Cb/Ham radio antenna help

[Mbw190]

So, I'm just breaking into the fun world of radios. I currently have a Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB CB in my 2014 Silverado. I'm running a Firestix 3ft adjustable antenna, perfectly tuned located on a specialty mount on the opposite side as my radio antenna on the front fender.

I'm thinking of getting my Technician License for Ham. I have a Beofang handheld unit on order and saw a discussion where I can get a vehicle power adapter and an antenna adaptor so I can run it in my truck with better distances using a better antenna (can't afford two different Ham radio yet). So I was wondering, since I'm basically making a handheld Ham antenna longer, is it possible to run a splitter off my current antenna and use both devices off the same antenna? Do you have to tune an antenna used for a handheld Ham? I know if I had a conventional vehicle unit, I'd need two separate antennas for sure. I just don't want to ruin my CB if that's even possible. If that makes sense of what I'm asking, I'd love to discuss further.

 

[jwt873]

I'm assuming that the Baofeng is a VHF/UHF handheld. If so, you can't use it at all with your HF CB antenna.

You'll need a dedicated VHF, UHF or Dual band antenna for that. You're not making the existing antenna longer, you're completely removing the rubber duckie antenna and connecting the handheld to a new external antenna. You can buy magnetic 'stick on' antennas. They aren't the best, but will work in a pinch.

Something like this: Robot Check

 

[N3JI]

Congrats on taking the first steps into the world of Amateur Radio! It's a fascinating service/hobby, and pretty much has something for just about everyone. I've been licensed since 1987 as a 16 year old. I hope you stick with it -- and don't let the vast number of curmudgeons scare you off. Unfortunately, there are many...

To answer your questions, no, you can't use your CB antenna for your handheld. DO NOT just put a tee in the line and connect the two to the same antenna. While you can get away with that to some degree with receivers, transmitting directly into the front end of the other receiver will likely kill it. When the frequencies of interest are far enough apart AND the antenna is resonant where you want to use it, there is something called a diplexer that provides enough isolation between one radio & the other. But this won't work for you since the CB antenna is resonant on ~27 MHz, and the handheld (assuming it's a dual-bander) needs an antenna resonant around 146 and 440 MHz. I have my VHF/UHF antenna installed exactly how you described on my F150. Works extremely well, but I have a higher power rig in use (50W on 2m, 35W on 70cm). The antenna has a bit of gain which essentially equalizes the ERP of the different output levels of the rig. I have a separate antenna for HF (Hi-Q) that will get mounted in the back of the truck (I recently got a new truck and haven't mounted it yet). It worked great on my old truck.

A good temporary and inexpensive solution would be a simple mag-mount should be able to be found for less than $30 ready to go. It will be better than trying to use the radio on the stock antenna.

Hope this helps -- holler if you have anymore questions.

 

[Mbw190]

Thank you. Since posting the question, I've done about 8 hours of research and came to the same conclusion. I know I'll need a duel band antenna and want a permanently mounted one to the truck to match the CB radio antenna already installed. Then, when I get a 10 meter radio, I can just plug it right in, tune and go. No magnetic mount for me. Now I just need to find a duel band antenna that will match (yes, aesthetics on my new truck ate important) my 3` Firestix, black fiberglass antenna. I saw a 4ft one but I already have issues in parking garages as is. Any recommendations on a good antenna? Do I really need to consider a whip style antenna or would a fiberglass one be OK. I'm not overly concerned with transmission distance but would like to hit 25+ miles to the nearest repeater.

 

[Mbw190]

Thanks Joe. Yeah, I'm going to put an antenna for Ham where my current factory radio is installed. Now, I can run a splitter off the CB antenna to use for the CB and my AM/FM radio. This will open up the space on the passenger side of my fender to put a ham antenna. Just wish I could find a duel band Ham antenna that matches my 3' Firestik fiberglass antenna. As posted in a reply to the other comment, yes, I know it's silly and may not be the "best" solution but I want my truck to still be aesthetically pleasing. Or, if you have any suggestions on am antenna that will be at or just under 3`, please let me know. Again, it's getting mounted to the front right fender near where the hood intersects the windshield. 3' puts the antenna above the roof line. Can't use the bed area at all, no mag mounts and no holes in my roof.

 

[jwt873]

The mag mount isn't the best route.. If you want things a little more permanent, you can use a trunk lip mount. (see image below) I use an NMO mount with a Larsen 2/70 dual band antenna. http://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/larsen-nmo2-70b-1712.html

If you don't want a trunk lip mount, then for best performance you can drill a hole in the middle of your roof and install the mount there.

I'm not aware of any fiberglass dual band mobile antennas, (although such a thing may exist).

 

[N3JI]

Trucks don't have trunks, so trunk-lip mounts aren't an option...

Maybe you can find a 10/11m antenna that looks like the VHF/UHF instead of finding a VHF/UHF that looks like the Firestick. The closest thing I can think of that looks like a Firestick is a Hamstick, but I don't think there is a 2m version, and if there is, it probably has a long stinger on top that won't work for you aesthetically.

