Cb radio antenna hook up

How to install a CB radio antenna?

To complete your antenna installation, you need to do a CB radio setup, and the logical first step is to use an SWR meter. An SWR meter, whether built-in or in a separate unit, will also help you determine where to mount your antenna.

Do CB antennas need to match?

If you have a radio, it is crucial that you match the CB base station antenna perfectly, as otherwise, you might damage the radio. Setting up the antenna wrongly can result in the radio getting poor signals as well. Make sure to install the radio first and attach the CB antenna correctly to it.

How to connect a CB microphone to a car radio?

Simply put, you are going to have to connect your coax to the antenna by running the CB coax cable all the way from the antenna to the radio. The next task is to connect your CB mic. After this is done, you have to power the radio. Powering the radio can be done in a few ways.

Do CB antennas have coils?

All CB antennas shorter than a 102-inch whip have a coil. The wire in the coil is the remainder of quarter wave (102 inches) minus the height of the antenna itself wrapped up in a tight or spread out coil.

Can You mount a CB radio on an antenna?

Both single mounts (for CB radios only) and double mounts (for AM/FM radios as well as CB radios) are available. Also, a lot of people seem to like the hump mounts. After youve installed your CB radio, its time to add the antenna to the system.

What should I do after Ive installed my CB radio?

After youve installed your CB radio, its time to add the antenna to the system. IMPORTANT: Do not key your mic before the antenna is installed! If you do, you risk damaging or destroying your radio! Youll find a great selection of antennas on our mobile antennas page.

How to wire a CB radio?

Now, how to wire a CB radio - that means that youll need to run your coaxial cable from the antenna to the CB radio plus provide a source of power to run the radio. How youll do that depends on your vehicle. You may need to run cable from the trunk lid through the back seat, then under the doorframe and window pillar or the dash and firewall.

How do you tune a CB antenna?

Tune it every time you move the antenna, add a spring or quick disconnect, modify your vehicle with a large metal component, hit your antenna on something, change your coax length, switch to a different mount, and more. You can find a link to an article on CB antenna tuning here.

What is a base loaded CB antenna?

Base Loaded CB Antennas (aka NMO Mount) A base loaded antenna has a coil wrapped around the antenna body at the base (bottom). Often all-in-one magnetic mount and room antennas are base loaded. They provide simple mounting and can use thicker coil, which provides a higher Watt capacity.

What is the electrical length of a CB antenna?

The electrical length of a CB antenna includes everything from the back of the CB radio to the tip of the antenna, such as the cable, coil and whip. The electrical length is how manufacturers compensate for lack of height. Using coils, they can make an antenna that matches the ideal electrical length.

What was the first big coil antenna?

In the early 1970s, right in the middle of the huge CB hobby boom, Antenna Specialists came out with what could be considered the first ‘big coil’ antenna, the M-410. The M-410, affectionately known as the “Big Momma”, is shown here in a 1972 S9 magazine ad complete with the real-life ‘Big Momma’ herself.

How to choose the best mobile CB antennas?

The SCB has excellent electrical performance as well as durability. The high efficiency coil is capable of easily covering 120 channels at 1000-Watt power levels. The lower half of the SCB is a virtually indestructible solid stainless steel rod. The best mobile cb antenna is considered a top-loaded antenna, and is usually made of fiberglass.