1997 FZJ80 CB and Antenna Install Advice

[Chaldaean]

Hello All,

I'm going to participate in this event and CBs are mandatory equipment. So, I have to pick, purchase and install a setup before departure.

I have a partial list of what I think I would like best, but would very much appreciate some advice concerning the details. Also, I would like to preface this thread by saying that, yesterday, I knew absolutely nothing about CBs and have only the knowledge garnered from last night's late night searches.

CB RADIO: Cobra 18 WX ST II

I plan to remove the factory double-din stereo and install a single din stereo and a Cobra 18 WX ST II unit just like Hayes has done in his 80.

ANTENNA: Comet SBB-1

I'm only really interested in talking to the trail group and don't need a giant antenna. I like the flex and small size of the Comet SBB-1 antenna.

ANTENNA MOUNT: Lip Mount Diamond K400

I like the simplicity and look of the lip mount that Alvaro and others have installed.

Here are my lingering questions:

(1) Is this setup going to work? Am I doing anything stupid?
(2) As I don't know which "base" I need (3/8 24, UHF, NMO, None etc.), which Diamond K400 model should I purchase (K400, K400C, K400CNMO, K400-3/8C, K400S, etc.)? I couldn't locate the Diamond homepage, but there are a bunch of models here.
(3) Does the Diamond mount come with the flat grounding strap that Alvaro has installed (see this picture again)?
(4) What path does the coax take from the head unit on the dash to the antenna on the lip of the trunk?; up and under the headliner or down the d-pillar and under the carpet?
(5) I'm not asking for any of you to search for me, but do you know a vendor, off the top of your head, that would carry all three items (Cobra 18 WX ST II, Comet SBB-1 and the Diamond K400 mount)?

Besides that, I'll do some searching and figure out the specifics of installing the CB, new stereo and auxiliary fuse panels etc.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

 

[Miescha]

Let me stop you real quick - you don't want the SSB-1. It is a 2m/70cm (146/440mhz) Ham radio antenna that will not be tuneable for the 11m (27-29mhz) CB radio bands. You will need to buy an antenna specifically for the 11m CB band and, preferably, one that is easily tuneable without tools (think wilson, firestick, etc. . . ).

If you only want it for short distance trail use (actually, there is no long distance in CB, but we don't need to go into that ), you can probably find a short (~3ft) rubber duck type antenna.

The best quick advise I can offer for all your radio/antenna/mount needs is go to www.walcottcb.com and look around. Then call them and ask questions - they are knowledgeable and friendly.

Most impressive that you are starting this far in advance - I typically do these things the day before my planned departure and then stay up all night getting it done!

Good luck!

 

[Tools R Us]

I have a Uniden 520 a great, small radio, it's stuck to the side of the console with velcro and only put it in for the trail. A pic in this thread;

https://forum.ih8mud.com/camping-gear-recovery/51279-uniden-510-520-a.html

 

[hj60]

I have a '94, but...

I like the Cobra 19 DX IV. It's smaller than 1DIN. A PO had cut a hole for one in the console ahead of the xfer shift lever, so I put mine there. I keep it there all the time cos I like to hear from truckers why traffic just went from 80 - 0 in 50'.
I am currently using a cheapy mag-mount antenna on the roof. It gets knocked off a lot on the trail. I have a 4' FireStik that I had mounted on a spring to the top of the DS fender on my 60, and before that my TJ. It'll go somewhere on my 80, I just haven't decided yet. Most likely it'll go on the rear of the D pillar (and when I get my ham license, my 2M antenna will go on the other). I'll run the coax along the existing harness under the LH doors, then into the rear side panel to a grommet in the sheetmetal.

 

[Chaldaean]

Let me stop you real quick - you don't want the SSB-1. It is a 2m/70cm (146/440mhz) Ham radio antenna that will not be tuneable for the 11m (27-29mhz) CB radio bands.

Great; thanks for the replies so far, everyone (I was doing something stupid!)

I hunted around the Wilson product guide and couldn't find a short (3' or so), flexible (tree friendly), lip-mountable antenna (some were mag mounts). Did I miss it?

On the Firestik site, I found the 2' original "Firestik" and "Firestik II". These seem like a good bet and wouldn't snag too many trees.

Ok, so I think I'm on track: Cobra 18 WX ST II (I like the way it fits snugly and non-intrusively in the dash) with a 2' Firestik antenna mounted on a specific model (to be determined) of a Diamond K400 lip mount. Good stuff.

More questions (as usual):

(1) With the 2' Firestik, which Diamond K400 lip mount should I purchase? I'm still confused about which "base" I would have.
(2) If I wanted the option (see, now I'm getting fancy; the more you search on 'MUD, the more work you make for yourself!) to quickly change from a 2' antenna (on the trail for short range) to a 7' antenna (around camp for extra range), would I purchase a "Push-N-Twist" quick disconnect or something else?
(3) Should I also get an "Antenna and Mount Protecting Spring" to help with the tree snags?

I have more questions, but will stop there before people give up on me. Basically, I just want to know if the combination of parts will make a good setup.

Thanks in advance; this CB stuff is a whole new world.

 

[hj60]

(2) If I wanted the option... to quickly change from a 2' antenna... to a 7' antenna... would I purchase a "Push-N-Twist" quick disconnect or something else?

Just remember, if you use a Q/D of any sort, you increase the likelyhood some punk kid'll think it's funny to take your antenna.

(3) Should I also get an "Antenna and Mount Protecting Spring" to help with the tree snags?

YES!
I didn't the first time, and there was about a 4" crack starting at the mount along the crease in the TJ's fender.
It's cheap insurance.