I know exactly what you mean -- I chose my antennas based on the best function compromised with looks. And drilling through my brand new truck wasn't an option either, plus I park in my garage every day, so nothing on the roof is possible in my case. Sounds like the OP has a similar situation.

 

[jwt873]

Trucks don't have trunks, so trunk-lip mounts aren't an option...

Missed that part

You can get fender mounts as well. https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/mobile-antenna-mounts-264/fender-bracket-mounts-268/

 

[N3JI]

That's what I believe both of us have already on the driver's side. He has his 11m antenna there currently.

 

[Mbw190]

GM3L Fender Mount for 2007-2013 Chevy Silverado

This is the fender mount I'm going to use. Currently have one and it works perfectly and is heavy duty is it won't flex. But maybe that's what I'll have to do as suggested is to find an antenna for my CB that will match the choice I go with for the Ham. Excuse my lingo, I have a long way to go yet. I do really like my Firestik antenna but finding a match for Ham isn't likely. Since I'm closing that GM3L fender mount, any suggestions on a ham antenna for that? Again, really want around 3ft long or so, price isn't really too important. If I'm going to spend the money, I'd rather put it in the right place the first time around. And, I'd imagine I'd have to pick up a meter as well just as I have for the CB to tune the antenna.

 

[mike_gain]

Welcome to the wonderful world of radio. It's can be a fascinating hobby. I find that researching and browsing can answer many questions. Studying the Tech manual may have given you the answer about the antennas in your first post. Wave length and such. Ham radio is multifaceted and can accommodate most peoples interests. CB on the other hand can be invaluable on trips and can be used for caravans and communicating with long haul drivers for traffic info and such. Plus CB is probably the cheapest reliable communication available. If you become a Ham, please refrain from CB jargon/Slingo on the ham bands. There is already enough of that. I hope I didn't come across as a Crumudgeon if so my apologies.

 

[Mbw190]

Thanks for the welcome. No, you weren't being a keyboard warrior dragon or whatever the lingo was hahaha. I know I'll be a newbie for a while. I'm getting a bit overwhelmed with the amount of information there is when it comes to Ham. Yes, I have a CB and love it but not many are using them much these days, at least not on the road like there once was. I can pick up plenty of traffic from a long ways away but can't talk much to anyone. Hence, following my dad after 30 years and getting into a radio that I can actually use. Not to mention it's importance as a better means of long distance communication. I also plan on joining Skywarn as well later. What I'm finding is you can spend as much as you really want in the Ham world. Not that I want to invest thousands up front, I do want to get decent stuff that I can enjoy no matter my experience level so I know I'm going to be investing a small chunk right out of the gate. I don't plan on setting up a base. Strictly handheld and mobile for the vehicles. But who knows what will happen down the road. I'm joining the local Ham club Monday so hopefully that will be invaluable

Back to the original topic. Antenna. For being able to use the handheld in the vehicle with a better, fixed mount antenna what should I look for? I know duel band. But I'm seeing a lot of different frequency ranges and power ratings. All I know is that it needs to be about 3' or so so when I go into parking garage I'm still OK. Mind you, for now, this antenna will be plugged into my handheld unit, until I get a second radio specifically for the truck so it needs to be able to accommodate the higher power when that time comes and also still adjustable when I dial it in. This is why I love my Firestik CB antenna. No trimming of wire or anything as it has a tunable tip. I won't find one to match my current antenna in duel band so I'm likely going to have to get a good ham antenna and replace my CB antenna to match the Ham. So any links would be a big help to narrow down the seemingly endless list of possibilities. Thanks to all for the input so for and any future info and references.

 

[TheSpaceMann]

Thanks for the welcome. No, you weren't being a keyboard warrior dragon or whatever the lingo was hahaha. I know I'll be a newbie for a while. I'm getting a bit overwhelmed with the amount of information there is when it comes to Ham. Yes, I have a CB and love it but not many are using them much these days, at least not on the road like there once was. I can pick up plenty of traffic from a long ways away but can't talk much to anyone. Hence, following my dad after 30 years and getting into a radio that I can actually use. Not to mention it's importance as a better means of long distance communication. I also plan on joining Skywarn as well later. What I'm finding is you can spend as much as you really want in the Ham world. Not that I want to invest thousands up front, I do want to get decent stuff that I can enjoy no matter my experience level so I know I'm going to be investing a small chunk right out of the gate. I don't plan on setting up a base. Strictly handheld and mobile for the vehicles. But who knows what will happen down the road. I'm joining the local Ham club Monday so hopefully that will be invaluable

Back to the original topic. Antenna. For being able to use the handheld in the vehicle with a better, fixed mount antenna what should I look for? I know duel band. But I'm seeing a lot of different frequency ranges and power ratings. All I know is that it needs to be about 3' or so so when I go into parking garage I'm still OK. Mind you, for now, this antenna will be plugged into my handheld unit, until I get a second radio specifically for the truck so it needs to be able to accommodate the higher power when that time comes and also still adjustable when I dial it in. This is why I love my Firestik CB antenna. No trimming of wire or anything as it has a tunable tip. I won't find one to match my current antenna in duel band so I'm likely going to have to get a good ham antenna and replace my CB antenna to match the Ham. So any links would be a big help to narrow down the seemingly endless list of possibilities. Thanks to all for the input so for and any future info and references.

