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What wavelength are base-loaded Wilson and K40 antennas?

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kc0bus

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Aug 16, 2015
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Hi,
Does anyone know what wavelength Wilson 500, 1000, 5000 and K40 base-loaded and base-loaded magnet mount antenna's are (the models with the flexible whips top section)?
Thanks
 

prcguy

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So Cal - Richardson, TX - Tewksbury, MA
The K40 was a 1/4 wave base load and I suspect the other models you list are also 1/4 wave. It wouldn't make any sense to make them another fraction of a wavelength and matching would cost more for the mfr.
 

kc0bus

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Thanks.
The makers never advertise what wavelength CB antennas are.
 

cmdrwill

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So Cali
Thanks.
The makers never advertise what wavelength CB antennas are.

Because all those CB antennas mentioned are physically WAY LESS than a fraction of a wavelength.

Now the design is probably a shortened quarter wave base loaded by a transformer. As prc guy mentioned.

And as the antennas whip gets shorter than a one quarter wave length, the antenna becomes way less efficient.

So the shorter antenna the poorer the reception and transmission becomes.
 
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FiveFilter

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Jan 1, 2016
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I use the Wilson 500 trimmed to about 56 inches where I found it tuned best at on a Mazda3 sedan, and a Wilson 1000 as it came from the factory at about 62 inches which it tuned at on an F250.

Both of these antennas have magnetic bases and are designed to work in the 11 meter band with assistance from loading coils located in the base of the antennas. These coils give them an effective electrical length of a quarter-wave for that band.

Although they are a bit less efficient than a straight quarter-wave 108-inch antenna, the Wilsons can be placed at or near the middle of the roof of my vehicles, thus giving them a clean and unhindered exposure to the airwaves in any direction.

In contrast, the big 108s usually are much too tall and gawky to place in this ideal location, so are usually relegated to locations much closer to the lossy ground and conductive metal vehicle bodies, such as on a bumper, and also biased to one side. Such a less-desirable location hinders the otherwise stellar performance of the big 108s, often to the point of making them no more effective than their shorter, coil-assisted cousins sitting up proudly on the roof.

All I know is that my Wilsons seem to talk and listen with the best of them out on the highways where it counts.
 

asuddendeath

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Jan 30, 2018
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I have been really happy with my SR-A10 Magnetic Mount.
. I did a crap load of skip with it and it will do any easy 20 miles with 30 watt dead key swinging a bit over 100 watts. Oh and its not a wilson.
 
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