Posted: 2/16/2008 11:43:31 AM EDT
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I want to set up a CB system in my car. I have a 03 VW golf. The main thing I am wondering about is if there are any antennas out there that I can get that won't be huge. I really only want channel 19 for info and everything. Is there a certain length that it has to be to be able to pick up channel 19, or does it matter mainly on the radio? I was thinking about getting a wilson 5000 for the base, or a lil wil or something. What affects the range the most? Is it what type of radio you have, or the base, or the actual whip itself? Thanks A Lot! |
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There are antennas that are smaller, some even look like cell antennas that stick on the rear window. The thing is with a smaller antenna you lose range on what you will pick up but more so for how far you transmit. I keep a hand held in my truck that has an antenna that is about a foot long if that and I can pick up for quite a distance but it seems I can't transmit very far at all. ETA: I keep it for the same reason you want, I turn it on for long trips or for heavy traffic where there shouldn't be. |
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If size is a issue with you then I would suggest but one thing. Use a "top loaded" antenna... That is one where the coil is wound at the top. IIRC I think it was called a FIRESTIK... EDIT: Here is more info... Looks like they have a 2ft... www.firestik.com/CatalogFrame.htm |
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Read and learn Short answer; Antenna length is proportional to the length of a radio wave you are trying to send/receive. The closer it is to either the actual length of the wave, or some fraction thereunto the more ability to send/receive a farther distance with a better SWR. (ratio of loss of broadcast signal) Most Firesticks, Wilson, etc. antenna's are base loaded antennas. Essentially, a specific length of wire coil wrapped around a fiberglass rod, with an adjustment mechanism built in somewhere along the length of the conductor. (the mechanism allows the overall 'length' to be 'tuned') The only 'real antennas' are usually the 9+ foot long 'steel whip' antennas which are tuned to be at 1/4 of the CB wavelength. Before you get any notions about base loaded antenna's being some magical thing, understand that HEIGHT IS IMPORTANT. Getting an extra foot higher can multiplicatively increase your range. Beyond the overall height, is the need for a PROPER GROUNDING PLANE. The antenna must 'bounce' the signal off your grounding plane in order to create the standing wave (the actual transmission) So if you do not mount it firmly to a solid well grounded object, (ie, large metal surface like the roof of a car, the bed of a truck, etc.) forget about the whole idea. This is why magnet mount antennas rarely get over a mile in perfect line of sight; they have no real conductive ground, relying only on the inductive ground the base's internal wire coil imparts on the object that the magnet is holding on to. That should be enough to get you started... E. ETA - if it wasn't apparent, my reply is devoid of any recommendations, because simply, every situation and every application has an appropriate solution; there is no 'one size fits all' answer. That said, I chose a 4' FireStik II for the passenger side stake pocket in the bed of my truck, and it's grounded properly from underneath. I broadcast at 1.2:1 SWR ratio, and can be heard for about 10 miles in mountainous Pennsylvania highway country. (I do not use illegal amps on my Midland radio) |
My personal favorites are Cobra 29LTD Classic or a Uniden PC76Xl (Malaysian made) get something that allows SWR calibration, have it peaked and tuned, I always had swing kits installed so they dead -keyed at 0 in case I wanted to add a linear....Goodness I miss OTR trucking.. |
