need some help on base

A place to ask questions about base setup for CB radios or HAM radios. Talk about your experiences, seek advice, and share knowledge.
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badwhiskey

need some help on base

#46395

Post by badwhiskey »

I have allways ran a mobile set up but considering a base at the house
I am thinking of buying a maco 5/8 and useing a spare galaxy 959 but there are some things I dont know??

1. I have some really picky neighbors...how do I stop interference on tv sets and other electronics on their end?

2. Can I mount the antenna to a peak of the house...or do I need a mast??

3. how far from trees do i need to be.....I found a gap between the trees right at the highest peak of the house!

4. last but not least....what kind of power supply and mic do i need....astatic or a rk 56??

5. thanks in advance for reply........
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231

Re: need some help on base

#46409

Post by 231 »

badwhiskey wrote:I have allways ran a mobile set up but considering a base at the house
I am thinking of buying a maco 5/8 and useing a spare galaxy 959 but there are some things I dont know??

1. I have some really picky neighbors...how do I stop interference on tv sets and other electronics on their end?
A: Make sure your set up is well grounded, low-pass filter, antenna grounded, and get the antenna as high as possible. Those are a good start. Keep your modulation and wattage reasonable and under control to reduce splattering. If you are splattering on your own stuff in the house, then chances are good you are hitting the neighbors as well.

2. Can I mount the antenna to a peak of the house...or do I need a mast??
A: Height is might. The higher the better. Not knowing your layout, I'd say do the best you can for now, but be safe and get it up in the air.

3. how far from trees do i need to be.....I found a gap between the trees right at the highest peak of the house!
A: Above them would be best. However, whatever is safe. I actually installed one of my Antrons (with ground plane kit) at the top of a 90' fir tree years ago. Worked great...provided I got the antenna above the tree. Some woods act like a sponge...for lack of better word. Theoretically wood is invisible to RF...but I know first hand close to a tree can affect it.

4. last but not least....what kind of power supply and mic do i need....astatic or a rk 56??
A: I've run mostly mobiles on the base. I actually prefer the flexibility of it. I use a 10amp power supply for most of my mobiles on the base, and 50 amp for the Cobra 200. I'm sure our sponsors here on the site can set you up with a decent quality one that will be reasonably priced. As far as the mic goes, it's preferrence. On the base I use my D104 Black Hawk...and hand held D104's in the mobiles.
Just my opinions and a bit of experience. Hope it helps a little. ;)
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PA629

#46418

Post by PA629 »

I apologize in advance, but, with tongue in cheek, I reply..... 8)

1. Tell the neighbors to move. In my old case, I was the first one in the neighborhood. No one asked them to move close to me. Now I'm outside the big city, so it really doesn't matter. And before, I couldn't have cared less if I came over their toaster or their kids' fillings.

2. Peak is good, mast might be better, whatever is highest.

3. Trees do have an effect on your signal. If they contact part of your 50' yagi boom length, cut 'em down. If you don't like chain saws, get a big amp and RF'em down.

4. 220V, 200A service (for the big amp). Mics: D-104 or Turner +3 are good choices. If you think you need a noise cancelling mic, 636 is good, RK56 is good if you need a deeper tone, and check out the SkyThumper 65 from Sparky's on this site, good mic, good price.

Again, j/k with some of my replies......... 8)
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Rex_foxhound

#46432

Post by Rex_foxhound »

PA629 wrote: If you don't like chain saws, get a big amp and RF'em down.
HAHAHAHA!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:
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Duck Commander

#46534

Post by Duck Commander »

ive used a stock mic alot on my base setups just cause it seems i get more modulation out of a stock or a non noise canceling cause come on in your house your not gona have road noise but i guess it also matters where in your house your gona have your station setup.
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badwhiskey

#46673

Post by badwhiskey »

If I mount the antenna up on the highest pitch of the roof...do I run ground wires directly to a rod in the ground??
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231

#46693

Post by 231 »

badwhiskey wrote:If I mount the antenna up on the highest pitch of the roof...do I run ground wires directly to a rod in the ground??
I typically do. Just a single #12 or #10 AWG should be fine from one of the u-bolts. It'd likely work without it...but I always run a ground wire on mine.

;)
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King Mudduck

#46954

Post by King Mudduck »

Mount the antenna in a tree if you can. The higher you can get the better off you will be as far as performance and interference.
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