My removable Outback rack CB antenna

[Riley]

I have what might be a unique set of requirements for my CB antenna system:

• I didn’t want to drill any holes in the body.
• I wanted to be able to quickly install and remove the antenna system because it only gets used for wheeling/camping trips.
• I wanted to be able to remove it and stashed out of sight when not in use.
• I wanted a very stable antenna system that wouldn’t get wacked by the many tree branches we have in BC.
• As best as possible performance as long as it didn’t interfere with other requirements.

So I decided that when not is use I would store the cable and antenna base in the PS rear storage compartment. I drilled a hole in the compartment to feed in the antenna cable from the console area of the truck where my Cobra 75 base unit is.

 

[Riley]

I then fabricated a bracket that would allow the “mirror mount” antenna bracket to fasten to the lower channel on my Outback roof rack. I used the special channel nuts from a pair of eyelets that are available from Slee. I’m not much at metal work but was able to bend some stock and drill 6 holes.

 

[Riley]

The entire base unit bolts on to the rack in about 5 minutes via the lower channel of the rack. Currently I have a 24” stick running on the base but I can change that to a short ducky or I suppose a 48” stick (but that’s kind of long given the location).

Yet to do is add a low inductance ground braid to make sure it’s well grounded to the rack. Not much of a ground plane but good enough for my needs.

The cable just exits the upper rear door and is held in place with a couple of zap straps. I have yet to tune the antenna.

 

[PHAEDRUS]

there is a swr meter in my closet if you need it.....
course its not as close any more, looks pretty good sir.
Dave