Mounting a CB antenna correctly is crucial for its optimal operation. Improper installation can lead to poor transmission, degraded audio quality, or potential damage to the unit.
This tutorial outlines a simple four-step process for mounting your antenna, particularly suitable for those attaching a CB antenna to their pickup truck or car. The same principles also apply to off-road vehicles and boats.
Antenna Installation Supplies
You will need several tools to begin, including various wrenches, the CB antenna stud mount, the CB radio antenna mount, and an SWR meter. If installing a magnet mount, you might not need any tools.
Step 1: Choose the Best Spot to Mount Your CB Radio Antenna
The first step is to choose an optimal location for your CB antenna mount. Consider the length of your antenna and the type (magnet mount/center loaded antenna vs. whip antenna/fiberglass antenna), as this will affect the best mounting position.
Popular mounting locations for a CB antenna include:
- On the hood of your truck
- On the top of the roof
- On the bedpost (if the bed of your truck is made of metal)
- Driver’s side fender/antenna mirror mount
- On top of your toolbox (center of the truck)
- At the rear of the truck/on the tailgate or the spare tire mount
Magnetic Mount Antennas
Mounting these types of antennas is straightforward if your vehicle is made of steel. Just place it on the top/center of the roof. If your vehicle is made of aluminum, you might need to install a metal bracket for the antenna to adhere to. If problems arise, relocate the antenna magnet to a different spot, and ensure to clean underneath it regularly to prevent paint damage.
Heavy Duty CB Antennas
The center of the roof is typically the best place to mount your mobile antenna due to optimal ground plane coverage. Ensure the antenna is positioned above the roof for better transmission. You may need to add an extension to achieve this.
Mounting the CB antenna on the fender, bumper, or any location near the edge of the vehicle might result in a weak signal. For example, if the antenna is on the front side, the front left side of your vehicle might receive a weaker signal. The coil of a CB antenna should be beyond the vehicle’s roof line. Try to keep the antenna as tall as possible for better reception. However, ensure it doesn’t collide with overhead obstacles like bridges. The ground plane coverage is critical for the CB antenna, so placing it on or near the roof is ideal.
Step 2: Place and Mount the CB Antenna
This step can be simple or complex, depending on the type of CB antenna. A magnetic mount will easily stick to the roof, while a door jamb mount may require careful measuring, drilling, and modifications.
You must have all the necessary components to connect your antenna mount to the coax. For instance, some mounts may require a ring terminal connector on the coax, while others might need a PL259 connector.
Before installing the mount, ensure the mount bracket is connected to a metal part of the vehicle, whether it’s the body of the truck, the toolbox, or another metallic element for optimal grounding.
Follow the instructions included with your CB antenna kit. Simple factors like arranging the mount screws and washers correctly can significantly impact how well your CB radio operates.
Step 3: Running the Coax Cable
Next, route the coax cable from the antenna to the CB radio. This step is akin to installing stereo speakers. Tips for effective coax routing include:
- Find a path with minimal slack to prevent the cable from getting caught and damaged
- Avoid exposure to heat, which can degrade the coax cable quickly
- Choose locations away from inverters or devices that can cause noise interference
- Avoid running the coax alongside other cables
- Use a coax cable with a removable PL259 connector for easier routing. Do not cut the coax to shorten its length as the specified length is optimized for CB antennas
- Properly store any extra coax without coiling it tightly to avoid creating a choke point that can result in high SWR readings or poor reception
Step 4: Tune the CB Antenna
Finally, you must tune the antenna to ensure it does not damage your radio and to optimize the antenna system. Tuning should ideally be done throughout the installation process.
Monitor and adjust the Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) as necessary. High SWR readings can adversely affect your radio. Adjustments may include adding a spring or quick disconnect, changing your coax length, or repairing any damage to your antenna.
An SWR meter is necessary for proper tuning. Some radios come with a built-in SWR meter, but many do not.