Going NMO?

[FiveFilter]

I've never used fiberglass antennas myself. I think some folks use them because they're pretty cheap and can be found everywhere in various lengths, colors, styles and configurations.

The only antennas I use are the above-mentioned 11-meter mag-mounts; namely, a 3-foot K30, a 4.5-foot Wilson 500, and a 5.2-foot Wilson 1000. Each of these come with thin, stainless-steel whips that fly through the air with the greatest of ease like the daring young man on the flying trapeze. (Sorry, I just couldn't resist that 'cause I started to hum the song as I typed it.)

And they do stand up at 70mph and let me talk with the big boys out on the Interstates, some of whom are using seven-foot fiberglass tallboys which usually are angled forward in order to keep out of the 13.6-foot overpasses.

 

[WB9YBM]

I have been very pleased with the performance of my Tram 3500 magnetic CB antenna. However, I am going to replace this unit with another rig.

I am wanting to buy a Laird or other brand NMO CB antenna.

However, I am confused about which Tram NMO mount to buy. I am assuming this should be this one. TRAM 1267R 5.5 Magnet-NMO Mounting with Rubber Boot (1267R) from Solid Signal

I looked at one that actually said "CB" in the description. Amazon.com: Tram 1265R Nmo 5" Magnet with Soft Rubber Boot 17ft Cable Pl-259: GPS & Navigation

I looked at one mount that had 7 feet of coax. Since I am aware of the formula between the CB frequency range and length of coax, generally 17 feet, I am getting a bit confused.

I could use some help.

I don't like the stinger on the Tram 3500 because I cannot unscrew the antenna from the mount.

the only "rules" of coax I'm aware of are: keep it as short as possible & get the best type you can afford, both to minimize cable losses.

 

[WB9YBM]

I've never used fiberglass antennas myself. I think some folks use them because they're pretty cheap and can be found everywhere in various lengths, colors, styles and configurations.

The only antennas I use are the above-mentioned 11-meter mag-mounts; namely, a 3-foot K30, a 4.5-foot Wilson 500, and a 5.2-foot Wilson 1000. Each of these come with thin, stainless-steel whips that fly through the air with the greatest of ease like the daring young man on the flying trapeze. (Sorry, I just couldn't resist that 'cause I started to hum the song as I typed it.)

And they do stand up at 70mph and let me talk with the big boys out on the Interstates, some of whom are using seven-foot fiberglass tallboys which usually are angled forward in order to keep out of the 13.6-foot overpasses.

The biggest caveat I've heard about fiberglass antennas comes from people who've had them bang into low-hanging tree branches while driving--they like to break. Also there are situations where the fiberglass will degrade over time when exposed to UV.

 

[a417]

I found this YEARS ago, and I see it still hasn't moved on from the early days of Al Gore's World Wide Web, but it's pretty much the same argument...and a subsequent disproval/debunking.

The Myth of CB wire lengths

 

[trentbob]

the only "rules" of coax I'm aware of are: keep it as short as possible & get the best type you can afford, both to minimize cable losses.

 

[trentbob]

Whoops, my post didn't go over but what I said was that's a good rule of thumb with UHF and 800 megahertz but with 11 meters RG58 is just fine except then again you are using magnetic mounts and I'm not sure about the ground contact or signal with a magnetic mount.

I always drilled a hole with nmo installations LOL.

 

[alcahuete]

Also need two whips so I can look cool!

You know there's an actual reason for two co-phased whips other than to look cool, right?

 

[mmckenna]

You know there's an actual reason for two co-phased whips other than to look cool, right?

Yep, but unless it's on a tractor/trailer type truck, there's not enough separation between antennas to get the desired effect.

 

[alcahuete]

Yep, but unless it's on a tractor/trailer type truck, there's not enough separation between antennas to get the desired effect.

Correct. He did mention truckers, after all. I don't think he was talking about pick-up trucks.

 

[Project25_MASTR]

I've never used fiberglass antennas myself. I think some folks use them because they're pretty cheap and can be found everywhere in various lengths, colors, styles and configurations.

The only antennas I use are the above-mentioned 11-meter mag-mounts; namely, a 3-foot K30, a 4.5-foot Wilson 500, and a 5.2-foot Wilson 1000. Each of these come with thin, stainless-steel whips that fly through the air with the greatest of ease like the daring young man on the flying trapeze. (Sorry, I just couldn't resist that 'cause I started to hum the song as I typed it.)

And they do stand up at 70mph and let me talk with the big boys out on the Interstates, some of whom are using seven-foot fiberglass tallboys which usually are angled forward in order to keep out of the 13.6-foot overpasses.

At 80 and 85 mph, the tend to come off...especially on a windy day. Also rough roads will throw them every time.

Yep, but unless it's on a tractor/trailer type truck, there's not enough separation between antennas to get the desired effect.

Even then it's debatable. Full wave of separation seems to work best...

 

[Utahdarkhorse]

I use a Wilson 1000 mag mount. It was supposed to be temporary until we moved the cb into my wife vehicle, but she wants nothing to do with it, so it stays. It's on a little Ford focus now. Don't want to drill holes. It works ok. Had to mount the cb facing straight up to the passenger side of the center console. These newer little cars give you no extra room anywhere. Under the dash is filled with airbags and glove compartment.