Post by: Spectre on February 14, 2016, 06:09:35 PM
From my wheeling experiences in the past I've been on the trail and people don't have ham radios and rely on CB's. So I'm thinking of getting a inexpensive CB setup and do a similar antenna mount but on the left side of the Xterra. Am I safe to assume that the antennas shouldn't interfere with each other? I know in directional antennas they have multiple poles that work of each other but I wasn't sure if vertical polarized antennas will use each other to try and broadcast..
Unless you guys have better ideas on where to mount them. However my Diamond antenna is $100 so snapping that off would not make me a happy camper. Especially if the wife decides to take my Xterra and goes into a parking structure without putting the antenna horizontal.
Then again I'm more then likely overthinking the whole thing.. Though I think the hardest part I'm having is where to mount the radios. =(
Or if I'm going to wheel with the guys here do you all have ham radios and I shouldn't even bother with a dual setup? =)
Post by: Spectre on February 14, 2016, 06:36:11 PM
Post by: Celt on February 14, 2016, 06:57:54 PM
Here is the linky with some pics: http://www.sccxterra.com/smf/index.php?topic=3291.0
Post by: Spectre on February 14, 2016, 07:34:58 PM
I would love to put it high and up on the roof rack, but that just opens up a can of worms on hitting it on stuff. I've seen the hood installation like yours but for someone reason I'm not a fan of it. Maybe if I did it on the passenger side so it's not right in my field of few..
Post by: RikRong on February 14, 2016, 07:51:47 PM
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Post by: Spectre on February 14, 2016, 08:01:31 PM
Post by: Spectre on February 14, 2016, 08:13:39 PM
Post by: Celt on February 14, 2016, 08:18:35 PM
I think I like the idea of a CB hand held with a magnet mount antenna.. I just hate being on the trail on only hearing half of what's going on.. Plus it makes it hard to have 1 person relaying everything..
I would love to put it high and up on the roof rack, but that just opens up a can of worms on hitting it on stuff. I've seen the hood installation like yours but for someone reason I'm not a fan of it. Maybe if I did it on the passenger side so it's not right in my field of few..
I have the option of folding that antenna down if I need to very easily so you can explore that option. At first, I thought the antenna might be in my field of vision but after the first day I don't notice it's there. It was a logical placement for me running the antenna and power lines through the firewall. Over on the passenger side there is less through holes.
Post by: Celt on February 14, 2016, 08:29:01 PM
I have my CB antenna mounted in the hood channel and my HAM antenna on the top lip of my hatch. I had a good discussion with GreenGoon about mounting the HAM antenna on the hood and the issue with RF radiation. Modern HAMs put a lot of power out and I'm not comfortable with having the antenna there. I'm an aircraft maintainer and I'm sure I've had my fair share of exposure already and I don't want to add to it during my leisure time. The CB doesn't really concern me. Here's a good shot of my antennas.
If you are transmitting generally on low power does an issue still exist? I'm curious to see if it's any less through the front windshield or rear hatch mount than say on a roof mounted option? Either way wouldn't it generally be of the same concern being in a vehicle and in such close proximity to the antenna? The reason I ask about this is in reality I know nothing about this and would like some input.
Post by: RikRong on February 14, 2016, 08:49:47 PM
Your ham doesn't have any contact issues with the basket when you open the hatch?Yes it does, I just have to mindful when I'm opening the hatch with the antenna on. I'll probably move it to the basket, but I haven't got around to it yet.
If you are transmitting generally on low power does an issue still exist? I'm curious to see if it's any less through the front windshield or rear hatch mount than say on a roof mounted option? Either way wouldn't it generally be of the same concern being in a vehicle and in such close proximity to the antenna? The reason I ask about this is in reality I know nothing about this and would like some input.Honestly, it's probably nothing to be worried about, but I rarely use low power because I'm usually using repeaters around here. When I go out with you guys, I'll use low power. If the antenna is on the hood, radio waves are being reflected off the hood in all directions, including through the windshield. It might be using the roof, too, if it's tall enough. The rear mounted antenna should use the roof as the plane, if it's tall enough, so no concerns there. A roof mounted antenna will exclusively use the roof as the plane, keeping most of the RF radiation out of the passenger compartment.
I'm sure someone that is better at antenna theory will chime in.
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Post by: Celt on February 14, 2016, 10:46:07 PM
Post by: RikRong on February 14, 2016, 10:59:41 PM
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Post by: JFanaselle on February 14, 2016, 11:21:08 PM
I park in a low parking garage at work, plus my rig lives in the garage at home, so having the antenna stick up above the roof line was a no-go for me. I believe the tip of the antenna is just about level with the top of my aftermarket roof rack.
