Low Profile or Disguised Antenna Needed

[eltee49]

I know performance will suffer, but I need a low profile or stealthy antenna. They made (back in the 70's/80's) a CB antenna that looked like an AM/FM car antenna. It was made by (I think) Antenna Specialists, and it wasn't a simple car antenna with a splitter, it was an actual antenna designed for broadcast/receive. It was a solid rod with steps to simulate antenna sections.

Anyway, I now need a stealthy antenna. My choices are the on-glass ones that look like cell phone antennas, or like the Hustler RTM (mag mount, so I can hide it when not in use).

Any suggestions, ideas or product recommendations? Thanks.

[Guest]

YOUR IN LUCK THEY STILL MAKE THEM SOME OF ARE SPONSORS MAY HAVE THEM IF NOT PM ME AND I WILL GIVE YA ALINK WERE YOU MAY FIND ONE:Peace!:

[Guest]

A few years ago I found a nice little mag mount antenna at RS that looked like a cell phone antenna....it seemed to work pretty decent...is that what you are kinda looking for?

[LordDragr]

I just looked in my closet and I just happen to have a glass mount loaded antenna that is the cellular style you mentioned. It is still new I havent used it so the adhesive is intact. If you are interested send me a pm and we can work out details.

[Phaze91460]

You know, I remember from the 70's that stelth antenna. I havent herd or thought about that in years.

The Wilson 5000 Mag mount has some good comments and reviews. Could have a good antenna and still be able to remove it easily.

[jessejamesdallas]

Best disguised antenna, that I can ever remember seeing. Was on the side of a 18 Wheeler driving thru Dallas, about two year's ago, in December.

On each mirror, the guy had a Monkey Made antenna. However. Both also had those small fake Christmas Tree's strapped to them, with twinkle-light's! Looked great! Talked to the guy at the Flying J Truck-stop, off I-20. He told me it took him all weekend to figure out how to mount the tree's...

[eltee49]

OK, I've pretty much been convinced that the on-glass, cell phone lookalike CB antennas are not very good. I have another idea.

I was thinking about one of the more conventional antennas on a magnetic mount, and keeping it in the trunk (ultimate stealth) until I actually intend to CB. My questions then are:
1. Do most of them have enough flexibility to be curved while being stored in the trunk?
2. Is this a practical alternative?
3. How about a dual antenna system, a glass mount antenna for day to day use and a magnetic mount conventional antenna for higher performance when needed? I would keep the full size antenna in the trunk and either manually connect the antenna cable to the antenna in use or use a switch-box (if one is available).
4. Anyone / any shop in the San Francisco / San Mateo area available for installs and antenna tuning? I am prepared to pay for services, just don't know anyone/any store in the area that installs CBs.

I bought a new radio from Radio Active so now I need to work out the antenna system. Any thoughts? All info appreciated. THANK YOU.

[Punkin Head]

You could get a Wilson little wil if you are running barefoot or if you are going to run some power get a wilson 1000. if you are going to be taking it on and off of the car alot I would invest in a swr meter and learn to check the swr's. that way if the setup changes in anyway and they get too high you can see it and adjust them back down. the wilson mag mount antennas are flexible enough to be put in the trunk too and are not that expensive. check with some others to see what they advise and if you decide on a wilson check with some of our sponsors I am sure they have one or can get you one.

[jessejamesdallas]

Really, If having a cb antenna on the outside of your car is going to be a problem. Your best bet, is going to probably be to just go with a handheld CB Radio (walkie-talkie type).

These will get out just about as good, as a regular CB Radio using the "cellphone" thru-the-glass antenna...You will still have all 40 channels, just wont have near the receiving or transmitting distance. But should be good for 1/4 mile or better...

Then when thru talking, just slip the radio under the seat, and be done with it!.....just giving you another option.