I originally started off with a Wilson 2' fiberglass antenna on my Bandi for the purpose of being able to leave it on when pulling in my garage. With all the CB's I've owned over the years (and still own!) I should have known better, but I guess I overlooked this for general laziness.
Here was the problem: I kept getting a high SWR (2+ on any channel) with the Wilson, no matter what I did to it. Tried tuning shorter, longer, reallllly short, reallllly long and still couldn't get the SWR to come down to anything reasonable. Took it to the local CB shop because I needed a PA speaker anyway and talked with the guy about it. He came out and took a look at it, suggesting I try the feature on the Wilson antennas of the impedance-matching lead. He also suggested that if it didn't do much, try it not installed -- but hanging down freely, taped up against the antenna (as suggested by the manufacturer if not to be used), or even cut off if it's not helping any. He mentioned that any of the above solutions have worked in certain cases that he had seen. Tried all of the above, but of course there was no bringing the SWR's down.
I thought I needed a longer antenna...
Trip 2 to the CB shop: I specifically headed down to diagnose the problem and see what the guy could give me for advice now. I was pretty confident it was the length of the antenna combined with the placement on the vehicle that was causing the issue. The original guy and another older guy came out this time and brought a handful of antennas; various types, lengths and manufacturers. I agreed to let him try whatever he thought would be the best on the rig. He started with a 2' K40 and when that did nothing, continued with a 3' Firestick and 3' K40, neither of which was much better either. The next stop was a 4' K40 which finally brought everything in check. Instantly after tuning, the SWR's were down to like 1.1~1.3 on channels 1 and 40, with the needle pegging as much as it can below 1 on my meter on channel 19.
Why? The general consensus at the CB shop was that the roof rack was reflecting the signal on transmission and causing the high SWR's. I spoke with another person who deals with amateur radio and they agreed, saying it may have been better just the little bit of height without the roof rack even.
Just sharing what I found in the hope that it helps others if they're having a similar situation. I'm not saying a 2' antenna won't work on your vehicle, I'm just sharing my findings...
-2J
I use Vinly
Mania Decals... Anthony has made up all my
decals over the last few years... You can send him an
image of what you want, and he will get back to you
with a price... He will do one offs, or multipal too...
Use the link above and contact him via email, or just
leave a message on the phone... It's best to send an
email with you image you want so he can best assist
you...
The bandi Mount is owned by All-Pro Off-Road since
Sept of 06'... I made approx 100 of them or so, and
spent all my time off that summer making them, So I
needed to have more time with my family, plus I wanted
those who wanted the mount to be able to get one
in a more timely manor... so I sold the rights to All-Pro...
The bandi Mount is owned by All-Pro Off-Road since
Sept of 06'... I made approx 100 of them or so, and
spent all my time off that summer making them, So I
needed to have more time with my family.
Now there's a bunch of guys in Mexico spending all their time making em probably feeling the same way. lol
Just razzin ya all-pro.
Thanks Bandi for a great invention - installing my Cobra 75 this weekend. I figured I'ld add an extra 12V outlet and do the 'Sunshine' LED mod at the same time.
Since I installed my CB, I have been using an external speaker, but I couldn't find a good location for it. I didn't want it obstructing my view and I needed to be able to hear it well. I had the speaker under my seat, but that made it hard to hear those soft talkers.
Well I found a new location, I removed the drivers side ceiling handle, which is useless for the driver. I made a bracket that matched the threaded holes the handle used and used the bolts from the handle to secure it to the ceiling. On aesthetics I'd give it a 7 out of 10. Well I can hear this great and It doesn't block me view, enjoy!!
Trip 2 to the CB shop: I specifically headed down to diagnose the problem and see what the guy could give me for advice now. I was pretty confident it was the length of the antenna combined with the placement on the vehicle that was causing the issue. The original guy and another older guy came out this time and brought a handful of antennas; various types, lengths and manufacturers. I agreed to let him try whatever he thought would be the best on the rig. He started with a 2' K40 and when that did nothing, continued with a 3' Firestick and 3' K40, neither of which was much better either. The next stop was a 4' K40 which finally brought everything in check. Instantly after tuning, the SWR's were down to like 1.1~1.3 on channels 1 and 40, with the needle pegging as much as it can below 1 on my meter on channel 19.
Re: Cobra 75 WXST and Bandi Mount Install
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Linear Mode
