CB Antenna Mount & Locations

[NeilSmith]

I got a 4' Firestick and a Firestick door jamb mount. The mount comes with (2) 45 degree bends in it. I straightened it out so it would have a longer reach into the jamb. It comes with self-tapping screws but I wanted it to be tighter and easily removable in case I need to change a bulb, screws would loosen up too much. I used some nutserts and bolted it in tight. The coax runs out thru the lower inner quarter and up behind the bumper, behind tailight, and behind the black trim above the light. This secures the little extra slack and keep the cable nice and snug.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/0015-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/002-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/003-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/004-1.jpg

[cico7]

Good job on the install. Did you tune it?

[LWM]

Here is my recent install:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/07/DSCI0005-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/07/DSCI00041-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/DSCI00131-1.jpg

I did not get a chance to get it tuned yet but I will take care of that real soon.

[NeilSmith]

I did tune it. I bought a meter also. I can get it where it need to be but then when I put the rubber tip on it the needle moves up. Im thinking that when I take my roof rack off that will affect it also.

[cico7]

I did tune it. I bought a meter also. I can get it where it need to be but then when I put the rubber tip on it the needle moves up. Im thinking that when I take my roof rack off that will affect it also.
the Firestick website says an untuned antenna is just a stik.....

[NeilSmith]

the Firestick website says an untuned antenna is just a stik.....

it tuned fine. its the little rubber tip that affects it, cant seem to get the needle down low enough. it needs to be between 1 and 2, i can get it down to 1.5 but if i put the rubber tip on it shoots up to 3.5. am i making sense ? lol

[cico7]

it tuned fine. its the little rubber tip that affects it, cant seem to get the needle down low enough. it needs to be between 1 and 2, i can get it down to 1.5 but if i put the rubber tip on it shoots up to 3.5. am i making sense ? lol

the rubber wont affect the swr, but you may be pushing the tip down when you put the cap on. make sure all the doors are closed, lights off and coax unbent. a bend in the coax can change the swr.

[DetroitMarauder]

The rubber tip does effect the SWR. I read that somewhere in the FAQs on Firestik's website. I used the NGP mount as well.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/IMG_1704-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/IMG_1705-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/IMG_1707-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/IMG_1708-1.jpg

[jcoulter]

IIRC you are supposed to tune with the tip in place. It does affect the SWR. Also IIRC as long as you're under 2 you're OK. 1.5 is better though.

[NeilSmith]

i was trying to do it with the tip in place, just cant seem to find the sweet spot with it on there. gonna try again though. the instructions that came w/ the meter arent as good as the ones on firesticks website.

[cico7]

IIRC you are supposed to tune with the tip in place. It does affect the SWR. Also IIRC as long as you're under 2 you're OK. 1.5 is better though.

You can't tune it with the rubber tip in place. You can not reach the set screw to tighten it with the rubber cap on and when you take the cap off, you are likely to move it again. That being said, I am open. Are we talking about the same rubber tip? Post the instructions...
Detroit, I like your mount. Mine is in about the same place.

I will concede:
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

[pjmjr508]

cico7 thanks for posting that, I also have a FS & have to re-adjust mine as well.

[NeilSmith]

Well, Firestick worked wonderfully. For those of you familiar with Flagpole Knob, I was at the campsite on the summit and was talking to Cico who was 5 minutes outside Harrisonburg. Not sure how far that is but its a nice little distance, almost an hour drive.

[cico7]

it is 11 miles from the grocery to the top (by road anyway)
and 15? to Hburg?

Well, Firestick worked wonderfully. For those of you familiar with Flagpole Knob, I was at the campsite on the summit and was talking to Cico who was 5 minutes outside Harrisonburg. Not sure how far that is but its a nice little distance, almost an hour drive.

[NeilSmith]

yeah I measured 13 from grocery, takes forever though since you can only drive 4mph up there. We measured 28.5 from Sheetz using a gps.

[lekmedm]

This is my solution:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/Photo0146-1.jpg


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/Photo0147-1.jpg


Turned outside:
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/PB181668-1.jpg


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/PB181670-1.jpg


Inside:
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/PB171672-1.jpg


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/PB181666-1.jpg



The mount is a standard ground plane setup.

