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| Author: | undy [ Wed Jan 27, 2010 1:53 pm ] |
| Post subject: | New radio, need antenna/s |
I just picked up a Cobra29LTD to install in my Pinzgauer. I've read the manual regarding antenna choices and placement. I'm still not sure whether a single antenna or a dual would work better considering the Pinz has a soft top. Any suggestions or opinions? Also, Goos, I read that you've got a meter for tuning antennas. Is there a possibility I can get a hand from you with that sometime? Thanks guys. Paul |
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| Author: | jmerrill [ Wed Jan 27, 2010 6:36 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New radio, need antenna/s |
I have the cobra 29 ltd, it has the ability to tune built into the radio. It is possible that the antenna itself may need some adjusting(i think) but mine did not. If you don't have the manual the directions can be found online. As far as antennas I would suggest going to a radio shop or over the road truck supply center. I got a nice single antenna w/mount and cable that truckers use for $35.00 |
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| Author: | Goostoff [ Wed Jan 27, 2010 8:02 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New radio, need antenna/s |
according to the HAM croud, dual antennas are useless unless they are at least 9 feet apart. A single is more than enough. I was talking to someone the other day that claimed to be just outside of Independence, IA which is a long long way for radio waves to travel on the amount of power I have. He said he had an amp so i'm sure that was helping. The Cobra 29 has the ability to tune using the built in meter if it is working. My Grant XL has this ability as well but with age the meter has gone screwy so I bought an external meter. Bring that baby down on the 13th and we can check it out and get you all tuned up. I got my antenna set up from Radio Shack. I made my own cable. The mount is a Firestick body Side mount, and the antenna is a 4 foot Wilson Flex. It works really well, and it doesn't matter what it gets hooked on because it just bends right over. When I take off my hardtop I just grab the end and hand it to my son to hold down and out of the way. |
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| Author: | kioti [ Wed Jan 27, 2010 10:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New radio, need antenna/s |
Your right on the dual antenna goose. but that Pinzgauer would look good with duals just only hook up one side. I personally like the look of dual antennas on a truck. |
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| Author: | undy [ Thu Jan 28, 2010 8:18 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New radio, need antenna/s |
Thanks for the input guys. I'd read the manual online, but I guess I misunderstood the built in meter bit. IIRC, there was something about a single antenna working better generally, and the dual antennas tended to get more directional. But I thought there was also something about a steel surface that the antenna mounted onto (like a vehicle roof) which made the single antennas work better there. I thought I read that the dual set up sort of caused an effect which compensated for a canvas top. Anybody familiar with this detail? I'll reread the manual. Maybe I'm just mistaken!! Hope to see you on the 13th. |
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| Author: | Goostoff [ Thu Jan 28, 2010 6:39 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New radio, need antenna/s |
Dual are harder to tune. If it worries you too much just get a base loaded magnetic mount and stick it on the hood otherwise it is very important to have a good ground on the antenna. This may be what confused you about the canvas top. Here is what my mount looks like inside and out.  
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| Author: | RNITOVR [ Thu Jan 28, 2010 7:14 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New radio, need antenna/s |
Put it in a good spot to start with. I keep thinking I've got mine just right and then it breaks, and yet I always seem to be able to break it. Of course, that rings true for most of my rig.... |
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| Author: | Goostoff [ Thu Jan 28, 2010 7:29 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New radio, need antenna/s |
Switch to a Wilson Flex and you will never break another one. I can bend mine right over at even below zero temps. |
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| Author: | undy [ Fri Jan 29, 2010 8:52 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New radio, need antenna/s |
Goos, Thanks for the pix. So it looks like you just run standard coax wire? Looks pretty easy. But I don't exactly have a hood!  I like your idea of the flexible antenna. I'll see what I can find. |
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| Author: | jeepiowacj [ Fri Jan 29, 2010 9:00 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New radio, need antenna/s |
They also make spring bases, so that it will flex even further. I have one on my CJ5 and it seems to work fine on the trails, haven't tested it anywhere else. |
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