Scrambler82
Old Bastard !
Joined: Fri Dec 22nd, 2017
Posts: 2108
Name: Grev B ... Occupation: Quality Assurance Engineer ... Interests: Rangers, Photography, Metal Bending ...
Reputation Points: 2108
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First, any antenna and / or coax that has been on the road for 70K Miles should be replaced.
The Wilson 1000 is a good antenna BUT there is no way to check for a shorted condition in the antenna/coax package because it is actually already in a shorted condition and will read high resistance on a meter.
Also, CB Antennas have come a long way in the last 10 years so buy a new antenna, with coax if you have to but coax breaks down and has higher losses as it gets old AND a stock CB only has 4 watts, maybe boosted some, but not much, s any loos in the coax/antenna will shorten the transmitting distance you think you want !
If I were to do an install, I would only use enough Coax to get from the back of the CB to the antenna without any kinks.
There is a theory about using 18' of coax, if you use the 18'... do not coil the extra coax, try to leave slack in the line as you run the coax leaving nothing at the end but hook up length.
Get a good frame ground for the CB Chassis and the Antenna Mount.
Bumper mounts and body mounts are not good conductors for electricity and radio signals so an extra\a wire will help for grounding.
For Mobile applications RG8X Coax is the best choice.
Also, to test Coax for a shorted condition, you need to disconnect both ends, check one connector center to outer shield, check the other connector just in case !
Then check center to center of both ends and shield to shield also.
Although you could check for resistance of the length of coax there is no need to, the usual Coax used in a CB Application is set at 50 ohms resistance, if the coax states it is RG8X, RG58U, or RG8U-( more Home use) then you can accept the fact that it is 50 ohm per foot.
If by some chance... you are running a long length of coax, then consider using a larger diameter coax, i.e. RG58U and RG*x are approximately 0.250", while RG8 is approximately 0.500" and has less loss meaning it will get more of the radio signal to the antenna.
Always check the SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) in your system, trying to get to the lowest number you can, i.e. 1.0 - 1.2 !
The best performance is achieved with an SWR of 1.5 or lower but as close to 1.1 is the best . At 1.5 or higher, up to 2.0, the CB will operate BUT at a lower power output and a high SWR will cause the CB to heat up some, reducing life of the radio.
OK already said to much... grounding, a low SWR and a good antenna and coax, is what makes for a good CB install.
Antennas that come with their own coax attached may or may not be the best solution but it is easier to install. Last edited on Wed Dec 27th, 2017 12:09 pm by Scrambler82
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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 !
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