CB Radio Talk

Hey guys...I am a noobie to this forum, but i have got a question for yall. I have a cobra 18 STII radio. I also have a 2003 SIlverado. I just bought the stake hole mount for the antenna mount. I also ordered a 2ft Wilson TOp load antenna (this is my concern..hahah) I just read that i should have atleast half of my antenna above the roof line..which would mean tha ti need at least a 3ft. antenna if i am mounting in that location....Now i know a bunch of you are going to explain how to get the ULTIMATE preformance and so on by getting an 8ft whip on the roof...haha...but i really love the look of the stake hole mounts. Therefore i want to keep that...s

So basically i am asking you guys whether the 2ft antenna is going to be sufficient for just a basic CBer or do i need the 3ft to have any purpose of communicating on the high way?

Greetings from the sunny south !

As far as the antenna goes, Hight is might !

The taller you can go the better you will TX RX. Look at some of the past posts and you will find a lot of info on antennas and what ppl have found to be good ones.

Line of Sight, just keep that in mind.. anything that has a direct line of sight from your antenna is going to get the best reception. So the area in front of you is going to get what signal is either reflected off other surfaces, or passes through the cab of the truck. while the sides and behind you will get the best signal. So don't be surprised if you're talkin further behind you as you do in front of you.

As long as your antenna is not causing SWR above 2.5, which might damage your final transistors, especially if your running power, you can call yourself happy.
If you make the decision to sacrifice a bit of TX and RX quality for the look you want, be glad you live in a free country! :Peace!:

I agree that the stake hole mounts sure do look good, I have always wondered if I could but one on my truck and run the 10K on it, ....Do you think the stake hole mount would hold up to a 10K?

First off, welcome to the forum! :Peace!: And yes, most of us here are likely to try and sway you to maximize your performance. Including myself. What you have will probably work. How well it'll work is a relative question.

Down the street? Should be okay
Few miles? Probably...if it's quiet on the channel
More? Not likely...but possible.

Your mount should be fine with proper grounding. However, the antenna itself may experience some side reflection from the cab...depending on how close it is. This drives the SWR (standing wave ratio) up, and reduces performance. The idea of course would be to make what you have work the best it can. Personally I think 2' anything is so narrow banded, that it can be quite difficult to tune...let alone perform well. But that's just my experience.

I say try it. Worse thing that'll happen is you won't be happy.

Good to have you aboard.