Well, I learned something the other day…. I tuned one of my coworker’s antennas yesterday and found out that those non-adjustable tip antennas- like the Francis, original FireStik to name a couple, can actually be tuned, if they’re brand new and haven’t been tuned previously for another application.
He just has some cheap 4-foot fiberglass antenna that our shop buys a lot of, that looks like a solid black version of a plain Jane Francis.
With my Astatic meter, I was able to trim enough copper wire off the top of that antenna to where eventually I got his SWR down to 1.5 on channel 1 and 1.7-ish on channel 40 with an SWR of almost 1 on channel 20 and this is just with a plain Jane cobra 29 chrome edition that’s had nothing done to it. We’ll see of he gets more range out of it.
But yeah, If I would’ve known that those regular ole antennas like that were that easy to tune, I could’ve just got one of those 4 foot Frances antennas that I’ve heard actually quite a bit about. What’s y’all’s take on them?
Nothing wrong with most anything that fits. It’s more a matter of being sturdy. Getting SWR closer to 1.5:1 is ideal.
That said, there WILL be noticeable performance differences in RX with better antennas. So, that’ll matter to you, or it won’t.
With west coast mirror arms I’d use a smaller beehive mount with Wilson 2000s. Take a look around at what others are using. The LOVES at Paris, TX usually has lots of truck traffic in & out. That type place is good for comparisons.
On the mount the 2k are about 5’. Measure arm height from ground. I’ve NEVER had a problem with around 13’ TTL height (used to run oilfield), but your job may take you in closer to obstacles. I just pay attention and scooch over a little.
TTL length WILL matter, and the 2k are a BIG step up from Fiberglas (I’ve found that SKIPSHOOTER brand is the superior top load Fiberglas type; what I’m using now). The 2k or 5k are superior antennas where the Fiberglas Wilson antennas aren’t as good as they were 20-years ago.
The 5k are as good as it gets for big truck mobile (see also SIRIO 5000 trucker).
You can angle them forward maybe 15-degrees (measure). Don’t do the stupid far forward leaning too many do. Cuts performance.
If you have the factory cab roof mounts (like on a 579) the same goes. Just can’t angle.
As you’re in a rural area the conditions for radio are already good, S-E OK is an area I’ve had great long range reception.
But I have antennas at least 5’ long. 7’ at present reaching to just under 14’ (on a KW 680). I don’t get off the pavement.
All this is to say I’d choose height over exact antenna spec FIRST.
If you get to that LOVES I’d bet you’ll see more WILSON 2K (or 5k) on NICE 379/389 Peterbilt than any other. It’s what I ran on my oilfield 367.
I had 10-20/mile conversations in far West Texas with other of our company men under best conditions. We ran Gulf Coast out to active drill sites with pneumatic tankers (barite).
Whatever you get consider it an experiment until you’re willing to upgrade. CB can be a LOT more than just 2-3/miles if it matters to you.
I regularly bypass road problems since I can divert from the Interstate route MUCH earlier than others. And get advice from local hands as to exact route. I don’t always go around. Sometimes I can’t. But as I sit in traffic I can relay information farther up and down the highway than many others.
A very good system and installation is to help overcome the deficiencies of other men’s poor systems. Classic “backup radio”.
By helping out in this manner I get a clearer picture of just what’s happening. Same with oversized when I can talk with the pilot car (pull over early so they can get past).
I believe one can be a better truck driver with a well-done radio system. Less stress = more energy. My day is easier. Just one bad day can screw up your week being OTR. For a guy home daily it may not seem to matter UNTIL experience with a VG system shows that the day will run quicker. (Earlier, better decisions).
1). You want that third load, sometimes you gotta have an edge.
2). You’ll get known by guys with better mobiles and base stations. They’ll keep you ahead of the crowd if they’ve heard something, same way you can keep them on top.
3). A storm knocks out power and trees are down on your planned route means you can go around. Call dispatch and they can get the rest of the crew diverted. Etc.
Someday, having a jesusphone won’t help. He ain’t gonna pick up when things get bad. So the men who take truck driving seriously (it’s not just a paycheck) you’ll find are the ones with VG radio systems.
I
plan to get home. It ain’t automatic, much less guaranteed.
Best Radio is part of that. Like having winter gear or plenty of food & water. When you need it, you REALLY need it.
If I have to get out and walk . . . .
You had some family who were settlers way back when, it’s the same attitude.
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