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CB Antenna Suggestions

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steve0827

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Hi everyone,

I'm looking to get a CB antenna and looking to see what is suggested. I know absolutely nothing CB antennas, so please bear with me. Also, are there any antennas that work with an NMO mount? If so, those would be my top choices as I already have a spare NMO mount I would like to use.

Thanks in advance,
Stephen
 

auy23

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Generally speaking you would need to run an adapter to use a CB antenna on a NMO mount. I wouldn't do it. The more things you have inline (adapters, elbow connectors, etc) the greater the chances of issues.

What type of radio will you be using this on? Generally speaking Wilson 1000, Wilson 5000, and or Sirio 5000 Performers are good antennas. The Sirio is more broad banded. Here is an article comparing the Wilson 5000 to the Sirio 5000.

http://www.cbradiomagazine.com/Sirio Performer 5000 PL.html

Since you said that you don't know much about antennas, I will assume you also don't know how to properly tune one for optimal performance?
 

IdleMonitor

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Generally speaking you would need to run an adapter to use a CB antenna on a NMO mount. I wouldn't do it. The more things you have inline (adapters, elbow connectors, etc) the greater the chances of issues.

What type of radio will you be using this on? Generally speaking Wilson 1000, Wilson 5000, and or Sirio 5000 Performers are good antennas. The Sirio is more broad banded. Here is an article comparing the Wilson 5000 to the Sirio 5000.

http://www.cbradiomagazine.com/Sirio Performer 5000 PL.html

Since you said that you don't know much about antennas, I will assume you also don't know how to properly tune one for optimal performance?
What adaptors are you referring too?
 

auy23

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I was referring to standard CB SO239 to NMO adapter
540d3e5e1aed3d0f4b045ac4beaf23bd.jpg
 

mrweather

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Larsen (or whatever they're called now) NMO27. I've had one for years and it works well. And no need for adapters.
 

n3obl

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Ive used the maxrad whips but since switched to the larsen whips. I use them on service trucks with L brackets up on hood and in roof. Much cleaner appearance than big k40 antennas IMHO.
 

mmckenna

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I'd agree with the two above.

Larsen NMO-27 was my CB antenna of choice back many years ago.

I wouldn't do any permanent installs on a vehicle that wasn't an NMO. They are specifically designed to be a mobile antenna mount, unlike the SO-239/UHF connector mounts. A properly installed NMO mount will outlast your vehicle. It also opens up the options if you ever decide to do something else, just unscrew the CB antenna and install an antenna that fits your needs. Much more versatile.

I'd agree with N3OBL, they look better.

Used them for many years, installed probably 10 or 15 of them over the years. Never had an issue, even with tree branch/garage strikes. The whips are flexible and will easily bend over if they contact something. You can even order springs to install between the NMO coil base and the whip.
 

freebird63

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102" stainless steel whip. Nothing better, but they are tall and can be a pain. That's all I ever use. On the ham bands I can talk from 10 meters down to 12 meters. Throw in 11 meters and your good go
 

Zamson25

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102" stainless steel whip. Nothing better, but they are tall and can be a pain. That's all I ever use. On the ham bands I can talk from 10 meters down to 12 meters. Throw in 11 meters and your good go

I agree, 102" is the best, don't forget to use a spring.
 

mmckenna

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Yeah, 102" are great if you have the clearance. Hard to beat a full length 1/4 wave antenna.
However, if you want an NMO mount, you likely wouldn't want to go with an antenna that long. The NMO mounts are really strong, but a 102" whip flopping around will probably push it past it's limits. Base loaded antennas are a good compromise, but it is hard to beat the real thing.
 

steve0827

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Alright, so just to recap. What would you guys suggest for a CB radio and what NMO mount-able antenna should I purchase?
 

N8IAA

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Alright, so just to recap. What would you guys suggest for a CB radio and what NMO mount-able antenna should I purchase?

Posts 9 and 10 give the best answer. Used one for CB, then cut it for 10m ham use.
CB's. Now you have opened up another can of worms:lol:
I have two RS mobiles in a cabinet somewhere that do AM and SSB, they're a couple of decades old, but work.
Uniden has mobile radios, as well as, Cobra. Look through the forum here to see what is said about them.
Larry
 
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