 

[Chaldaean]

I just ordered a bunch of stuff; hope it all works well together.

1 4504 DIAMOND K400-3/8C TRUNK LIP MT 3/8 +CBL+PL @ $69.95 = $69.95
1 Wilson 3' Silver Load FLEX3 Tunable CB Antenna FLEX-3 @ $17.49 = $17.49
1 FireStik R1A External Locking Quick Antenna Disconnect @ $14.49 = $14.49
1 FireStik SS3M Stainless Steel CB Antenna Spring SS-3M @ $9.49 = $9.49
1 Astatic PDC7 SWR Meter with 3 Foot Coax Jumper 0-100 Watts @ $24.89 = $24.89
1 FireStik K8A - Single 18' Coax With PL259 Plug Stud Connector @ $14.49 = $14.49
1 Cobra 18 WX ST II Radio @ $49.98 = $49.98
1 90 Degree UHF Antenna Connector @ 2.99 = $2.99

 

[Miescha]

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner - I got busy with work and family stuff and I was away from the computer for a while.

Regardless, I think your order will work out. I don't know the Diamond mounts too well, but all you need for most CB mounts is a 3/8" hole and that seems to be what you ordered.

I use a quick 'push and twist' type disconnect for my CB antenna (all the ham stuff is permanent). I don't worry about kids stealing it as I use the quick disconnect to remove it except when on the trail or on the way to the trail.

I don't swap antennas, though I've considered it. I don't use a base spring, but that is b/c I use a Firestick Firefly (4') that is super light and super flexable, so I don't worry about the antenna breaking. On the other hand, I don't worry about the mount breaking b/c I have it mounted to my front ARB bumper at the upper PS light tab - no chance of that sucker breaking!

The SWR meter is a good idea - you'll need it for tuning the antenna.

Good luck!

 

[SunTzuMD]

Take it to a CB shop and have it "peaked and tuned" before you put it in. I did that with a small midland I used to run in another truck. Do that and get your SWR down to one and you will have a very nice setup. The "peak and tune" will optimize the performance and power outage of the CB.

 

[Filmpros]

You do realize that you won't get out very far with that radio, antenna, and mounting location ... don't you?

If you just want to chat on a trail with folks close by ... it will probably serve you OK. You will find that in many cases ... with any distance between and your trail buddies ... you will not be heard ... especially in hilly terrain.

As long as that is OK with you the rig / setup will serve your needs. I know CB & 10 Meter Radios pretty well .... so if you want any advice, just let me know.

 

[NLXTACY]

You do realize that you won't get out very far with that radio, antenna, and mounting location ... don't you?

If you just want to chat on a trail with folks close by ... it will probably serve you OK. You will find that in many cases ... with any distance between and your trail buddies ... you will not be heard ... especially in hilly terrain.

As long as that is OK with you the rig / setup will serve your needs. I know CB & 10 Meter Radios pretty well .... so if you want any advice, just let me know.

Hey Rich, I could use the advice. I know nothing about CB or HAM but I want to have both. I am going for my HAM test on Sat. School me on what I need to know.

 

[rusty_tlc]

You do realize that you won't get out very far with that radio, antenna, and mounting location ... don't you?

If you just want to chat on a trail with folks close by ... it will probably serve you OK. You will find that in many cases ... with any distance between and your trail buddies ... you will not be heard ... especially in hilly terrain.

As long as that is OK with you the rig / setup will serve your needs. I know CB & 10 Meter Radios pretty well .... so if you want any advice, just let me know.

Any suggestions for converting a CB mag mount antenna with a base load to 10M operation?

 

[Miescha]

Hey Rich, I could use the advice. I know nothing about CB or HAM but I want to have both. I am going for my HAM test on Sat. School me on what I need to know.

Wait a minute - I think you should research this on your own, then do a big 'how to' project write-up so I can feel insecure about my own past projects, but gain the benefit of your hard work

 

[Miescha]

Any suggestions for converting a CB mag mount antenna with a base load to 10M operation?

I think you can probably do a google search and find this - which should involve just unwinding the transmitting element (wire) and shortening it to achieve an SWR match on 10m rather than 11m (depending on the antenna, you may be able to do this without unwinding the wire/element - I was able to get my 5' Firestick II down to 1:3 SWR on 10m just by removing the adjusting screw altogether).

In all honesty though, you'd probably be better off just buying another antenna - I only did it b/c I was traveling and didn't have quick enough access to another antenna.

Good luck!

 

[NLXTACY]

Wait a minute - I think you should research this on your own, then do a big 'how to' project write-up so I can feel insecure about my own past projects, but gain the benefit of your hard work

Oh I would totally rock the how-to and add in some extra flavor. I just need the basics to know what the hell I'm doing.

 

[Kofoed]

Any suggestions for converting a CB mag mount antenna with a base load to 10M operation?

Cut one inch off the whip, re-tune.

 

[Chaldaean]

Hello again,

As stated above, I bought a DIAMOND K400-3/8C TRUNK LIP ANTENNA MOUNT (pictured below) and I would like to know if I need to ground it. As shipped, it does not ground to the lift-gate, but, with a little modification per the instructions, you can make it ground.

Should I ground the mount?

.

 

[hj60]

It is my understanding that all antennae must be grounded.

 

[Miescha]

I'd definitely try it without grounding first and see how it works. If you don't like the performance, or the grounding process isn't difficult to perform (or reverse), then give it a try that way.

FWIW, no-ground-plane antennas do not require a ground.

 

[Brentbba]

Bringing this thread back to life.

Did you have to ground this mount or was the ground plane mounting to your hatch enough. Just bought the same mount for my new CB antenna.