CB Radio

[PA Rifleman]

Probably going to get a discone. Just haven't picked one up yet.

Cool. You probably know this already, but if not... diskcones have really low gain numbers. Like, almost unity. An RF amp will help offset line loss if it's a long run back to your radio (details).

Radio Shack sells a generic diskcone (product link), but like most it runs out of gas below 6M (50 MHz) and is a tad fragile. The upshot: easy to assemble, can pack into a tubular container and cheap. I'd have a look at more professional models (Diamond Discone D-130J comes to mind) since Rat Shack's has a SO-239 connector, which is a dead-giveaway they haven't a clue (or care about) return loss. The D-130 (product link) comes factory fitted with an N connector, which is *much* better suited to shorter wavelengths. The irony: there's $40 difference in price.

Post results, perspiring minds want to know.

[normanvin]

Mounted the antenna last nite. Still need to route the wire into the cab. And mount the radio.

[streaker69]

Mounted the antenna last nite. Still need to route the wire into the cab. And mount the radio.

When I had a pickemup truck a few years ago with a whip on the rollbar, I had routed the wire through one of the drain holes in the bed, along the frame rails and up through the firewall into the cab.

[normanvin]

When I had a pickemup truck a few years ago with a whip on the rollbar, I had routed the wire through one of the drain holes in the bed, along the frame rails and up through the firewall into the cab.

I was thinking along those lines. Or get a bulkhead fitting and go through the cab. Not crazy about drill holes in the truck.

[streaker69]

I was thinking along those lines. Or get a bulkhead fitting and go through the cab. Not crazy about drill holes in the truck.

If you look around on your firewall, you'll probably find a couple of rubber plugs that are already filling in holes. They're there for options that your truck doesn't have. You can normally just drill a hole just a little smaller than your coax and feed it through. That's what I've done on several occasions in cars and never once had a leak. But if you're concerned about leaks you can always seal around it with silicone.

[normanvin]

If you look around on your firewall, you'll probably find a couple of rubber plugs that are already filling in holes. They're there for options that your truck doesn't have. You can normally just drill a hole just a little smaller than your coax and feed it through. That's what I've done on several occasions in cars and never once had a leak. But if you're concerned about leaks you can always seal around it with silicone.

I think there also may be a plug at the back of the cab. I just have to crawl around a bit to look.

Warmer days are coming for that.

[Curmudgeon]

Did you mount the antenna to the box or to the truck body? Your antenna is going to require a good and proper RF ground to function efficiently and not risk damage to the output of your radio.

Just another thing to consider. If it is mounted to the box you can ground the box, you just need to make sure you are using a braided ground strap instead of a simple wire. Your antenna needs a radio frequency (RF) ground, not a DC ground.

[normanvin]

Did you mount the antenna to the box or to the truck body? Your antenna is going to require a good and proper RF ground to function efficiently and not risk damage to the output of your radio.

Just another thing to consider. If it is mounted to the box you can ground the box, you just need to make sure you are using a braided ground strap instead of a simple wire. Your antenna needs a radio frequency (RF) ground, not a DC ground.

Have not done that yet. Putting it on the list. thanks.

[Curmudgeon]

Have not done that yet. Putting it on the list. thanks.

If the antenna is mounted to the box, and the box is directly and metal-to-metal bolted to the truck body, you will likely not need to add an RF ground, but, given the vinyl runners the box appears to be sitting on I am assuming you will need it.

[normanvin]

If the antenna is mounted to the box, and the box is directly and metal-to-metal bolted to the truck body, you will likely not need to add an RF ground, but, given the vinyl runners the box appears to be sitting on I am assuming you will need it.

It is mounted to the tool box. The tool box is clamped to the bed. Th 2010s have a rubber guard around the edge of the bed. And the metal is painted. Best to just run a ground and be done with it.

I think I may even have some braided ground strap in the basement.