CB radio and antenna mount

[Radio Guy]

What kind of power will a NMO cb antenna handle?

Many are rated at 200 watts. Larsen is a good brand and I have a couple of very broad band Laird 26.8 to 29.7MHz full coverage with no tuning and 200 watt rating. This antenna has a 67" long whip and is very efficient putting out a better signal than most other 4 to 5ft antennas. This is more of a commercial antenna and its pricy but worth it if you do both 10m amateur and CB. Or you could get a cheaper Tram/Browning NMO CB antenna, those work fine.

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[Dougstdig]

Many are rated at 200 watts. Larsen is a good brand and I have a couple of very broad band Laird 26.8 to 29.7MHz full coverage with no tuning and 200 watt rating. This antenna has a 67" long whip and is very efficient putting out a better signal than most other 4 to 5ft antennas. This is more of a commercial antenna and its pricy but worth it if you do both 10m amateur and CB. Or you could get a cheaper Tram/Browning NMO CB antenna, those work fine.

Can’t imagine the torq a 67” whip places on a hood mounted NMO. I think I can hear the aluminum hood crying …not to mention hitting limbs and tapping the windshield frame.

 

[Radio Guy]

Can’t imagine the torq a 67” whip places on a hood mounted NMO. I think I can hear the aluminum hood crying …not to mention hitting limbs and tapping the windshield frame.

Its a very thin stainless steel whip, probably puts much less stress on the mount than a 2ft Firestick. In the mid 70s through 80s I was a professional 2-way radio installer and I've done about a thousand antenna installs. I say NMO on the hood is good, and it rhymes!

 

[texanjeeper]

After getting back from a vacation, I had time today to work on getting the cable run. I ran it through the rear top, there should be enough cushion there where it won't leak into the cab, and won't crush the cable.

The cable comes out behind the back seat, and i run it down to under the back seat, then tucked it into the carpet moulding by the door.

I was able to run the cable all the way to the front, pretty far up, this way. I am trying to decide how to get it under the carpet and over to the center console, for now it's just running across the passenger side floorboard.

I popped that circular cap off the passenger side of the center console, and took that bolt out and used it to mount the CB mounting plate. It seems to work really good.

I got everything hooked up, and I powered it up and its working great. I still have to tune it with my SWR meter, but I was able to pick up chatter already and I can't wait to start using the radio.

 

[texanjeeper]

I got my CB tuned, ordered a SWR meter off of Amazon, and after watching many youtube videos on how to do it, I got mine set up with 1.3 on channel 1, and 1.4 on channel 40. So far, the furthest conversation I've had was about 3.5 miles away, but I'm still playing around.

I forgot how much fun CB radios are !

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