[Matt]

^^ looks good man.

Would definitely want to add a spring base at a minimum though... those sticks don't have much flex, and don't know of any wheeling spots around where you won't be hitting branches with it.

[lekmedm]

^^ looks good man.

Would definitely want to add a spring base at a minimum though... those sticks don't have much flex, and don't know of any wheeling spots around where you won't be hitting branches with it.


Thanks!


Yeah, I already discussed the spring idea on another forum. I just need to get around to buying one.

[NeilSmith]

firestick recommends a spring on every antenna

[cico7]

firestick recommends a spring on every antenna
Springs take stress off the mount as well as the antenna sticking 3 ft into the trees.
It really does double duty.

[pjmjr508]

Like this better than how I have mine setup,
Thanks for sharing

[lekmedm]

firestick recommends a spring on every antenna


OK, OK... Sheesh...! :rolleyes:


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/09/Photo0189-1.jpg

[BonesWK]

got mine all mounted up this past weekend

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/IMAG0129-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/04/IMAG0130-1.jpg

[AJeepZJ]

Looks good dude!

[lekmedm]

Cool runnings...!

[Matt]

Bringing this back up.... For some reason my SWR's are still in the high 2's (2.7ish) which is OK, but indicates there's a deficiency somewhere. My cable is properly terminated, is 18ft long, my mount is grounded, but I think I have insufficient ground plane still. I'm mounted off the front bumper and am running a ground wire directly to the frame rail. Everything checks out with the ohmmeter.

I'm thinking that, for whatever reason, the hood isn't acting as a good ground plane. Thinking of changing over to a NGP cable & antenna. Thoughts?

[DetroitMarauder]

Does it have a tunable tip? Would that bring the SWRs down? I have firestik's NGP mount and antenna and have had no issues. My SWR reading is about 1.5.

[Matt]

Tuning equalizes the SWR between all of the channels. Like if the SWR is high on the high channels and lower and the low channels you would tune the antenna to even it out. I'm above 2.4 for all channels so tuning won't really help here.

I'm thinking NGP setup is needed for my mounting location.

[Sal-XK]

I'm having the exact same issues with mine and makes no sense to me either. NGP might be worth looking into for sure.

[Matt]

....but i like my stars&stripes antenna :( lol

As long as im not the only one having the issue.

[Sal-XK]

....but i like my stars&stripes antenna :( lol

As long as im not the only one having the issue.

Ya mine is pegged in the red but it still works great off road and I used it on the highway once and had no issues.

[1USMC]

Ya mine is pegged in the red but it still works great off road and I used it on the highway once and had no issues.

I once had a new installation that I could not figure out why I could not get the SWR down, it drove me crazy !! ( or at least that is the excuse I use). After much trouble shooting, even asking some pro's to help me .... I finally figured it out myself when I checked the continuity from the base of the antenna to the the adjustable tip. It was open !!! The new antenna had the wire broke somewhere between the base and the tip. Because it was a new antenna, it was replaced w/o charge. The replacement worked great. But it was an odd one that only rarely happens.

I would not want to use your radio very much, if have that much reflective power coming back to your radio, it could possibly do damage to it over time.

[Matt]

I only use it a few times a year, when wheeling, so im not too concerned about damaging my CB with that limited use. However it still bugs the hell out of me! Never thought of checking the continuity in the antenna.... will have to check that out thanks!

[Sal-XK]

I only use it a few times a year, when wheeling, so im not too concerned about damaging my CB with that limited use. However it still bugs the hell out of me! Never thought of checking the continuity in the antenna.... will have to check that out thanks!

Me to only use it a few times a year. I'll look into that and see what happens.

[Matt]

Checked my antenna... continuity is good.

Does the size of the grounding wire make a difference? I'm using 18 gauge which I figured was plenty for a CB, hell it only has 4 watts of output. But wondering if the grounding wire maybe needs to be a larger gauge for some reason, possibly due to reflecting waves as opposed to electricity flow...

