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Message |
    
Tedison
New member
Username: Tedison
Post Number: 1
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 29, 2004 - 8:28 pm: | 
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Hello! Well I haven't had a radio in YEARS but I'm hoping to get back into it REAL soon. But I need your help.
I'm going to be buying "new" from copper and need help with the following:
1. Radio selection. I want a nice, expandable, freq counter type radio that is receptive to modification but will STILL have a tight receive and good modulation without any extra amp.
2. A decent antenna system.
Now heres the problem{s} and where I need your experience and guidance. I have a mounting location picked out for the radio in the Chevy. What I have absolutely NO clue is, what type/where to put an antenna. I do NOT want a large antenna on top of the roof. So I was wondering if something like this might work: If I made an adapter that fit inside one of the stake holes in the bed...like right behind the drivers side of the cab..and this adapter had the ability to swivel a Wilson 1000 ACROSS the width of the bed so I could fold/raise it whenever I wanted to. You get the picture I'm describing? In the folded position it would stretch from the drivers side of the bed to the passenger side, right on the front edge on top of my tonneau cover. What I'm wondering is if this location would be enough of a ground plane to do any justice to a decent radio? I run with the tonneau cover on btw. You think it's worth while attempting this? Is it feasible? Will the SWR's be ridiculous??
I simply want the ability to fold the antenna away when I'm not using it. I'm a consultant and frequent parking garages alot. My truck barely fits as it is and I know I'll forget and it only takes once!!
I REALLY enjoyed my years on the radio and hopefully, look foward to starting out again...and maybe working a little DX from my Mobile!!!
I look foward to reading your suggestions. I'm looking to stay around $350ish radio and antenna.
I'll also be browsing(as I have been the last 2nights)all the previously posted info on radio/antenna recommendations.
THANKS!!
Tedison |
Sanddiegoduner
New member
Username: Sanddiegoduner
Post Number: 8
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, July 29, 2004 - 9:37 pm: |
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I used to have a Hustler 10 meter antenna that was on a 36-48" fold over mast. The folding point would let the antenna fold over the bed (antenna was mounted on left side of the rear bumper). The coil was about 15" down from the tip of the antenna and it worked pretty well. There are lots of better antennas out there but at the time and location of my antenna it worked pretty well. I'm kind of in the same boat as you (2002 silverado extra cab) and just getting back into radio again. I plan on using the same fold over mast with a wilson 5k trucker antenna. I'll just have to shorten my coax by what ever extra length the fold over mast is compared to the 10 inch mast on the wilson trucker. Hustler sells the mast seperately if you were interested in going the same route I am. |
Crackerjack
Intermediate Member
Username: Crackerjack
Post Number: 172
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 29, 2004 - 10:37 pm: |
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Go Magnum 257. Of course you will want a 102" whip on the rear driverside of that dude? |
Stepchild
Intermediate Member
Username: Stepchild
Post Number: 129
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 29, 2004 - 10:57 pm: |
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Tedison,I also have a 2000 Silverado and the bed of my truck did not have a ground strap from the bed to the frame and I couldn't get my swr's down til I ran a ground wire from the mount to the frame.BTW if your load on the antenna isn't above or level with the cab,you will tend to have SWR trouble.Also if you mount your antenna on the side it will be directional.I'm sure you will get lots of helpful info.from the tech's along with everyone else.These are a GREAT bunch folks who have a boat load of info.Good luck,Stepchild |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 3143
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 29, 2004 - 11:33 pm: |
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Tedison,
WELCOME TO THE COPPER FORUM!
What we use on all of our vehicles trucks and cars is the Wilson 1000 Mag Mounts.
Tried the whips in the past and did not like the directional properties of them.
We run a Snow plowing business and with the whips we found a lot of places that we could not reach the drivers because of the directional properties.
We changed 100% to the Wilsons and have had no more problems and the performance has been equal to the whips and sometimes a lot better.
The Wilsons have alwas given us Great Performance and No Problems.
And with 30+ years in the radio business we have tried about every kind of antenna made at one time or another.
The main thing is to make sure that the cab or bed is grounded to the frame for the best results. performance.
Just my nickels worth.
Lon
Tech808 |
Dx431
Advanced Member
Username: Dx431
Post Number: 889
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 2:01 am: |
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Any ant will be directional mounting them off center of the vehicle.The only reason people have a problem with the whip is because of the length. Mount a 102" whip in the center of any vehicle and it will outperform some of the high dollar ants. I run the 102" ss whip on my pick up in the center of the front bedrail and get flowers everytime I key the mic no matter what direction I'm driving. |
Cm3885
Advanced Member
Username: Cm3885
Post Number: 528
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 3:37 am: |
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I just replaced my Wilson 1000 (im giving it to my G/F for her ride) with a very good used Wilson 5000. Great antenna and just like the W-1000 built like a tank!!! Ive owned Wilson antennas for over 10 years and ive never had a better antenna for the $$$. Very reliable!!!
