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Old Bastard !
Joined: Fri Dec 22nd, 2017
Location: California USA
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The Firefly was one of the easiest antennas I have tuned. I picked up a PL-259 connector and some RG-8X to make my cable. The RG-8X has a stranded center wire and thicker insulation. Also if your coax has the "A U" in its description it is solid core - a kink in it will change the properties of the cable.
IF I were to use a Fiberglass Antenna I think I would try the Firefly or the 3 ft Wilson.
Usually a "U" mean stranded, the "A" I haven't seen for a while !Although, RG8X is stranded, while RG8U is too but 9913 (similar to RG8) is solid center conductor, with an air core, great for Base Units but not mobile.
Either way a Solid Center Conductor is better but it has problems with bends and kinked center conductor, high resistance and high SWR. So in a mobile application a stranded center will be better overall.
I always had a roll of Belden RG8X around for installs, best of both worlds, low loss, stranded center, extra insulation... good stuff, the Time Microwave LMR240 is similar and may have a better low loss factor and a better velocity factor. I have switch over to the LMR Coax for installs of my own, either the 240 or the 300.
All in all, taking your time to setup your CB system, using the best antenna you can afford and the best coax will end in a great talking system. Radio Shack always sold CB Parts, but the items are not quality part, the coax, although made by Belden has almost no braided shield and the foam is less of an insulator than you should have AND the electronics equipment is lower quality, less components, than name brands.Stick to good quality pieces and the system will work the best !
If you do another install look for an HRO Radio Store, HAMs call it the Candy Store, at least get the coax and connectors there. Some of them will do the connector install for you if you want.
Point of interest, A PL259 Connector, is not a 50 Ohm Connector and really should not be used on a 50 Ohm System. they are not far off but they can throw off the SWR some. The correct connectors would be either a BNC Type or an "N" Connector, but you need something to mate with your CB too.
Sorry I get carried away on this stuff.Hope it it's not overload !
Last edited on Wed Jan 17th, 2018 05:16 pm by Scrambler82
____________________
Ltr,
2003 EDGE, Std Cab, Steppie, E4 Red, 5sp, 4x
5" SuperLift, 33" x 12.50 x 15"
Hurst Shifter
Mod'd Backrack to fit Steppie
Front and Rear Bumpers by Custom 4x4 Fabrication, OK; now Mike's Welding and Fabrication.
Working on more Mods, just need more time, longer days would work !