c b antenna location/install

[DITTO]

I want to install a c b antenna on my o9 sightseer. The glass mount i have now is not the best.. any suggestions on locations, type  and installation?  Thanks

[John Canfield]

Here's a selection of antennas suitable for mounting on fiberglass (or so they say.)  Ideally, mount the antenna on the roof with nothing in close proximity.  Do not consider a bumper mount antenna, or one that mounts on the side wall because the antenna will be detuned, will never present a good match to the transmitter, and will be very inefficient.

[taoshum]

I want to install a c b antenna on my o9 sightseer.

It's sorta complicated if you are looking for really hi performance.  You'll need to put a ground plane on the fiberglass roof and then do some measurements and tuning.  I was not willing to go that route so I went the el cheapo WalMart route and bought a magnetic mount and when I need to use the CB I plop it on the dash board on a "cookie sheet".  Not the most attractive solution but it works just fine for the occassional need to use a CB.  We tested it with the one in the Jeep and it works out to about 2 miles, maybe a little more.  There are many other options and shops to help if you want a more permanent solution.  thanks, G.

[John Canfield]

You'll need to put a ground plane on the fiberglass roof and then do some measurements and tuning.

Without getting really complicated (which I'm not sure I can effectively do any longer), some antennas are designed to match the transmitter without a ground plane (or counterpoise) - the link in my earlier post featured antennas designed for mounting on fiberglass with no metal substrate.  At CB frequencies (27 Mhz), ideal antennas are a bit long for mobile applications, so all of them are a less than ideal compromise.

As taoshum suggests, if the antenna can be adjusted (or tuned), it would be a good idea to do that if you have the capability.