Figured it was
579.
Gonna post the following fairly fast, each item is its own list of things.
Glad you already have the Wilson 2000’s as that was going to be my suggestion (mid-coil whip).
579 hardest of big trucks to get good antenna system. But as you’re pulling food grade tanker, it’ll do well.
The antenna mounts have an internal strap that bonds it pretty well for RF.
But
The Pete coax is truly bad in quality. Unnecessarily cheap. Crimped ends that pull loose. I installed a new cophase harness in the last 579 I was in after trying damn near everything else (antenna locations).
Post in thread 'MOBILE INSTALL: 579 Peterbilt'
MOBILE INSTALL: 579 Peterbilt
Thread has info on whether a multiplexer is used to tie AM/FM radio to CB antenna system. New coax bypassed that.
Some of the components now out of date, and if running only a 10A draw radio (like Q5/QT60), then a fuse tap is easier to deal with (drivers footwell).
If you’re willing to upgrade coax, then:
One needs an adapter to fit those external mounts from inside (here’s an example):
Mini-UHF-Male to UHF-Female Coaxial Adapter Connector - ARS-G610 5880367B22
www.americanradiosupply.com
One per side.
Running the coax is the hardest part as it’s tight in overhead cabinet. Wire shirt hanger as fishtape. Any truckstop cophase harness (despite their being too long):
Can make your own coax harness with RG-59 (pair; maybe 9’ each at finish) to a
T adapter and then a short run of RG-58 to radio.
SO-239 UHF-Female Tee Adapter T Connector (UHF-7623)
www.americanradiosupply.com
Cutting noise a big deal, so, maybe 25’ of RG-59 and wind
coax chokes with a reducing connector soldered on for antenna xtra close to antenna end, then standard UHF connector at other to attach to Tee. Wrap and attach ends after cutting
exact same length per side. (Far cheaper than expensive chokes from long thread linked):
Feedpoint Choke Mobile, it’s a nicely impressive addition to add a feedpoint choke in my experience. Reduction of CMC with another coax choke at transceiver end. I’ve used a somewhat expensive version that’s been difficult to mount on the exterior of the big truck. Time for simpler. Buried...
forums.radioreference.com
With or without the above; at radio:
For
power 12-AWG is recommended, and 10-AWG would be better. (USCG-spec tinned copper; split-loom cover). Fuse tap would work. See note in linked post about installing Neg ground in overhead.
Big change in noise in system (as all the way to truck battery is a PITA).
Will need help of noise filter on DC power:
Semi-truck tractors come pre-wired with a fused 10A or 15A harness which connects to a standard radio cord via binding posts (in almost all cases). Problem is that it’s both noisy (from fuse panel), and consists of a minimal wire gauge which allows for a greater than .5V (3%) volt drop while in...
forums.radioreference.com
— You won’t need DSP Speaker or 12V distribution panel as I used in that other thread given use of a Q5/QT60 radio.
I strongly recommend the
DRX-901 speaker. Mount somewhere above drivers left shoulder (I think I mounted inside 579 cabinet with door held open?).
Post in thread '2023 Best Mobile CB'
2023 Best Mobile CB
Mic upgrade not really needed unless you agree with handling the mic being important.
1). 12V power, first (full system w/fllter).
2). New coax system (filters both ends)
3). DRX-901 Speaker (proper location)
4). NRC radio, last.
Might see ya someday in Clovis. Get thru fairly often (1-2X per month). Been pulling reefer loads out of there.
.