Product Review: CB-AM/FM Antenna Splitter (Firestik AR-1A Match-Maker)

[AppleTech]

I purchased this device because I wanted to use my CB antenna as my AM/FM antenna so I didn't have to have 2 antennas on my truck. I installed it on Saturday and I've been trying it out for the past 2 days.

Info:
walcottcb.com
AR-1A

Basically what this unit does is split your CB antenna signal into a dual-cable that hooks into the CB and stereo head unit for AM/FM signals.

CB Antenna -> Match-Maker AR-1A -> CB Radio/Stereo head unit

Installation:
Installing the unit was simple enough, and the instructions were very easy to understand. You disconnect the antenna coax from the radio and plug it into the Match-Maker, then you plug the coax cable from the Match-Maker into the CB radio and plug the standard antenna cable into the back of the AM/FM stereo head unit.

I should note a few things about tuning:

- Your SWR should be properly set for your antenna/radio setup BEFORE you even start hooking the Match-Maker up. For more info on tuning your CB radio/antenna, see Firestik's tech help section: Setting the SWR of Your Antenna© - Firestik® Antenna Company

- Once you hook up the system, put an SWR meter in between the Match-Maker and the CB radio. Using the built-in tuning screw, you must tune the Match-Maker so that the SWR is below 2.0 on CB channels 1, 19, and 40. Make sure you remove the screwdriver from the Match-Maker when measuring SWR or it can throw off the reading. Make adjustments in no more than a half-turn at a time, as it is very sensitive.

These steps are very important because when I first hooked it up the SWR was in the red on all channels because the Match-Maker hadn't been tuned to match my setup.

Performance:
I don't use AM, so I haven't tested that, but FM seems to be very clear but the range seems to be decreased. I can't catch as many stations as I could before, but what stations do come in are much clearer. However, there is occasional static "blips" but they are not very noticeable. The one reason I think that I might not be able to catch as many stations is because I only have a 3' Firestik and it is mounted fairly low, so it does not stick up above the roof of my truck. Therefore, if you have a whip or taller antenna, you will probably get much better reception.

The CB TX/RX range does not seem to be affected and I hear no interference from using both devices (CB and radio) at once.

Overall:
I am satisfied with this unit but if you listen to the radio very often and you listen to a wide variety of stations, make sure you install this unit within your first 30 days of return policy to you can make sure it works for you. Otherwise, it is a great solution for someone like me, who only listens to the radio occasionally and didn't want to have 2 antennas on my truck

[EricG]

Thanks for the writeup ... my power antenna needs replacing, and I've been thinking about just putting a CB antenna there and getting one of these.

[esh]

I have this mod and love it.

[EricG]

Where did you get this unit? Reccomended vendors?

[esh]

They're only about $20, really anywhere that sells Firestick should work.

[AppleTech]

Originally Posted by EricG

Where did you get this unit? Reccomended vendors?

I got it from walcottcb.com - very reputable and I haven't had any problems with them.

[AppleTech]

Originally Posted by esh

I have this mod and love it.

If you don't mind my asking... what type/size of antenna do you have? Upon further use I'm noticing that my FM band is really pretty week (I'm only running a 3' Firestik). Do you have any tips on tuning it?

[EricG]

Originally Posted by AppleTech

If you don't mind my asking... what type/size of antenna do you have? Upon further use I'm noticing that my FM band is really pretty week (I'm only running a 3' Firestik). Do you have any tips on tuning it?

Anything further on this? How bad is your FM with a 3' firestik ... I know that's hard to quantify.

[AppleTech]

It only really becomes an issue when you are getting out of range of the station - it has less reach than the stock antenna.

-Phil

[EricG]

Originally Posted by AppleTech

It only really becomes an issue when you are getting out of range of the station - it has less reach than the stock antenna.

-Phil

I'm guessing it has better reach then the 1/4" broken off stub I've been putting up with on my honda for 6 months, so I should be ok

[forestdan7]

I was going to post a thread about this, but then I ran across this one.

Just installed this splitter, and my FM is coming in better (I had a 1' rubber whip on the fender beforehand), and the CB SWR numbers have dropped considerably after tuning.

I'd recommend this, especially since it's so cheap. I'm running a 4' Firestik-type antenna on the front bumper, and nothing on the fender. I like the look with only one antenna.

I also tuned the AM, and it's working fine, too. I don't use AM that much, though.

[NLXTACY]

I am about to order the 3' Firestik but I noticed some options, for the complete CB newb, which of the firestiks do you recommend AND how to mount them on an externally stock truck? I have seen some cool mounts that fit between the hood and the fender but no idea what was used. Back bumper is ok too if I knew what other 80 owners used.

[AppleTech]

Originally Posted by NLXTACY

I am about to order the 3' Firestik but I noticed some options, for the complete CB newb, which of the firestiks do you recommend AND how to mount them on an externally stock truck? I have seen some cool mounts that fit between the hood and the fender but no idea what was used. Back bumper is ok too if I knew what other 80 owners used.

Here is WalcottCB's page with a list of hood-channel mounts:
WalcottCB.com: Hood/Fender/Door Groove -

The Firestik II with the tunable tip is fantastic. I love my 3' one - has plenty of reach and fits in my garage (it's mounted on my front bumper:

Make sure whatever you order that you get a spring and a good Coax cable - this is imperative for a good setup. I just buy the Firestik kit as it comes with great directions... This kit may actually work for you - includes the hood groove mount and coax - just add a spring to your order as well and you should be all set to go. I don't know if this hood mount would fit our trucks but I've seen a similar one used.

Firestik MK174 - Hood Groove Mini Kit

Also, DO NOT USE YOUR RADIO UNTIL YOU HAVE TUNED IT! You can damage the radio! PM me if you wanna work out a time that you can stop by my place and we can tune your antenna (EDIT - I know this sounds gross... but I should have clarified and said your "CB" antenna lol) - I've got an SWR meter and we can get it all set up for you. Set it and forget it!

-Phil

[NLXTACY]

Phil you rock!

As soon as I get this ordered and in my hot little hands I'll let you know.

Joey