Haven’t been on 11 meters for ages. I have a Lil Wil. If I were to use that as a base antenna, what would be the length of the ground plane radials? Or can someone point me in the right direction? Low power, neighborhood coverage, not trying to talk to New Zealand. Max distance, if possible, is trying to make 2-3 miles. TIA
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Wilson 5/8 Lil Wil mag mount
- Thread starter ke6ats
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I would think you could get away with radials at the same length as the overall height of the Wilson. The closer to a true 1/4 wavelength (9 feet) the better. What would really help is if the ground plane elements (4 would be best) could bend down at about a 40 to 45 degree angle from the antenna base. This will raise the characteristic low impedance typical of a ground plane to darn close to 50 ohms and provide a really good match. Of course, the higher it is mounted the better it will work.
KN4MSZ, thanks. Not really even sure I truly want to revisit CB, but I have a friend close by who just got a Uniden 980. He’s in the neighborhood and since I’m “the radio geek” at work he wants to try it out. Working on him to at least get his tech license.
mmckenna
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I agree, 1/4 wave long in each direction under the antenna for the ground plane.
But in reality, they work with less. No road legal vehicle is going to provide a perfect ground plane on CB. Getting the antenna up high will help with your range. 2-3 miles shouldn't be much of an issue unless in your area.
But in reality, they work with less. No road legal vehicle is going to provide a perfect ground plane on CB. Getting the antenna up high will help with your range. 2-3 miles shouldn't be much of an issue unless in your area.
mmckenna, we are only at worst maybe 2 miles apart usually. My only other question is my entire place has all types of trees throughout. Most are within 8-10 feet from the only place I can place an antenna. My other issue is the “very sweet elderly neighbor” who absolutely loves to try and get the city involved with everything the neighbors do. That said, I really want to be as low profile as possible.
mmckenna
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Trees shouldn't impact CB frequencies to any noticeable extent.
If low profile is needed, and a mobile antenna is too big, make a wire vertical using one of the trees.
If low profile is needed, and a mobile antenna is too big, make a wire vertical using one of the trees.
Interesting. I too have just re-entered the CB bands with the purchase of a President McKinley. My how things have changed from 30+ years ago. If you build the modified ground plane you will be surprised how well it will work. As mmckenna stated 2 to 3 miles is quite realistic. With a halfwave or more in height quite a bit more could be expected.
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