Getting back into CB

[smitty74]

Hi All,

First, if this question has been asked, sorry. I recently bought a 1989 Jeep Grand Cherokee that is set up for a radio. The previous owner left the antenna, mounted with all the wiring is in tact I just need to get a radio and conect it. The current antenna needs to be replaced, it is a a Firestick II 3ft. The coil is below the roof line and the antenna is mounted on the drivers side rear quarter panel. I have no intention of changing the location since the holes are already drilled. My question is, do I gain anything from adding a spring to a 3ft, or should I just get a 4ft? Would a spring help with a 4ft as well? I have a pic of my current set up, but can't seem to post it.

[443 Arizona]

you wont be able to post pix until you've been here awhile(achieving 100 posts i think).
alot of jeep guys just want to have a radio to talk to each other while jeep'n but if you want to talk to anyone further than 1000 ft. i would change it.
your antenna location is not ideal and actually i think is bad using any short antenners. it will result in directional signal and poor performance. not to mention bad SWR's. best way to improve it would be to add a full length whip of about 108".
personally i would change location to rooftop centered. even a short ant there will be a major improvement.
otherwise, welcome to CBRT, what part of the world are you in?

[smitty74]

I got do much off roading. My main purpose will be for listening on the highway and around town. I will not be changing the location. So basically the only thing that will work well is 108" whip?

[MDYoungblood]

Changing the antenna to a longer one would be great, it would definitely improve reception, 4ft is what I say is minimum. I would forget the spring, most antennas are flexible enough to bend if an obstacle hits it and just a pain to adjust the SWR because it adds length, you want the antenna to stand as vertical as possible at speed. I would suggest if a 108" whip isn't possible a top loaded antenna, that will put most of the signal above the roof line, look at the Everhardt CB Antenna, 4ft model, http://www.wearecb.com/everhardt-cb-antennas/ (site sponsor), long enough to get a good SWR and short enough to miss most obstacles.
Being able to post pics will come soon, be patient.

3's

Greg

[smitty74]

Thanks Greg, that's more of what I was thinking. 108" whip is no possible where I live and travel.

[MDYoungblood]

They did make 5ft'ers at one time, search around to see if you can find one, the extra foot is worth it.

3's

Greg

[smitty74]

I was thinking of a 5.5 Francis

[Scipio Kid]

Hello Smitty, I'm new here too. Lots of great ideas and good advice.

Since every mobile installation is different, you'll have to experiment and decide how good is good enough for you? Just remember to keep your SWR’s in check or you’ll fry your radio.

I had a big SS whip on a little baja bug years ago and it got out as good as my base station. But it hit everything in sight when I forgot to tie it down which got embarrassing and even expensive (5 fluorescent light fixtures at McDonalds). So I put a little 3’ whip in its place and there was almost no difference. (The top load was above the roof line though.) If you can adjust your Firestick to a good SWR match and talk to your off-road buddies, why change anything? If it bothers you when someone can talk 30 miles and you can’t, then you can start looking at other options.

Good luck with your setup and let us know how it works out.

[dgbacb4148]

I'm quite sure you have enough information to get the best results for your needs. As mentioned by OP, keep the SWR in check regardless what you choose. Always nice to use mounting that's already there.......$$$$. Good luck and post when you get it resolved.
David g........

[smitty74]

Hello Smitty, I'm new here too. Lots of great ideas and good advice.

Since every mobile installation is different, you'll have to experiment and decide how good is good enough for you? Just remember to keep your SWR’s in check or you’ll fry your radio.

I had a big SS whip on a little baja bug years ago and it got out as good as my base station. But it hit everything in sight when I forgot to tie it down which got embarrassing and even expensive (5 fluorescent light fixtures at McDonalds). So I put a little 3’ whip in its place and there was almost no difference. (The top load was above the roof line though.) If you can adjust your Firestick to a good SWR match and talk to your off-road buddies, why change anything? If it bothers you when someone can talk 30 miles and you can’t, then you can start looking at other options.

Good luck with your setup and let us know how it works out.

Thanks for the info. When I get a radio I will make sure to match it. right now I'm just looking for basic stuff that fits the budget. The load on my 3ft firestorm starts about an inch below the roof line and the top sits above the roof. I'm hoping a 4ft firestick or a 5.5 francis will be better.

[smitty74]

I'm quite sure you have enough information to get the best results for your needs. As mentioned by OP, keep the SWR in check regardless what you choose. Always nice to use mounting that's already there.......$$$$. Good luck and post when you get it resolved.
David g........

Will do thanks Dave!

[Scipio Kid]

With your coil mostly above the roof line, you might be surprised at the performance it gets. The one I mentioned above was only an inch above the roof line and I could skip from coast to coast with it (on side band while sitting on an 8000 foot summit in the Wasatch Mountains ... Sometimes height is everything).

[smitty74]

With your coil mostly above the roof line, you might be surprised at the performance it gets. The one I mentioned above was only an inch above the roof line and I could skip from coast to coast with it (on side band while sitting on an 8000 foot summit in the Wasatch Mountains ... Sometimes height is everything).

I need to replace the FireStick that is currently on my rig, it's beat up pretty bad. I figured since I had to replace the antenna anyway why not go bigger

[443 Arizona]

ahh come on, just whip it, probably wont even have to be concerned with swr's.

[smitty74]

ahh come on, just whip it, probably wont even have to be concerned with swr's.

And hit every traffic light in town, no thanks.

[DevilDog66]

I would definitely go with the longer antenna (5.5 ft) you'll quickly find out that height is might! The most important part of the set up is your antenna, spend the most that you are able to for a good quality antenna and I think you will be pleased at the results. Firestik makes 5ft models that are really nice. The one thing I love about Firestiks are that they are a breeze to tune with that tuneable tip. However, I had a Fire Fly 3 foot antenna that I couldn't tune below 1.5 swr so I think I would go with the longer lengths.

[smitty74]

I would definitely go with the longer antenna (5.5 ft) you'll quickly find out that height is might! The most important part of the set up is your antenna, spend the most that you are able to for a good quality antenna and I think you will be pleased at the results. Firestik makes 5ft models that are really nice. The one thing I love about Firestiks are that they are a breeze to tune with that tuneable tip. However, I had a Fire Fly 3 foot antenna that I couldn't tune below 1.5 swr so I think I would go with the longer lengths.

I have been thinking about the francis hotrod 5.5. I have seen the firestick II 5ft online, but in one in my town sells them.

[443 Arizona]

dont forget about the radio shops here on CBRT, they will treat you right.

[DevilDog66]

I second what 443 Arizona stated, use our sponsors. I purchased a Sirio antenna from DNJ Radio and Joe is a great guy to deal with, really good customer service, and they help us keep the site up and running.

[smitty74]

I am always happy to help out sponsors. I will definitely give them a try.

-- Wednesday, 28 September 2016, 21:45 PM --

so just an update. I received an older Galaxy dx-99v and a 4ft firestick II from a co-woker of mine, that should get me stsrted. I have no idea if this is a good ratio or not, but it looks pretty fancy, so we'll see how it goes thanks for all the help and info

[Blue Ox2]

Hi Greg (aka MDYoungblood),
Along the same lines as getting back into CB, besides the CBRT group we have here, do you know of any local CB groups in our area?
Southcentral PA, Maryland, NJ ? Just a thought. All I seem to be seeing is out west or Europe.

I did see there is a flea market coming up in Egg Harbor.

[ Post made via Linux Laptop ]

[Double J]

What antenna did you end up with on the Jeep Cherokee?