Anybody know the advantages of either a single or dual antenna? Seems people here use both setups. If there's a specific make and model you'd recommend, I'd appreciate hearing that, too.

Thanks in advance for suggestions!

Anybody know the advantages of either a single or dual antenna? Seems people here use both setups. If there's a specific make and model you'd recommend, I'd appreciate hearing that, too.

Thanks in advance for suggestions!

Never mind!

I found this really cool button above called "Find".

Looks like the big advantage of dual over single is that you get as much or more range with less height.

If that's not correct please do let me know.

If it is correct, then let's let this thread die a slow, embarrassing death.

noob!

bump

I agree with Alec, two looks cool. I'm just too lazy to put another one on...

I like these!

You guys are too funny.

But since this thread isn't ready to die a dignified death ...

Radio Shack has a Fiberglass Twin Trucker CB Antenna Kit (48" each) that they say are "precision tuned at the factory" and don't require further adjustments.

I thought the purpose of tuning was to match the antenna to the radio. No?

Are these the dual antennae you guys have?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by VTSTOMPER:
I like these! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hmmm. I wonder if mounting the duals on the trailing edge of the bed rack would work? Probably cut range toward the front, yes?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> "precision tuned at the factory" and don't require further adjustments. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I call BS. Don't forget about the ground.

Timgco had two on his H2. They were Firestik's I believe.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
Timgco had two on his H2. They were Firestik's I believe. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I've seen pictures of his dual setup and as I recall, there was a story about him at the Radio Shack in Moab, which lead me to believe his antennae are the ones linked-to and pictured above (the "pre-tuned" goods).

But I agree, it does sound like bull. Seems to me the radio and quality of ground would affect the tune. Not to mention that maybe over time the tune shifts and calibration is necessary.

Thanks for the link to Firestik. I'm on their site now.

This is interesting. From the Firestik page about the dual setup:

Co-phased (or dual) antennas are normally chosen for use by vehicle owners that spend much of their time on the interstate highways. Dual antenna systems create a transmission pattern that has increased field strength directly in front and behind the vehicle. This is especially helpful on vehicles pulling large trailers that tend to shield the antennas radiated energy in one or more directions. Co-phase antenna systems are also useful on vehicles that are lacking in ground plane (composite materials, etc.) as they use the magnetic field from one another as the RF field counterpoise. However, to work properly the antenna mounts MUST have a good chassis ground and the antennas MUST have unobstructed line-of-site between the top 50% or more of the antennas overall length.

There is also much talk regarding the spacing between the antennas. Many people believe that dual antennas will not work unless they are spaced 1/4 wave length (approx 9ft) apart. While this may be true to the nth degree, it does not mean that they will not work with lesser spacing. The spacing will have some effect on the radiation pattern but short of testing every installation and weighing the results against a 9ft spaced installation on the same vehicle, it cannot be assumed that the spacing is better or worse for performance on that particular vehicle. We have seen satisfactory results with antennas spaced as close as 5ft apart.

And don't forget ... ALL antennas, regardless of style or manufacturer, MUST be tuned after installation on the vehicle. Transmitting antennas are not "plug-n-play" devices.

Well, two black Firestiks do look good atleast.

I've read more on the Firestik site and am now officially dangerous. New question ...

I see their antennae range in length and watts rating. A 2 foot antenna is rated at 300 watts while a 5 foot antenna is rated at 1000.

If a CB radio transmits a much lower wattage (4 watts, I think), why buy anything over 2' since it's good to 300? Maybe the power rating is meaningless to a non-amplified radio but height is always good regardless of max transmit power?

This is way too much thinking for a Friday night.

this is what i have and have had no problems
Firestik®II "FS Series"
40 Channel +, Tunable Tip CB Antenna 2' black
coupled with cobra http://www.cobra.com/index.php?page=shop/flypage&product_id=5&id=1

rodster,
I'm no CB expert either, but I went with a single 3' Firestik Firefly that I plan to mount over the driver window like Phil and a couple others have done.

I haven't fully mounted it yet, but I have grounded it to the H2 and hooked it up to my Midland 75-822 handheld and it made a big difference in reception without even getting it tuned compared to the reception that the handheld got with just it's little 10in whip. I can pick up truckers on the interstate a few miles away with mild visual obstructions like trees. So it seems for my needs a single stick is plenty.

I'm just too lazy to consider dual sticks and the extra tuning.

BTW, if you are in the market for a handheld/mini, I'm really fond of my Midland 75-822. You can pick it up for ~$85 and it comes with three different power kits, one for completely portable battery powered use, one for in car mount with a 12V plug and antenna connector, and one for AC wall outlet+nicad recharging. It's about the same size as the cobra 75.