As I said, I've had nothing but good luck with the location when paired up with my FT-7800 (I used to run an FT-8800, and had the same success). During our most recent Death Valley group trip, I was able to TX and RX just as well as anyone in the group with antennas mounted out on their hoods. The few people in the group who had antennas sticking way up off the roof were only doing a tiny bit better than I was. For everyday usability, I'm quite impressed with how good of coverage I get from this location. Here's an old thread about my antenna location, please give it a quick read and let me know if you have any questions: http://www.sccxterra.com/smf/index.php?topic=2495.0
Just a note - I no longer use the K400 on the driver's side for the CB antenna. I've installed a Firestik brand 90* mount behind the driver side taillight for the CB antenna and run a 4' fiberglass firestik while out on the trail, then remove the antenna and CB when I'm not wheeling. The FT-7800 is permanently mounted and stays hooked up 24/7 (along with the diamond dual band antenna).
Post by: PainRoller on February 15, 2016, 10:40:00 AM
Or if I'm going to wheel with the guys here do you all have ham radios and I shouldn't even bother with a dual setup? =)
A serious chunk of the people here have hams, but you can't bank on it for larger runs. So most run some sort of dual setup. For this last Mojave trip, the group loaned their HTs to the CB'ers to help them stay informed and also to show them how awesome hams can be. ;)
Our setup is a Yaesu FT-8900R Quad Band Ham Radio w/ Tri Band Antenna and a CB Radio.
The Ham Antenna is mounted on the hood so we get our dose of RF radiation (I do worry a little, but that's where it is):
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
The CB Antenna is mounted on the passenger rear taillight (with a quick disconnect - don't keep it on the rig for DD):
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Ham Radio is mounted under passenger seat:
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CB Radio is mounted in center console:
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Post by: Celt on February 15, 2016, 11:00:28 AM
Post by: PainRoller on February 15, 2016, 11:21:16 AM
Hey PR, just a quick question. Why did you mount the CB in the console vs. the HAM? I might be answering my own question but it may be for cooling? My thinking was the HAM is a lot harder to program than just turning the dial on the CB to switch fixed channels.
We put the CB in first and wanted it hidden (just in case someone decided to break into Pepe just to take our very inexpensive CB ::) ::)). We thought we were all BA with our CB until we were out running trails with the group and realized it's limitations. Which meant an upgrade to Ham....
We strongly considered placing the Ham in the center console (the console has the holes to prove this (think swiss cheese)) but Jordan and others talked us off the "crazy ledge" and proved to us it would fit under the passenger seat. The entire thought process is on this thread Yaesu FT-8900R (http://www.sccxterra.com/smf/index.php?topic=3293.0)
The Ham in the console is "too hot in the hot tub"
https://youtu.be/USHPc90MPl8?list=PL_PspAadAZ0PGwjWViEVJ5cW9MWG2Rw9B
If you've never seen this...... >:D
Post by: Celt on February 15, 2016, 11:29:50 AM
Post by: PainRoller on February 15, 2016, 11:41:52 AM
Post by: Ghost65 on February 15, 2016, 05:32:47 PM
The fulcrum of mounting options is height for reception vs. protection from detachment. Not sure how old your Diamond is, but a lot of the newer options come with a fold over option when/if you are approaching low hanging fruit...trees.
Just another two Lincolns for your thought process. :) :)
Oh...and then there's this:
Joe's Amazing Linky (http://www.sccxterra.com/smf/index.php?topic=2495.0)
Post by: GreenGoon on February 15, 2016, 05:45:59 PM
For RF radiation, mounting on the roof is the best but we're not cranking out the most dangerous frequencies at high power while on 2m and 440. That being said, all of my transmitting antennas are on my roof. It was easy to install multiple antennas, it's the best ground plane, and I know I don't have to worry about adding RF exposure to my 5 year old daughter.
As for CB or ham, there is no question about ham being the best out on the trail. It's great wheeling with other hams and not having to deal with the problems you get with CB. But, as Specter said in the first post, more off roaders have CBs then ham so you are more likely to find help if you have both. I'd recommend having 2m and CB on the trail if you go with single band radios. Of course, a multiband ham and a CB is better. I actually enjoy having CB when I'm in traffic so I can listen to the truckers talk about what lanes are blocked and alternate routes. I find that their info is still better than my smart phone's.
Post by: GreenGoon on February 15, 2016, 05:50:25 PM
Post by: Spectre on February 15, 2016, 06:33:45 PM
A serious chunk of the people here have hams, but you can't bank on it for larger runs. So most run some sort of dual setup. For this last Mojave trip, the group loaned their HTs to the CB'ers to help them stay informed and also to show them how awesome hams can be. ;)
Our setup is a Yaesu FT-8900R Quad Band Ham Radio w/ Tri Band Antenna and a CB Radio.
I love the idea of the Yaseu being under the passenger seat. Do you have any pictures of where you have the face plate and mic? Right now my 8900 is screwed to the back wall of the hardbody and the face is in the little pocket under the aftermarket stereo. (Which that is getting moved over as well)
All good advice...to the OP: we remove our HAM antenna for around town stuff, as it "mostly" avoids the unplanned detachment of parking garages etc.