There are a ton of 2m/440 mobile antennas out there! You may want to check the reviews on www.eham.net

 

[Mbw190]

So I have been reading for a few hours in a downloaded Ham Radio Manual. I now know I have a ton to learn and grow in. Much more complicated than I thought. Speaking of antennas, from my comprehension, I'm likely going to get a 5/8 wave antenna, not a 1/2 wave. But looking at the different frequencies and bandwidths, is there even a such thing as a one size fits all antenna. Based on what I'm gathering, I'd need a few different antennas to transmit on the different options. I get a duel band antenna is what I need but it looks like there is a vast difference in what I can do using a 19“ antenna vs a 50“ vs 111" base antenna. Holy smokes there is a lot to learn and I'm quickly learning why my dad has 4 different radio units and just as many antennas. So in your all's expert opinion, what length antenna should I start out with? And should it be one that has loading on it to help keep it shorter? So confusing right now and my dad who knows a lot is 1200 miles away. And I'm more hands on so this is difficult

 

[TheSpaceMann]

So I have been reading for a few hours in a downloaded Ham Radio Manual. I now know I have a ton to learn and grow in. Much more complicated than I thought. Speaking of antennas, from my comprehension, I'm likely going to get a 5/8 wave antenna, not a 1/2 wave. But looking at the different frequencies and bandwidths, is there even a such thing as a one size fits all antenna. Based on what I'm gathering, I'd need a few different antennas to transmit on the different options. I get a duel band antenna is what I need but it looks like there is a vast difference in what I can do using a 19“ antenna vs a 50“ vs 111" base antenna. Holy smokes there is a lot to learn and I'm quickly learning why my dad has 4 different radio units and just as many antennas. So in your all's expert opinion, what length antenna should I start out with? And should it be one that has loading on it to help keep it shorter? So confusing right now and my dad who knows a lot is 1200 miles away. And I'm more hands on so this is difficult

In the mobile it's usually best to use an antenna that doesn't require loading coils if possible. For 10 meters a shortened 102 inch CB whip would do nicely, and for 2m/440 you could use a 19 inch dual bander which would cover both bands!

 

[N3JI]

For what you're looking to do, you WILL need to load the CB antenna. A full 1/4 wave is too long for clearing garages, etc. There are a bunch of options, I recall the bottom loaded K-40 style being working quite well, and may be something you could install without too much trouble. You probably won't find an exact match, but getting close shouldn't be a problem.

For the VHF/UHF side, below is what I did. I have had fantastic results with this type of antenna. It's 38" long and has a small amount of gain on 2m, but quite a bit more on 440. I highly recommend it, and it clears the garage well enough (barely drags when pulling in). It's a Comet BB5. I have since added my 800 MHz on-glass scanner antenna on the top passenger side of the windshield, which is a very short open-coil antenna that looks very much like the VHF/UHF. I have a 900 MHz antenna that looks just like it for the driver's side (for the 900 MHz ham band).

 

[prerunner1982]

If you want the antennas to look alike, this is probably about as close as you can get..

CB Antenna (would have to paint it black): http://www.amazon.com/Browning-BR-1...qid=1461087223&sr=8-1&keywords=nmo+cb+antenna

Ham radio antenna (it's a 2m antenna so you would loose 70cm/440Mhz but I guess it depends on what repeaters you will use or what's active in your area): Larsen VHF/UHF Mobile Antennas NMO150B - Free Shipping on Most Orders Over $99 at DX Engineering

Both are just about the same height, though a little longer than you wanted they are whips so they will bend/flex better than the Firestik will.

Both are NMO mount so you would need the appropriate coax/connector. You could get fender lip mounts for both.

http://www.amazon.com/Browning-WSPB...UTF8&qid=1461088494&sr=8-1&keywords=NMO+mount
http://www.amazon.com/L-Bracket-125...UTF8&qid=1461088494&sr=8-7&keywords=NMO+mount

You would need an adapter to connect the coax to the Baofeng: Amazon.com: DHT Handheld Antenna Cable for Wouxun Baofeng Quasheng Linton - Adapter for UHF Base and Mobile Antennas - SMA Female to UHF SO-239 Female Connectors 3FT: Computers & Accessories

Just some other ideas if you are still working on this...

 

[NDRADIONUT]

Firestik MSM3-B 3 ft. Mobile Scanner Antenna -Black - Newegg.com

That may work for a match but I haven't tested the swr on this model...