of like to go 3 foot if possible. thanks.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

4' firestick, but it doesn't matter what antenna you use with the splitter.

 

[IndianDoc]

4' firestick, but it doesn't matter what antenna you use with the splitter.

AS long as the SWR can be adjusted to match that is a correct statement. Some however can not be adjusted and then you get into ant. turners and a whole different ball game however I think all the firesticks can be adjusted at the tip for SWR impedance matching. Doc

 

[franklin40]

thanks for the info. anyone with 3 foot experience that could relay experience? does it perform well enough for short distance? I'm looking at using it for short distance group talk with wheeling friends but occasionally will run a logging road that needs to have mileage called in if there is truck traffic. would it give a strong enough signal for 2-3 km down an open road?

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

I'm looking to do this in the future. How is the CB reception off the front fender? Its a great kit but, is the factory antenna location the best for CB reception? Does a 4' over a 3' firestick help with this?

 

[Elbert]

looks like a good solution. I think you would just need to make sure and get the proper type fiberglass antenna with the fire-ring coax setup from firestick, which would allow for a good ground.

Don't think I would use too tall of an atnenna, but maybe teh mount is ok with a 4foot or so?

Don't know why it would not work for a mile or two at least. (I don't have one, but may change that in the future if I have any other issues with my present fiberglass antenna setup).

 

[tperry616]

Just checked out Kevin's site and noticed that the splitter just says "unreliable" with all the info grayed out. Anyone know what's going on with that?

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Just checked out Kevin's site and noticed that the splitter just says "unreliable" with all the info grayed out. Anyone know what's going on with that?

There were reliability issues with the Matchmaker device, where the inner circuitry was messed up and it would not function properly. Not 100% sure on the details, but Kevin worked with the manufacturer to develop a new test methodology to detect this problem early on, and there have been very few, if any, complaints logged since then.

I had one of these bad units back when I did the install in '09. Kevin got me a new part and that's when the new process was developed. I've been running my new, 100% functional, Matchmaker splitter for 3 years now with 0 complaints. With my 4' antenna, I have great FM reception and excellent CB range.