[1USMC]

Checked my antenna... continuity is good.

Does the size of the grounding wire make a difference? I'm using 18 gauge which I figured was plenty for a CB............

Some say 12 gauge or better. I have used the wide battery grounding straps before. Most of my problems have been with the coax cable. I also ground all my radios, etc etc..I have to leave the hotel in a few minutes to go to work so I don't have time for more details at the moment. The continuity check of the antenna was a long shot ...but..... So Here is a link for a few easy quick checks , hope one of them helps... http://firestik.com/Tech_Docs/swr-trblshoot.htm

[Matt]

Wow how did i miss that! I have some 10ga in my electronics drawer... going to throw that on to see how it changes!

That's the ONLY thing on that list I havent checked off

[Sal-XK]

Checked my antenna... continuity is good.

Does the size of the grounding wire make a difference? I'm using 18 gauge which I figured was plenty for a CB, hell it only has 4 watts of output. But wondering if the grounding wire maybe needs to be a larger gauge for some reason, possibly due to reflecting waves as opposed to electricity flow...

I used a 12ga wire.

[Matt]

Just swapped in some 10gauge wire and it definitely helped... both Ch1 and Ch40 SWR's are below 2.5 now where before Ch40 was just about into the 3's.

Still not as good as i'd like... but better nonetheless.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/08/20120819142533-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/08/20120819142527-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2012/08/20120819143019-1.jpg

[NeilSmith]

my mount is bolted directly to the body, that may very well be your problem.

[Matt]

I'm pretty sure the hood is the problem. As steve mentioned, our hoods are non-magnetic aluminum. So even though we're grounded to the frame, the we're lacking sufficient "ground plane" which is created by the nearby metal plate to reflect the wave.


Who should use an NGP system? Here are some probabilities. Those with ...

* Fiberglass or plastic vehicles
* Hot air balloons
* Wilderness back pack frames
* Fiberglass pick-up bed caps
* Aluminum and/or fiberglass boats and canoes
* Aluminum and/or fiberglass cab-over campers (antenna on camper)
* Aluminum and/or fiberglass travel trailers

[lekmedm]

I think the hood is fiberglass.

Sorry. I just saw the next post. Fiberglass or aluminum, it's still not enough for grounding.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

[Matt]

Yeah I think i'll live with the ~2.5 SWRs and if/when i need a new antenna or coax, i'll get the NGP setup.

[Sal-XK]

Yeah I think i'll live with the ~2.5 SWRs and if/when i need a new antenna or coax, i'll get the NGP setup.
X2

[06JeepXKHEMI]

This is my solution:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/Photo0146-1.jpg


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/Photo0147-1.jpg


Turned outside:
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/PB181668-1.jpg


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/PB181670-1.jpg


Inside:
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/PB171672-1.jpg


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/PB181666-1.jpg



The mount is a standard ground plane setup.

Reviving this thread/post... I like this mount idea, where can I find that bracket? I have my cb already but I need to run antenna..

[lekmedm]

This mount is from Firestik model SS-174.

Merry Christmas!

[The_War_Wagon]

ANYONE thought about/tried/SUCCEEDED in mounting a cb, around the shifter? Is that plastic section just AHEAD of the shifter, modular? If I could pull that whole PIECE out, dropping in a nice CB should be a snap!

I like the mounting possibilities on the far lower left-hand section of the dash (pulling down the tray and taking out that little storage cubby to put it in there). I DON'T like the idea of having to run a remote speaker... somewhere... and having to mount THAT. Sticking it in/around the shifter, should leave it in such a position, that I can hear the factory speaker.

[07JeepXK]

I don't think the area above the shifter is deep enough to install a CB

[The_War_Wagon]

I don't think the area above the shifter is deep enough to install a CB

I don't mind if it sticks up/out a bit - I can still hear the factory speaker that way.

