Big Red Mods-on-a-budget - Page 5

Scrambler82 · #61 04-05-2010, 08:20 AM

Not to be an A$$… but did they check the SWR on each Antenna separately, using a separate piece of coax ?

Dual antennas look cool but they $uck to setup.

stephen.g.fiddes · #62 04-05-2010, 11:07 AM

I only have one antenna for the CB. I have 3 different radios, Thats why I have so many antennas.

stephen.g.fiddes · #63 04-13-2010, 10:13 PM

I went out to the truck today to check my DS suspension, and somehow magically my grille came off and got painted flat black. (i got sick of the faded grey look)

Before:

During: (yes, that is 100MPH tape and paper towels from the bathroom... lol)

After:

sorry the pics are so crappy, my camera has been fighting me all day...

Tom · #64 04-14-2010, 01:12 AM

Looks good, I'm liking the sticker placement too!

stephen.g.fiddes · #65 04-14-2010, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom

Looks good, I'm liking the sticker placement too!

I got another one on the back window too. compliments of Shane.

Scrambler82 · #66 04-14-2010, 07:40 AM

Ok on the Antennas vs radios… I will have a tri band VHF/UHF and a CB Antenna so two works here too.

I like the placement of the RF Sticker but I think mine will be on the passenger side.

ltr

stephen.g.fiddes · #67 04-14-2010, 11:51 PM

how are you planning on mounting the antennas?

Scrambler82 · #68 04-15-2010, 06:07 AM

s.g.f.,

As of right now the VHF/UHF will be in the middle of the truck a rack and the CB on the outer edge BUT I want to try one on each side first.
Not sure how it will turn out but will have to see; will have to see how the SWRs work out. I know there will be coupling because of the wave lengths and the distance the antennas will be apart but it should work out, HOPEFULLY !
IF I go with a Scanner Antenna too then the idea gets easier, VHF in the middle, CB and Scanner Antennas on the outsides.

ltr

stephen.g.fiddes · #69 04-15-2010, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrambler82

s.g.f.,

As of right now the VHF/UHF will be in the middle of the truck a rack and the CB on the outer edge BUT I want to try one on each side first.
Not sure how it will turn out but will have to see; will have to see how the SWRs work out. I know there will be coupling because of the wave lengths and the distance the antennas will be apart but it should work out, HOPEFULLY !
IF I go with a Scanner Antenna too then the idea gets easier, VHF in the middle, CB and Scanner Antennas on the outsides.

ltr

What i reccomend, is putting whatever antenna you use most, up on the hood (where my thin black antenna is) opposite the stereo antenna. Then mount the others to the rack, making sure that the tip of the antenna is well above the cab. Best position would be with the base level with the roof of the cab. That allows the best ground plane.

DangerRanger379 · #70 04-22-2010, 12:10 PM

where did you manage to get a firestick for 22???? i had a dual firstick setup then someone vandalized my truck and broke them off, ive been cb-less for almost 5 months and cant find a good pair at a decent price, please let me know lol!

Scrambler82 · #71 04-22-2010, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephen.g.fiddes

What i reccomend, is putting whatever antenna you use most, up on the hood (where my thin black antenna is) opposite the stereo antenna. Then mount the others to the rack, making sure that the tip of the antenna is well above the cab. Best position would be with the base level with the roof of the cab. That allows the best ground plane.

Well that’s not going to happen, the hood thing that is.
I don’t believe in a front mounted antenna setup, hood or bumper, because the transmission pattern will be more to the back and to the opposite side of the vehicle from the antenna. I want the main pattern in the direction I am going.
I used the same antenna setup before and it worked OK. if both the VHF and the CB antennas are the same mounting then I can always put the one I will be using the most in the middle and swap when necessary.
BUT chances are the VHF/UHF HAM Antenna will remain in the middle for Emergency /Civil Work.

By the way… what is the difference if the antenna is mounted on the hood or the roof/rack, if it is on the side of the vehicle. The most important thing is the grounding/SWR.

Thanks for the input but all of my antennas will be on the Rack/Roof.

ltr,

stephen.g.fiddes · #72 05-05-2010, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrambler82

Well that’s not going to happen, the hood thing that is.
I don’t believe in a front mounted antenna setup, hood or bumper, because the transmission pattern will be more to the back and to the opposite side of the vehicle from the antenna. I want the main pattern in the direction I am going.
I used the same antenna setup before and it worked OK. if both the VHF and the CB antennas are the same mounting then I can always put the one I will be using the most in the middle and swap when necessary.
BUT chances are the VHF/UHF HAM Antenna will remain in the middle for Emergency /Civil Work.

By the way… what is the difference if the antenna is mounted on the hood or the roof/rack, if it is on the side of the vehicle. The most important thing is the grounding/SWR.

Thanks for the input but all of my antennas will be on the Rack/Roof.

ltr,

wow.. sorry, I didnt see this.

The main reason is so that you get the best ground plane. I guess if you mount it on the rack up near the roof you would get the ground plane from the roof, so that should be ok. but I noticed a HUGE difference when I didnt have a good ground plane, vs. a good one. especially on my CB (which LOL, only gets 4 watts) my ham stuff I dont have a problem with cause of the POWAZ thats pushing it, but I also have a good ground plane too.

stephen.g.fiddes · #73 05-05-2010, 12:10 PM

ok, so after a long stretch of no mods, I finally can say that I have one in progress (need to order a couple things) and 3 more planned (again, need to order parts)

In progress: Backup Lights
Waiting for time to cut: Diamond Plate bed rails
Pending order: Headache Rack (Update, waiting for me to pick up this weekend)
Waiting for order of parts: Red/ White LED's in the dome light.

I also am pulling the wiring for the radio that was by my knee. the antenna went out, and I'm using the radio as a base unit in my dorm.

Hopefully all be done soon!

Scrambler82 · #74 05-05-2010, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephen.g.fiddes

wow.. sorry, I didnt see this.

The main reason is so that you get the best ground plane. I guess if you mount it on the rack up near the roof you would get the ground plane from the roof, so that should be ok. but I noticed a HUGE difference when I didnt have a good ground plane, vs. a good one. especially on my CB (which LOL, only gets 4 watts) my ham stuff I dont have a problem with cause of the POWAZ thats pushing it, but I also have a good ground plane too.

If you ground the Rack, ground the bed and get a good ground from the antenna to the rack the whole truck becomes the ground plane.
It is always a matter of people not grounding each part and then expect the ground flow to get to the next section without a good path.

Everyone has it the way they like it so it really doesn’t matter.

Good luck on the projects, I got some parts for my interior mods today thank to a fried and only need the new rug, ordering tonight.
it is always good to have things coming together.

ltr and luck,
n1mau/w1io

DrIftKi7Vg · #75 09-14-2010, 11:34 PM

Hey how are those sensa trac?