Does anyone know of a CB/electronics shop which would carry an appropriately-sized CB antenna (with cable for attaching to the CB itself) and mounting harware suitable for a motorcycle luggage rack? I am hoping any Radio Shack will have this stuff, but maybe someone knows of another outlet.
Jim, You will need a BNC-? adapter to connect the cable coax from antenna to BNC connector on hand-held CB radio. Radio-Shack does sell the item (I bought mine there). I just don't recall the industry standard name for the male connector attached to to coax cable.
Another decision, is to use ground or groundless plane atntenna. Normally the groundless plane antenna's are intended for fiber-glass body auto's. For myself I use the grounded variety as I have a metal bracket which attaches to my bike's frame and can get a good ground plane.
You can use either style antenna but be aware that you will need to coil up and hide the unused coax cable somewhere on the bike. Both the antenna and coax cable are teamed together to get correct operation.
Normally, The CB Antenna kit will have a bracket which will attach to a circular tube such as your luggage rack.
I or other members have a SWR Meter which is needed to adjust the antenna for best performance. Of course Radio-Shack would be happy to sell you one also. Figure $25.00 just for that.
Topic
Re: CB antenna and mounting hardware
Author
Phil Space
Date Created
5/24/2003 9:23:55 AM
Message
I use a 3' no ground plane antenna with a quick disconnect mount that works like a champ. The brand I use is Firestick and it works great, with one catch 22, NGP antennas are loaded based upon the feed line which is 17' long. You need to loop the coax as widely as possible, not a tight coil. I ran mine under the seat and around the tail three times and it loads up at 1.2:1 and runs like a champ.
Topic
Re: CB antenna and mounting hardware
Author
Jim Lydon
Date Created
5/28/2003 7:25:53 PM
Message
Many thanks Mike and Phil. The local Radio Shack was not very well stocked. I have taken a look at the Firestik antenna company's web site, and it looks pretty good. I hope to have Phil's set-up shortly. Once again, many thanks!