BTW, Lon what whips are you referring to? The 102" whips or the Wilson fiberglass silverloads?? |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 3146
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 8:06 am: |
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Cm3885,
We have tried the Wilson Silver loads which had a tendency to Brake off of the Stud Mounts when hitting trees or other objects.
We have tried the 102 Stainless Whips which was pretty much useless when we continually had to get out of the trucks and fold them down to plow a lot of areas and then get out and let them back up.
This tended to get very tiring after a while when going from place to place.
The Wilson 1000's have given us Excellent performance and performed as well and better than the 102 whips and silver loads for our use / applications.
And the Wilson Mag mount's allows the Antenna to be knocked over if we hit somthing without major damage to the antenna or trucks.
And the Wilson 1000 Mag Mount Antennas also allow us to remove them quickly and place them inside the trucks at night to prevent theft.
They just work 100% better for our use and applications.
Lon 
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Crackerjack
Intermediate Member
Username: Crackerjack
Post Number: 174
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 10:22 am: |
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Lon:
They are good antennas. We have a "Portable" U-Pro 510xl/KL-40 glued to the bottom/and the Wilson you speak of that we place in cars that go with us to Mexico.
They are easy to get a flat 1:1 out of, and like you said, easy to hide.
Oh, and they work. |
Moonshadow
New member
Username: Moonshadow
Post Number: 4
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 5:27 pm: |
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Tedison, that was my biggest thing when hooking all of this up. I can't have my antenna on the roof, I work for a hospital and every now and then I have to park in parking garages. I don't have time to jump out, take the antenna off and hold up traffic, but I also drive a car that fits through the garage decently |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 3154
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 6:35 pm: |
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Moonshadow,
Have you heard about our CEF Membership yet?
Check out the Topic: CEF NETs DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THEM? located here in the Open Section of the Forum.
We would enjoy adding More Ladies to our CEF Membership.
And if you get the chance come join us on Sundays for the CEF Nets and in the Copper Chat Room. 
Lon
Tech808 |
Diggerodell
Member
Username: Diggerodell
Post Number: 67
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 9:45 pm: |
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thank you techs the wilsons are great antennas!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Moonshadow
New member
Username: Moonshadow
Post Number: 6
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 11:08 pm: |
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LOL, funny you should ask....
The boss and I were just talking about that. He is considering this as well! |
Tedison
New member
Username: Tedison
Post Number: 2
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, July 31, 2004 - 6:52 pm: |
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Wow..some great info here. Looks like I ought be be satisfied with a wilson 1000 mag mount. I'll just have to remember to remove it and place it in the cab when parking in garages:-)
Sandie, I think I'm going to go "magnetic" so I can move this setup to my other vehicles, but an excellent suggestion. I'm thinking of making another "pad" again, just in front of the first stake hole in the bed, drivers side and maybe I can plop the wilson on that. Sure, I'll keep an eye on the swr's and see what happens. I'll also throw a bed ground strap on(body is already strapped). When I need "optimum" get-out power, I'll plop it on the roof!!!
I'm also looking/thinking about the magnum 257...seems like a good radio:-)
I'm going to keep reading/learning.
Thanks for all your suggestions. I'm starting to dig into all my old CB stuff, it's amazing how many contacts/friends I've lost/forgot about over the last 17 years. I was 2AT-1000 back in the dx days:-) I actually got into that group on the ground-floor and could have had a lower number if I wanted, but I picked the highest one allowed(at the time)!!!
Tedison |
Cbblackbeard
Member
Username: Cbblackbeard
Post Number: 75
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, August 08, 2004 - 5:28 pm: |
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DX431,
How exactly is your 102" whip mounted? What do you do about low bridges? How high off the ground is that thing?!?!?! How far do you get out? Are you running an amp? |
Bc910
Junior Member
Username: Bc910
Post Number: 23
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 2:29 am: |
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Here goes:
