New Firestik CB/ Radio Antenna Install

[tperry616]

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.

Awesome. I'd seen that people were still running them and hadn't seen any complaints. Glad to see that it's worked out. Thanks.

 

[TLC Norway]

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.

How far would you say the reach of the signals is? both in open terrain and in the woods...? I have a huuge magnetic foot antenna on the roof, but since i'm planning my roofrack i'm looking into this setup.
And you're running 4W 27band?

 

[GLTHFJ60]

How far would you say the reach of the signals is? both in open terrain and in the woods...? I have a huuge magnetic foot antenna on the roof, but since i'm planning my roofrack i'm looking into this setup.
And you're running 4W 27band?

I gotta look up what band CB is in the us, but I am pretty sure my radio does 5w transmission. I've never done a range test in the woods. Highway range was tested to be about a mile, but I don't know if the limiting factor was my truck or the other.

 

[1911]

I gotta look up what band CB is in the us

26.965 MHz (channel 1) through 27.405 MHz (channel 40), which is ~ 11 Meters.

but I am pretty sure my radio does 5w transmission.

4 Watts is the legal limit; many do not even do this out of the box, but any truck stop cb shop can "tune" it to get a few more watts out.

 

[Haggis]

I plan to do this install as well. I was wondering if anyone has used the dash speaker on the passenger side for their CB, and how easy/tough it would be to get at it and replace it if need be. It would be nice to not have an aux speaker rattling around under my dash.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

26.965 MHz (channel 1) through 27.405 MHz (channel 40), which is ~ 11 Meters.

4 Watts is the legal limit; many do not even do this out of the box, but any truck stop cb shop can "tune" it to get a few more watts out.

Thanks man Still getting up to speed on my radio lingo and knowledge.

 

[Elbert]

I plan to do this install as well. I was wondering if anyone has used the dash speaker on the passenger side for their CB, and how easy/tough it would be to get at it and replace it if need be. It would be nice to not have an aux speaker rattling around under my dash.

pull the dash pad or you may can get to it by pulling the glove box. I do recall a thread or post where someone did modify their setup by installing a speaker there.

 

[Haggis]

Thanks Elbert!

 

[kevinmrowland]

Just figured I would drop in and say that all the information in this thread is correct so far.
Nice work guys, and especially Johnny, I think you get a new title of WagonGear Press-Agent.

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 antenna, but maybe the 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).

Yup, I went thorough the options and found I liked the fire-ring setup the best. Since then Firestik has also been a great company to deal with.
Agree with the 4' mark as well, that is what I designed the setup for, 3' or 4' is just fine.

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?

Johnny got you covered on this one spot-on, take note of the text at the top of the antenna page on my site, that kind of explains things as well.

I plan to do this install as well. I was wondering if anyone has used the dash speaker on the passenger side for their CB, and how easy/tough it would be to get at it and replace it if need be. It would be nice to not have an aux speaker rattling around under my dash.

Haven't seen this yet, but the mount studs are there for it and it should work, I also think you can get to it if you just remove the glove box insert, pretty sure there is enough room to get in there.


As for range, these are just CB radios we are talking about.
The BEST spot for an antenna is smack in the middle of the roof, but if you are going for best, just switch to VHF.
The antenna mount is already there on the fender, I just decided to put it to use and roll with it, reception is surprisingly good, when in groups I always end up in the front or back since the range from our setup tends to be the best, I maintain that has nothing to do with my silly little mount though, and a lot more to do with the fact that I take the time to tune the setup.


KR

 

[IndianDoc]

I plan to do this install as well. I was wondering if anyone has used the dash speaker on the passenger side for their CB, and how easy/tough it would be to get at it and replace it if need be. It would be nice to not have an aux speaker rattling around under my dash.

Did just that in a chevy pickup worked like a dream. No rattle and it was easily heard too! I have not done it in my current FJ-60 as the speaker is shot!! So I'll just mount an aux speaker.

 

[Cruiserwaiter]

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.
View attachment 496455View attachment 496456

I have a 100 series looking to mount to my new slee rear bumper any ideas abut where and how to run the coaxial?and I'm useing the splitter for am/fm and getting rid of the factory antenna for a snorkel!

 

[jawjatek]

I plan to do this install as well. I was wondering if anyone has used the dash speaker on the passenger side for their CB, and how easy/tough it would be to get at it and replace it if need be. It would be nice to not have an aux speaker rattling around under my dash.

I installed a speaker here for my HAM rig. IIRC I pulled the glovebox out to do it.