I'm going to Nashville the second weekend in September though, so I'm thinking, my CB & scanner are going in NEXT week sometime, so I'm running out of mounting options. This is starting to look like a better idea each time. In fact I might take THIS: http://www.cbcity.com/item/6-Pedestal-Mount-1421


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/07/T2eC16NHJFwFFGE03H9BRwyj21T1Vw7E7E60_57J-1.jpg


And mount it beside the right-hand power socket in front of the shifter, and mabe add THIS:

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png http://www.ftldist.com/universal-cb-radio-mounting-base.html


Just to make sure I have a REALLY good, offset mount to it!

[1USMC]

War Wagon;

Sounds like you already have a full feature CB. I'm not sure if you want to add the extra expense of getting another one, but if you did the Cobra 75 WX ST is a VERY compact radio with the hand control containing all the controls to include the speaker. Its not a totally full feature nor SSB capable, but works great for normal roading and wheeling and makes finding a place to install it much easier !

Here is a link for anyone interested in a detailed review, to include how to adjust its modulation output > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ASM0MDrMvE

Owners Manual link > http://www.ftldist.com/media/manuals/75WXST.pdf

Here is another link ( that you have already seen ) for an installation example in a XK for others reading this if it helps > http://www.theultimatejeep.com/showthread.php?2026-My-Commander-s-Communications-Suite

[Matt]

Another compact radio option is the Midland 75-822. I had the Cobra 75 WX ST and there's two main things I like better about the Midland:

1) I don't have to hide the antenna box somewhere under the dash.
2) The midland can be switched over to a handheld in seconds. This comes in handy allowing you to use it in over vehicles, or on the trail if you wanted to help spot someone (i've done this on numbers occasions).

http://www.theultimatejeep.com/showthread.php?792-Matt-s-Garage&p=23734&viewfull=1#post23734

[lekmedm]

My latest setup. Trying it out for now.

2027

Aspen Creek has some bracket for the WK that hides a small CB inside the dash so you just have a plug for the handheld controls.

Sent from wherever my Jeep takes me.

[1USMC]

The midland can be switched over to a handheld in seconds.....

http://www.theultimatejeep.com/showthread.php?792-Matt-s-Garage&p=23734&viewfull=1#post23734



I would like that advantage to easily convert it to a portable also !




My latest setup. Trying it out for now.



Sent from wherever my Jeep takes me.



That will work (Looks like a cobra lx ?) ... where do you think you might mount the scanner now ?

I also have used suction cup, inside window mount scanner antennas that worked well and didn't stand out.

[lekmedm]

What do you mean by scanner?

Sent from wherever my Jeep takes me.

[1USMC]

What do you mean by scanner?

Sent from wherever my Jeep takes me.

It was War Wagon that had said he was going to install a CB & Scanner. I asked that question in the wrong spot. Sorry first time I have ever done that, (sure) ,, LOL :-)

[The_War_Wagon]

War Wagon;

Sounds like you already have a full feature CB. I'm not sure if you want to add the extra expense of getting another one, but if you did the Cobra 75 WX ST is a VERY compact radio with the hand control containing all the controls to include the speaker. Its not a totally full feature nor SSB capable, but works great for normal roading and wheeling and makes finding a place to install it much easier !

Here is a link for anyone interested in a detailed review, to include how to adjust its modulation output > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ASM0MDrMvE

Owners Manual link > http://www.ftldist.com/media/manuals/75WXST.pdf

Here is another link ( that you have already seen ) for an installation example in a XK for others reading this if it helps > http://www.theultimatejeep.com/showthread.php?2026-My-Commander-s-Communications-Suite


What do you mean by scanner?


It was War Wagon that had said he was going to install a CB & Scanner. I asked that question in the wrong spot. Sorry first time I have ever done that, (sure) ,, LOL :-)

Sorry - guess I better explain my intended setup!

Uniden 980 SSB

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png


A little boost (http://www.dnjradio.com//product_info.php?cPath=22_23&products_id=31&osCsid=6ca613745393c2e5027d3a7aaf495b9b)... :rolleyes:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/07/kl200p-1.gif


And some 'drone defense!' I'm still going eeny-meeny-miny-mo at this point! :confused:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/07/557112769_tp-1.jpghttps://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png
https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png I THINK I can cram either of the two Uniden scanners into the space on the lower left-hand part of the dash (drop the tray and clear out the whole bracket from the backside). I like the Close Call RF Capture capability of the latter two especially.