1992 Escort Wilson 1000 on the roof, no problems!
1983 Supra with a R/S coil type mag on roof, no problems!
1964 Mustang with stock looking fm/cb ant worked like •••• but no problems!
1995 Camaro with glass mount worked like •••• but no problems!
1963 VW Bug with Wilson 1000 on roof no problems!
1976 GMC 3/4 ton 3" lift/33" tires with 102" whip mounted behind the cab no problems!
1987 Civic with Wilson 1000 no problems!
1997 Dodge Ram with R/S coil type no problems!
1994 Ford bronco with R/S coil type no problems!
This post proves two things:
1: I have owned a lot of cars since I was 16 (1996) they keep getting blown up, wrecked, broken, or I get bored 
2: I have had a heck of a lot of car/antenna combos and have had no problems with low clearances, etc. If you want simple just use a 102" whip mounted on the bumper with a spring. Mount it on the bumper so it's lower, only problem is it won't perform as well  and it may scrape some things but as long as there is no over head lights to take out your ok! so what if a whip scrapes, if any thing it will only bend and with a spring it probably wont do that! and if it does break or bend too much then buy a new one what are they, like 15 bucks? Otherwise I would go with a Wilson mag mount on the roof if you need the low clearance it's not all that hard to get out and lay it down. BTW My Dodge had the antenna mounted inside the passenger stake hole, worked fine! Not even too directional! And the other option is a short firestick (or like) antenna these antennas are top loaded, since the signal radiates from the load this means you can get a firestick that just clears the roof and the radiation will too! That's probably the way I would go, that's what I'm gonna do on my bronco soon for the same reason. As far as a radio is concerned...My suggestion would be the new Magnum S9 i have never bought or used a radio that impressed me as much as this one did, streight out of the box even! 1.5 watts-45, 26.000 MHZ-something like 35.000MHZ Whatever it is, It's A LOT! AM/FM/SSB/PA didgital echo etc. Like I've said on other posts, I have owned 148's, grants, 2950's, 2510, dx99v, 29, 25, lincoln, etc and by far this one is my favorite so far!
That’s just my 2 cents
BC
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Sanddiegoduner
Junior Member
Username: Sanddiegoduner
Post Number: 22
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 1:14 am: |
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Well guys... needless to say I have not been able to get my antenna system to work properly. I have a 2002 Silverado X-cab with a Wilson 2000 trucker mounted right behind the cab in the center on a 20" mast. The coil is approx. 3-4" above the cab height with 18' of 9913 type coax (cablexperts CXP1318FX). My swr readings are in the 3 range and no amount of tuning will bring it down. I have triple checked the coax and I'm certain it's not shorted. I ground the antenna mount, cab, and bed directly to the frame and I read no resistance between all of these items. I checked my coax from the radio side and its at the same zero resistance on the shield with infinte resistance for the center conductor and ground. I have tried a different antenna. I have used different coax running out in the open to the same antenna/mount combo. I tried two different radios with different power settings tuned to the same level of output. I tried the internal swr meter from one of the radios with the same results as the RS meter I have had for a few years. What are my options other than cutting coax and relocating the antenna? I don't mind cutting the coax but don't want to hack this piece to bits as it's expensive stuff. I prefer to leave the antenna behind the cab and I don't want to run a magnet mount or drill a hole in the cab. I'll have to get a few pictures of my setup so you guys know whats going on with it. |
Bc910
Junior Member
Username: Bc910
Post Number: 26
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 12:25 pm: |
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If I remember correctly (maybe someone can correct me if I am wrong) take an ohm meter and read the impedance between the center connector and the outside connecter on the coax at the radio side, I believe it should read somewhere close to 50 ohms. If it doesn't then something’s wrong. Check resistance between the center coax on radio side and antenna side, do the same with the outer connector. There should be almost none. Check the impedance, that's the most important at this point. Since you have checked the coax and you say that's good, you should try checking your antenna mount itself; make sure you have the plastic (or rubber) ring in the right place on the stud. The stud portion of the mount normally goes (from bottom up) Coax connector, mount (or car body depending on the way it’s mounted), plastic ring (insulator) top part (antenna connector), antenna
Here’s a pic I made up:
Hope this helped
BC |
Sanddiegoduner
Junior Member
Username: Sanddiegoduner
Post Number: 23
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - 10:15 pm: |
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Bc I know the mounts are correct, I have mounted a few already on different vehicles. I took it over to the local radio shop and the guy that runs the place tested the antenna on a MFJ-269 SWR analyzer. He ended up having to cut a few inches off the whip. When I tested it on my meter it still shows the SWR as being high. I will probably just buy my own MFJ-269 and double check the settings and in the mean time put my IMAX 2000 back into service. |
Bc910
Junior Member
Username: Bc910
Post Number: 32
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 1:04 am: |
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OK well you said you tryed more than one meter tho, right? that would make me think that maybe it's not your meter. Try changing the jumper between the meter and the radio.
BC |
