CB ANTENNA CHOICE: 5’ Wilson Silver Load
Incorporating the now famous BANDI mount (of course)!
unfortunately, size does matter
About 60% of the antenna should be above the plane that the antenna is broadcasting from. When I throw on metal fuel cans, that means a 5' antenna. I know that many of you have smaller antennas and they work but they won't work as well. The 5' antenna does pose problems with drive-through bank/fast food, etc. situations and
use the quick disconnect for daily driving and just leave the antenna inside the FJ when I'm not going to use the CB.
This is why I chose the Wilson 5' antenna.
(1) My radio is a P.O.S. Midland 75-822 Handheld CB Radio with Vehicle Adapter. So we're not talking high output and high quality. However for the FJ, it works and while I tend to be a radio snob, I put that ego away and bought the most adaptable unit I could find.
(2) Given the above, I wanted the best possible signal. So we are left with the antenna and a good signal match. Those are the only variables left to me.
(3) I wanted an extremely rigid antenna that didn't flex around, smacking the FJ (damaging the antenna).
So given the variables: 5' (60% above plane), rigid, and higher gain, I had to look at what was out there.
Many of the popular fiberglass antennas put losses, like a dummy load, to make their antenna look good on the SWR meter, but sacrificed most of the power gain. (not good considering we're starting out with the POS radio)
I found propaganda from Wilson on the 4' antennas (above) but nothing was available for the 5' antennas. I think that the same ratios apply.
Features of this antenna:
Wilson designed the Silver Load, with an impedance matching transformer, to give good SWR without sacrificing power gain. Additionally, using spaced windings on the top load to eliminate the dielectric losses, and silver plated wire for maximum radiation.
-It uses a flying lead from the antenna DC ground to reduce static & ignition interference.
-Adjustable tip for fine tuning SWR & Resonant Frequency.
-3/8" Fiberglass rod for heavy duty performance on FGT
-Fully linear top loaded for maximum transfer of power out of antenna (better than Helical winding).
-Spaced winding to reduce dielectric heat loss.
-18 gauge silver plated wire to reduce resistive losses on FGT
-PVC protective covering around antenna on FGT
-Impedance matching transformer (paragraph above)
-Power Handling: 5 ft. @ 1,000 watts. Since the Midland puts out 2.5 watts on a good day, I'm not overloading the antenna's capability.
