Best sub $50 magnetic mount antenna setup

[Littlecloud319]

What would be the best magnetic mount antenna (or one able to be screwed into the base of a scosche cb-201 base) for roof mount on a car? Im looking to maximize my range without an amp to stay legal.

Edit: im a little flexible on going higher on price if quality matches but my max is $100

 

[FPR1981]

Trash the Schosche, and choose from the following:

Wilson Little Wil magnet mount antenna (30 to 40 bucks)
Tram 300 magnet mount antenna (30 to 40 bucks)
Tram 3500 magnet mount antenna (40 to 50 bucks)

OR

Stryker SR-A 10 magnet mount ($100)

 

[mmckenna]

Edit: im a little flexible on going higher on price if quality matches but my max is $100

Larsen NMO-27 is hard to beat if you want something better. I agree, ditch the mount you have. By switching to an NMO mount, you will open up opportunities to swap out for different antennas if your interests change.

While I rarely use CB anymore, I do still have the same Larsen NMO-27 that I've used for the last 30 something years. I've run it on many different vehicles. It's taken a lot of tree strikes, low parking garages and large Texas bugs. They are a no-nonsense antenna made by a company that knows how to build professional antennas. Installed correctly, they tune up very nicely across the CB spectrum:
1.07:1 SWR at the center of the band and 1.35:1 or less at the edges.

Antenna:

https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_192_194_447&products_id=699

Magnetic mount with UHF connector to match your scanner:

https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=264_265_273&products_id=1095

 

[GadgetGeek]

I reccomend the Sirio Performer 5000 antenna and matching Sirio PL145 magnet mount. It works great for local and skip.

 

[FiveFilter]

In the 50-buck price range, the K30 or Lil Wil are two good mag mounts. At about 35 inches, they have pretty short range.

For maybe 20 bucks more, a Wilson 500 mag mount will get you out farther with about 55 inches of stinger in the air.

For a few bucks more, a Wilson 1000 will reach even farther with about 62 inches of proudness sticking upwards.

For the ultimate mag mount, the Sirio 5000 has an amazing 79 inches of prowess booming out the RF.

 

[FPR1981]

In the 50-buck price range, the K30 or Lil Wil are two good mag mounts. At about 35 inches, they have pretty short range.

For maybe 20 bucks more, a Wilson 500 mag mount will get you out farther with about 55 inches of stinger in the air.

For a few bucks more, a Wilson 1000 will reach even farther with about 62 inches of proudness sticking upwards.

For the ultimate mag mount, the Sirio 5000 has an amazing 79 inches of prowess booming out the RF.

I wanna see the Sirio 5000 head to head against the Stryker Sr-a10. I have a ham buddy who remains a CBer and he says no antenna he has ever tried has been as quiet as the Stryker. He said power line noise is barely audible.

I have the Tram 3500 (Wilson 1000/5000 clone depending on who you ask) and it's pummeled with power line nose

How quiet is the Sirio?

 

[GadgetGeek]

How quiet is the Sirio?

I use a Stryker 955HPC with my Sirio 5000. Sometimes it's so quiet I have to turn the volume all the way up just to make sure the radio is still on.

 

[FPR1981]

Sirio antennas are excellent. I'm torn between the Sirio and the Stryker antenna.

The Larsen NMO 27 is a great commercial grade antenna, but I'm hard pressed to believe it will out power the Sirio and Stryker

 

[mmckenna]

"Power" won't matter to any of these antennas.

You may get a slightly different radiation pattern off the longer whips, which could get you some more theoretical gain.

But you won't find a more durable base loaded antenna.

 

[Littlecloud319]

I bought the larsen NMO27C with the mentioned mag mount. It should be here tomorrow. I bought it from the questionable "antennafarm" guy but was able to make the purchase through ebay so ill have that extra buyer protection in case he decides to send the wrong thing or something else people complained about. It seems like a pretty solid antenna to go with for a car.

 

[FPR1981]

"Power" won't matter to any of these antennas.

You may get a slightly different radiation pattern off the longer whips, which could get you some more theoretical gain.

But you won't find a more durable base loaded antenna.

I used power in the most generic sense of the word. Most of us care about one thing first: Distance.

That's great that it's a durable antenna. But if the Stryker or Sirio will get me more S-units at a greater distance, that will be my deciding factor.

 

[mmckenna]

I bought the larsen NMO27C with the mentioned mag mount. It should be here tomorrow. I bought it from the questionable "antennafarm" guy but was able to make the purchase through ebay so ill have that extra buyer protection in case he decides to send the wrong thing or something else people complained about. It seems like a pretty solid antenna to go with for a car.

