JohnnyFingers
Member
Is it normal procedure to tune the SWR when the antenna is on the ground and then mount it on the roof? I'm admitting I'm a chicken when it comes to rooftops and would like to avoid going up and down. Thank you guys and girls.
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Home Based CB Antenna
- Thread starter JohnnyFingers
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No it has to be done on the roof, as the surroundings change when its up. Sorry John
FPR1981
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I've had recent experience with that question, and here's how I handle it.
I have a P.A. speaker stand that is a giant tripod. It accepts a 10-foot mast pipe down the center. The point at which the mast goes in is roughly 5 feet off the ground. Add the mast pipe and you've got 15 feet. I temporarily mount the antenna on the stand, in a clear area, tune it as best I can and then mount it.
I've had to tweak my formula a bit, but it's better than trying to tune it on the ground.
You can get a P.A. speaker stand at Guitar Center, Sam Ash Music or a similar pro audio place. They're worth it if you install antennas.
My Vector 4000 kept the same SWR on the stand that it did in the air. I had minor issues tuning a Penetrator the first time, but I had a smaller length of pipe.
I have a P.A. speaker stand that is a giant tripod. It accepts a 10-foot mast pipe down the center. The point at which the mast goes in is roughly 5 feet off the ground. Add the mast pipe and you've got 15 feet. I temporarily mount the antenna on the stand, in a clear area, tune it as best I can and then mount it.
I've had to tweak my formula a bit, but it's better than trying to tune it on the ground.
You can get a P.A. speaker stand at Guitar Center, Sam Ash Music or a similar pro audio place. They're worth it if you install antennas.
My Vector 4000 kept the same SWR on the stand that it did in the air. I had minor issues tuning a Penetrator the first time, but I had a smaller length of pipe.
JohnnyFingers
Member
FPR1981
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Also, pick something that's easy to tune. The Sirio GPE27 has one way to tune it: The tuning tip. And it gives you the proper measurement to tune it right at the center of the 11-meter band.
I highly suggest that antenna, especially for a novice. It has plenty of balls. It won't handle more than 750 watts, but it's a great antenna otherwise.
I highly suggest that antenna, especially for a novice. It has plenty of balls. It won't handle more than 750 watts, but it's a great antenna otherwise.
JohnnyFingers
Member
Wow thank you AT. I was actually going to ask that next. I am a CB Radio novice at least on the technical side. BTW I'm a subscriber and love your YouTube videos.
FPR1981
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There are far more technical minds than me on this board, and that's why I hang out here. Never strive to be the smartest guy in the room, because then you have nothing higher to aspire to.
Thank you for your kind words, and for subscribing to my channel.
Thank you for your kind words, and for subscribing to my channel.
Absolutely not. If the antenna is leaning against a metal vehicle, it will detune it and make it impossible to get a low SWR reading. The distance between the antenna and ground also affects tuning, especially when any active part of the antenna is less than a wavelength from the ground. So correct practice is to always tune the antenna in the location/position where it will be used, or at least recheck tuning in situ before considering the job done.
FPR1981
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I hope this advice was satirical or joking, because you NEVER want to lean an antenna against anything metal, much less a vehicle.
slowmover
Active Member
Have y’all confirmed this man ain’t a redneck? As, tellin’ a redneck what he can and cannot do, can or will lead to one of those immortal, “Here, hold my beer”, moments.
To lend perspective, bears had a way of telling settlers they couldn’t have cattle or crops. Seen any grizzlies in the lower 48 lately? Thank a redneck.
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To lend perspective, bears had a way of telling settlers they couldn’t have cattle or crops. Seen any grizzlies in the lower 48 lately? Thank a redneck.
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TailGator911
Silent Key/KF4ANC
Nice system. I did basically the same thing to mount my W6LV hf magnetic loop out in the yard. Speaker tripod, heavy duty JamMaster, I bought automotive hose clamps to afix it to the stand at various points. Very sturdy and strong and recently tested in 60mph winds. Can't beat those tripod loudspeaker mounts for antennas. Don't use cable ties, duct tape, or ill-fitting U-bolts. A 2" aluminum automotive hose clamp with the straight screwdriver nut to tighten. Indestructible.
There's a crapload of grizzly bears living in Yellowstone, so you're saying there are no rednecks in Montana?
slowmover
Active Member
There's a crapload of grizzly bears living in Yellowstone, so you're saying there are no rednecks in Montana?
You running cattle in the National Park? And, too bad you missed the compliment to hard-headed men everywhere. There are those who braved far worse than you’ll ever imagine, looks like.
Lean the support..... DAMN, I wonder about most people
I spent some quality time in Iraq helping hunt folks willing to strap suicide bombs to little kids, and saw firsthand some of their handiwork, so I can imagine quite a bit actually. Thanks for playing though.
slowmover
Active Member
So, even though you’ve only seen reports of grizzlies — and have some experience with men’s acts — you still think to cheapen redneck it fits your derogatory framework?
Army always has your back. Stuff it in your DD-214. Free lifetime medical care, maybe pension, survivor benefits, 0-down home loan, federal job preference, etc.
Nope. Not real world.
your welcome
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