CB antenna on ARB - ground? SWR?

[FJ40_owner]

Dual antennas require proper "phasing." You can make or purchase phasing feedlines. Phasing will make your antenna very directional, ie it will have strong front to back characteristics. That is why truckers use them.

 

[FJ40_owner]

This is a direct short. - Not good.

"The CB shows continuity at the coax input between the center hole and outside threads -"

Meter says the mount is grounded well. No short within the mount itself. The coax isn't shorted. The SWR meter isn't shorted at either coax input. The CB shows continuity at the coax input between the center hole and outside threads - I'm thinking this should be the case as there's circuit inside.

Any more guesses?

 

[MoJ]

I'm wondering where you guys wheel that a CB antenna on the roof won't get torn off 10' into the trail. Here in the PNW, overhanging trees are a constant companion. I'm trying to get a CB figured out for a trip this weekend and my head is reeling. I was all set to mount a 48" fiberglass antenna on the top of my ARB and buy a cheap Uniden 510 or the in-dash Cobra and head off into the woods.

Like many things on this board, there is just no concensus. With no roof rack to bolt it to, I am pretty much left with a mag mount on the roof, but I watched another guy have his ripped off several times on a run a couple months ago. Not interested. How short of an antenna could one get away with up there? I saw a little 6" fiberglass number at radio shack yesterday. How about duals on both ARB slots. Does that solve any problems, or just create more? Total FNG when it comes to CBs. Sorry.

Pick up a Barjan 16" flex rubber antenna from a truck stop, $15 or so. It's not good for long distance but it works great for talking between vehicles on the trail.

 

[1990 LJ78]

Better still just use frs /gmrs radios.
They are coming out with 13km range. (higher output) no extra antenna required.
Great for car to car and short range communications even have tones for privacy.. No licence required either.. Best of all they are cheap on the pocket.

VE3UOD

 

[Pskhaat]

GMRS licenses are required to get the higher output legally.

Plus, you're pumping 2-3+ watts inches from your head. GMRS is great, but more in a commerical mobile unit and a GMRS no-test license.

 

[C6H12O6]

Plus, unless everybody in the group is using those, I'm back to the same problem I am now. I'm sick of only being able to talk to the one guy on the trail with another cheapy Motorola handheld.

I'd love to go the ham route if more people were doing it around here.

 

[Pskhaat]

As for the GMRS vs. Ham thing. One way or the other folks simply have to learn to employ other methods than CB. FRS unfortunately as FCC mandated in a handheld is not IMO the way (could have been if it was able to have external antennae and set in a mobile box).

Anyway, GMRS does have its benefits including repeaters and ability to talk to FRS sheep, plus has no barrier to entry like Ham does, can't figure out why folks are so happy with CB. There's nothing wrong with AM nor 11m operation, just being limited to cheap electronics, and a mere 4 watts on a border HF band constrains it's usefulness. Ham is a better option, but it's tough to get people to switch.

 

[1990 LJ78]

Well Pskhaat up here we can by grms handhelds with up to 16km range right off the shelf no licence required..But they are a hand held.
I guess the best way to get more interest in ham radio is to start demonstrating it to your club members. Once they see and hear what it is all about and the benifits they just may get licenced.I can think of no better way ofcommunicating on the trail than with a ham VHF or UHF radio especialy if there is a repeater system in place..

 

[Pskhaat]

Ah yes, I really should have looked at your location or easily inferred it from your text

 

[1990 LJ78]

Pskhaat. Like I said in my last post
To me If you are in a club demo the ham radio so others can see, hear and discuss the benefits of it.. There are plenty of benefits.

cheers