Antenna Farm is a reputable company.
I usually purchase through some of the larger vendors, like Tessco or Talley, but they have minimum order levels. If I need a single antenna for a project, I use Antenna Farm. Never had an issue with them.

 

[FiveFilter]

I used power in the most generic sense of the word. Most of us care about one thing first: Distance.

That's great that it's a durable antenna. But if the Stryker or Sirio will get me more S-units at a greater distance, that will be my deciding factor.

Both the Stryker and Sirio are very high-quality antennas from what I've read. I admit I don't own either, but would not hesitate to buy them and expect unexcelled longevity and performance, inch-for-inch.

I said the Sirio was the "ultimate" mag mount based mostly on its outstandingly long stinger but also its available fold-over feature that allows it to be quickly lowered for places such as parking garages.

Of course, as far as length goes, I guess the "ultimate" ultimate mag mount would be one of those three-and-four magnet monsters with a full quarter-wave 108 incher screwed on. I'm not enthusiast enough to drive around with that on my roof, but I doubt there's anything that could beat it in regards to performance and still be driven on public roads.

 

[slowmover]

I’ve read (pics) that the Stryker is a re-cased, re-badged WILSON 5000

 

[Littlecloud319]

I’ve read (pics) that the Stryker is a re-cased, re-badged WILSON 5000

Lol, there's speculation the tram's are just wilson copies as well. Wholesale prices plus fresh paint equals profit.

 

[Littlecloud319]

If anyone's interested heres a screenshot of what i ordered. Usps delays so im thinking it'll be here monday. Usps said the 3rd but ebay guaranteed the 6th so might take until Tuesday.

 

[slowmover]

What would be the best magnetic mount antenna (or one able to be screwed into the base of a scosche cb-201 base) for roof mount on a car? Im looking to maximize my range without an amp to stay legal.

Edit: im a little flexible on going higher on price if quality matches but my max is $100

A small amp (cigaret pack size) KL-203 and a West Mountain Radio CLEARSPEECH DSP Speaker are to overcome the deficiencies of the other guys system.

4W is maybe okay on a well-sorted base antenna. It won’t do you any favors in mobile. Not many will hear you past a short range

The effective range of Mobile CB can be made better is what to remember. A DSP Speaker will clear up RX far past those with whom you can converse.

If you wish to speak to almost all you can hear, 4W won’t get it. (No one would spend on wattage if it wasn’t effective).

The antenna is a nice choice for quality. Do some vehicle RF Bonding (horizontal surfaces first).

Do some tests with friends as to real TX distance to know where you stand.

Oh, and ever run 33-mph in a 30-mph zone? Your reluctance to use tools available is equivalent to never exceeding 24-mph. And about as consequential despite traffic law violations being a potential hazard with life-changing effect. Where some extra RF watts, is not.

Those of us who depend upon timely, accurate road-information understand that there are no second chances when two vehicles are moving away from each other.

50W-150W is git’er dun in a big truck (bad antenna mount ground problems baked in).

The best mag-mounts I hear on a regular basis are dual-final Stryker or Galaxy radios (for the most part; 30-50W) on pickups and SUVs being used as Oversized load shipment pilot cars. Wilson 5000 and similar. But some are terrible.

The good ones I will talk with a mile to two miles behind me when they’re overtaking me and I’m trying to coordinate their pass of me in advance of that risky situation..

Neither of us would ever consider a 4W radio as being other than what it is: a hazard to effective communication.

When it dawns on you that your 4W mobile radio is OFTEN (if not mainly) a receive-only scanner, you can choose to take responsible steps in responsible use to ensure you can be heard.
.

 

[slowmover]

I used power in the most generic sense of the word. Most of us care about one thing first: Distance.

That's great that it's a durable antenna. But if the Stryker or Sirio will get me more S-units at a greater distance, that will be my deciding factor.

I have a variety of antennas (design) in a variety of lengths. Not seeing it as either/or.

Example: picked up a UPS package yesterday that completes my Skipshooter collection of pairs at 5’, 6’, and 7’. Have some 4.5’ Pro-Comms after that for the co-phase type.

Then plenty of singles. From 4.5’ to 9.00”

You want to TALK, you want the re-born SIGNAL ENGINEERING Golden Rod 45 (4.5’) for your “short” antenna. (Needs stout tri-mag).

.

 

[Littlecloud319]

So whats the most adorable amp that would work with my new setup that wont overdraw power in my car

 

[ForestRunner98]

So whats the most adorable amp that would work with my new setup that wont overdraw power in my car

What kind of radio? “Adorable” would want a low DK for sure.