[The_War_Wagon]

Sooooo... I've decided, that I like THIS kind of mount for my CB antenna (although I'm going to mount mine higher up than this)


I got a 4' Firestick and a Firestick door jamb mount. The mount comes with (2) 45 degree bends in it. I straightened it out so it would have a longer reach into the jamb. It comes with self-tapping screws but I wanted it to be tighter and easily removable in case I need to change a bulb, screws would loosen up too much. I used some nutserts and bolted it in tight. The coax runs out thru the lower inner quarter and up behind the bumper, behind tailight, and behind the black trim above the light. This secures the little extra slack and keep the cable nice and snug.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/0015-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/002-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/003-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/004-1.jpg


And I'm gonna go THIS route with my scanner antenna;


I've been itching to get my CB antenna mount off the roof and down by the fender. Well, this is what I've come up with:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/06/20130601_142421-1.jpg (http://s701.photobucket.com/user/lekmedm/media/Jeep/20130601_142421.jpg.html)


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/06/20130601_142745-1.jpg (http://s701.photobucket.com/user/lekmedm/media/Jeep/20130601_142745.jpg.html)


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/06/20130601_143145-1.jpg (http://s701.photobucket.com/user/lekmedm/media/Jeep/20130601_143145.jpg.html)


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/06/20130601_143154-1.jpg (http://s701.photobucket.com/user/lekmedm/media/Jeep/20130601_143154.jpg.html)


I ran out of time to move the stud and run the cable, but you get the idea. :cool:


Since my coax running out the back is easy enough, that leaves figuring out HOW to get the scanner cable through THIS! :confused:

[The_War_Wagon]

Nothing here you guys haven't seen before; for those of you down south and out west, the orange stuff is called oxidation. Or rust. :eek:


I THINK I can wedge the scanner in the opening... but what do I do with that rusty bracket behind it? Can it be "resized?" Bent? Removed? Is it load-bearing, or what?

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/07/Dash_zps38627bb0-1.jpg

Where can I push some coax through all this?

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/07/Dash2_zpsd9e37fbe-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/07/Dash1_zpse209f686-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/07/Dash3_zpsa4ac0534-1.jpg


Should I try and run the coax and power cable out the side?

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/07/Dash9_zpsf9868285-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/07/Dash6_zpscbf880fd1-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/07/Dash7_zps947ec857-1.jpg


I see pictures of finished products - I NEED pictures of underdash work - especially how coax and power cables are getting through the firewall!!!

[lekmedm]

For mounting your scanner, have a look at this bracket from Aspen Creek (http://www.aspencreekoffroad.co/interior/wk-cb-mounting-bracket-for-cobra-75wxst/). Maybe it would work?

Do you have the 4.7L or 5.7L engine? I have the 5.7L and use a grommet in the firewall where the throttle cable passes through on other models since the hemi is drive-by-wire.

[The_War_Wagon]

For mounting your scanner, have a look at this bracket from Aspen Creek (http://www.aspencreekoffroad.co/interior/wk-cb-mounting-bracket-for-cobra-75wxst/). Maybe it would work?

Do you have the 4.7L or 5.7L engine? I have the 5.7L and use a grommet in the firewall where the throttle cable passes through on other models since the hemi is drive-by-wire.


ALWAYS looking for brackets (WAIT'LL you see how I mount the CB!), so I'll check that out.

Mine's a 4.7, for reference. I'm not opposed to fuse-blocking it, but the last time I did that with a CB, my old Bronco still had glass tube fuses! :eek:

[1USMC]

this bracket from Aspen Creek (http://www.aspencreekoffroad.co/interior/wk-cb-mounting-bracket-for-cobra-75wxst/). .


Thanks for that link !... I'm with The War Wagon and always looking for brackets ! Wish I had seen this one before I did my CB install.


....and use a grommet in the firewall where the throttle cable passes through on other models since the hemi is drive-by-wire.

I used that same passage along with drilling another one close to it. Sorry I'm not currently at home so I can't take any photos at this time.