Another "Firestik" first! You must have a stud mount when you're installing your antenna.If you also have your mind on a quick disconnect, now you can enjoy both functions in one part. These QD stud mounts are heavy-duty and ready to be attached to any antenna mount with the standard 1/2" (13mm) hole. They are specifically designed to accept any 3/8"-24 threaded antenna up to 5' (152cm) in length. The total height above the mounting surface is only 2.3" (58mm), or about one-half the height of using a K-1A on a standard stud mount. With a simple push and twist motion, your antenna can be removed from your vehicle.
Model QD-4 is for use with coax cables that are finished with ring type terminals. Both the ground and center lead connections are provided for on this mount. The QD-4 requires just 1/2" (13mm) on the underside so it is the perfect choice for tight areas.
Firestik - SS3H - Stainless Steel Spring
Paradynamics - PDC1 - 100 Watt Power & SWR Meter
- Coax Cable: - None
Firestik - K48R18 - 18 Foot Fire-Flex Coax w/ Fire-Ring & Stud
Firestik Firefly 3 Foot Flexable Antenna
Firestik - K1A - Internal Locking Quick Disconnect
Firestik - QD4 - Quick Disconnect Stud Mount
$107 for all, tax and shipped.
Ordered a few extra parts(experimenting) to keep the shinny part as short as I can.
It all just came in an hour ago, running the wire now and then time to tune. Pain in the a$$ getting that nut on the bandi threads. Must have dropped nut and lock nut 10 times. Not much room between the door edge and the hinge.
Ok, it’s always something. Tuning the antenna with the ASTATIC PDC1 SWR & power meter. Under SWR measurement # 3 says to” Key the transmitter and adjust the SWR adjustment control for a full scale deflection to the SWR mark on the meter”
On the actual meter itself the SWR is dead center and the word SET is all the way to the left. When I set it to SWR then swicth to REF and key the mic, channels 1 and 40’s readings are way below 1.5 and channel 19 is dead 1. If I set the SWR to the SET position channels 1 is 1.5 & 40 is 1.7, 19 is still 1.
Which setting is correct?
Does the box that the handheld unit attaches to have to be ground? I've just got it under the passenger seat not bolted down.
I used the Firestick "Quick disconnect stud mount" with the heavy duty spring. I oriented the locking nipple towards the FJ so anyone looking at it wouldn't see that it comes of real easy and get any ideas.
I'm really not crazy about all of that SILVER there.
It's really tough to see the slot for locking the two pieces together. But, it's real loose so if someone grabs it with the intention to remove it, they'll probably figure it out. We have a lot of little kids in the neighborhood and walking home from school, who have been stealing the chrome air caps from all of the wheels.The friggin kid right across the street,maybe 12 0r 13, was caught with a bag of about 50 of them and he is/was a freind of mine. The damn kids tody don't give a $hit who they steal from. I've talked with him and his parents, who are also friends of mine. With all of my electronics inside the FJ, it's just a matter of time. Yes, I do have an aftermarket, Viper, alarm system also.
Here's a question...I am right behind you trying to get my equipment together....I was looking at Firestick.com and I saw the DV-SBS swivel mount antenna base w/ spring....would that take the place of the stainless steel spring #SS3H?
Also, in your parts list, are there any unneeded parts now that you are assembled? Thanks, in advance!
OK, called Firestik and got the answer. The stainless steel spring should be SS3H (heavy duty) if your antenna is 3ft or taller and the DV-SBS swivel mount is being phased out due to being UNRELIABLE.....
Firestik - SS3H - Stainless Steel Spring
Paradynamics - PDC1 - 100 Watt Power & SWR Meter
Firestik Firefly 3 Foot Flexable Antenna
RG8X Coax Cable 3 Foot Length Item #: 38X
(to use between the meter and cb to set your SWR)
It all just came in an hour ago, running the wire now and then time to tune. Pain in the a$$ getting that nut on the bandi threads. Must have dropped nut and lock nut 10 times. Not much room between the door edge and the hinge.
I couldn't agree more about that damn nut. But I sure like the look of the bandi mount once on. In fact the place that installed my cb (yeah, I'm challenged) was impressed with the mount and asked all kinds of questions. Gave this forum and Bandi the credit.
Here's some photos of their install.
I liked the way they ran the cable it turned out clean IMO.
Linear Mode