The fulcrum of mounting options is height for reception vs. protection from detachment. Not sure how old your Diamond is, but a lot of the newer options come with a fold over option when/if you are approaching low hanging fruit...trees.
Just another two Lincolns for your thought process. :) :)
Oh...and then there's this:
Joe's Amazing Linky (http://www.sccxterra.com/smf/index.php?topic=2495.0)
My antenna does have the fold over option and I used it once in a great while. The link you put is freakin amazing.. It's pretty much what I envisioned but now seeing that someone has done it just makes it that much "gooder" heh
Guess I need to order the mounts and coax. Once I get it all then I'll install it. Now I just need to figure out where to put my Yaseu detachable face and the cb unit. I don't want to use the center console. I actually am trying to figure out how to put a locking center console in there. I need to be able to lock stuff up while I'm at work that I can't have on me that I'd normally have when I'm not at work.
Damn you guys and feeding my addiction to mod things. lol
Post by: PainRoller on February 15, 2016, 07:58:27 PM
(http://cdn.makeagif.com/media/9-26-2015/4hU2xF.gif)
I'll try to get a pic tomorrow and post. Right now the face plate is being held by strong velcro. We wanted to make sure we liked its placement before putting a permanent plate up there. It's working real well, so time to get a plate....
Post by: RikRong on February 15, 2016, 08:19:19 PM
Rick, you should be able to hit most repeaters on low power. The rule of thumb is to always try low power and then use high power if you NEED to. Your antenna is the most important part of your signal.
Good point, I never really think about that for repeater use.
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Post by: JeffBett on February 16, 2016, 08:19:43 AM
Post by: Spectre on February 16, 2016, 07:34:01 PM
We mounted our face plate and mic up top to give that true 70's trucker experience >:D
I'll try to get a pic tomorrow and post. Right now the face plate is being held by strong velcro. We wanted to make sure we liked its placement before putting a permanent plate up there. It's working real well, so time to get a plate....
I'm interested in seeing that. I was thinking about putting mine up on the top so I can have the trucker experience. =)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Foh0c-gG8To/UNYywvKZsqI/AAAAAAAAAJY/CHJSuN9r9j8/s1600/descarga+%25284%2529.jpg)
If I go the CB route maybe I'll put it on the top and my FT-8900 in the radio pocket.. *Shrug*
Post by: Ghost65 on February 17, 2016, 11:41:58 AM
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Post by: Spectre on February 17, 2016, 07:29:24 PM
Oh that reminds me.. GeoYota, I'm told you are the guy to talk to about stickers and you may know a Shirt guy.. (I'm looking to get some shirts for my hockey team made)
Post by: Ghost65 on February 19, 2016, 12:37:01 PM
Could be your tubes. =) Hmm I miss HF...
Oh that reminds me.. GeoYota, I'm told you are the guy to talk to about stickers...
Yes. I've been really busy with job changes and moving, so haven't been attending much to hand these out.
Hoping to change that, but if not I may split my cache of stickers with Jordan and Randy so they are more easily distributed amongst the newer "not a club-club" participants.
.... and you may know a Shirt guy.. (I'm looking to get some shirts for my hockey team made)
And I did, but you can probably find better deals elsewhere. His minimums are a little high for most. (30-40 shirts)
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Post by: Spectre on February 28, 2016, 05:32:03 PM
Also after reading a lot posts and checking out a lot of pictures of other peoples installs I've decided to set myself out like JFanaselle did. I just finished ordering my trunk lid mounts and coax from AES. I decided to go with both antennas being on the Diamond K400C mounts. It was only $15 more then the other one but I wanted to make sure I got a heavy duty enough mount to hold both antennas. Why not kill it when you can overkill it? =)
I'm 95% sure I'll just get the little baby Cobra 19DXIV and put it in the Center Console like everyone else .did.. If I do I'll run an external speaker. I do plan on mounting the Yaseu 8900 under the passenger seat. I did just find the windshield mount I used to use in my F250 so I may just use that.. For some reason my supermotors account isn't allowing me to upload images so I'll see if Tapa talk will let me.. But I'm trying to decide if I should suction cup it to the center of the windshield and the mic can just sit in the little pocket on top of the center dash and I can have the cable come from under the pocket. Or I'm thinking of going to the left side and can put a mic mount on the dash behind the turn signal. Hopefully I can get pics up to show what I mean.
Post by: Spectre on February 28, 2016, 05:34:37 PM
Or
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160229/72aaf6fbe69921c96bcdd1424fed4c9c.jpg)
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Post by: JFanaselle on February 29, 2016, 10:01:01 AM
Post by: Spectre on February 29, 2016, 10:51:48 AM
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