CB question

COA · Mar 19, 2012

Hi guys, just purchased a second hand CB off fleabay. I have always wanted a CB and the guys use them at the weekend when we are off playing in the hills.

I need to get an antenna and needed some input. Please lets not get started on SWR and earth planes etc.....I have that sorted......just some advice on which aeriel and how to mount it.

Choice is between the mini orbiter (Thunderpole Mini Orbitor | Mobile CB Radio Antenna | THUNDERPOLE) or the full orbiter (Thunderpole Orbitor | Mobile CB Radio Antenna | THUNDERPOLE). The mini is supposed to transmit over 5 miles and the full size over 10 miles but in the past I have always found that these claimed distances are somewhat optimistic! Has anyone used these aeriels and (assuming they are set up right) do they work as advertised? If I coudl get 5 miles out of the mini version then I woudl go for that as it is shorter.

As for mounting, choice is between gutter (Gutter Mounts | CB Radios | THUNDERPOLE) or side mounted (Fixed Body Mounts | CB Radios | THUNDERPOLE) the second one down on that link!! The body mounted one looks neater to me but am worried if it would bend the body if I snagged the aeriel in a tree whereas the gutter one would just rip off which woudl be ok. Any views on this?

Thanks

GINGE · Mar 19, 2012

COA said:
Hi guys, just purchased a second hand CB off fleabay. I have always wanted a CB and the guys use them at the weekend when we are off playing in the hills.

I need to get an antenna and needed some input. Please lets not get started on SWR and earth planes etc.....I have that sorted......just some advice on which aeriel and how to mount it.

Choice is between the mini orbiter (Thunderpole Mini Orbitor | Mobile CB Radio Antenna | THUNDERPOLE) or the full orbiter (Thunderpole Orbitor | Mobile CB Radio Antenna | THUNDERPOLE). The mini is supposed to transmit over 5 miles and the full size over 10 miles but in the past I have always found that these claimed distances are somewhat optimistic! Has anyone used these aeriels and (assuming they are set up right) do they work as advertised? If I coudl get 5 miles out of the mini version then I woudl go for that as it is shorter.

As for mounting, choice is between gutter (Gutter Mounts | CB Radios | THUNDERPOLE) or side mounted (Fixed Body Mounts | CB Radios | THUNDERPOLE) the second one down on that link!! The body mounted one looks neater to me but am worried if it would bend the body if I snagged the aeriel in a tree whereas the gutter one would just rip off which woudl be ok. Any views on this?

Thanks

Hello buddy,

Unfortunately your SWR is somewhat related to the ariel length. Id get a long one and then chop it down if the SWR reading deems it necessary.

strange_days · Mar 19, 2012

I've got a mini orbitor on mag mount, excellent bit of kit swr is between 1 - 1.5. Excellent website here Communication Eleven Homepage :: UK 4x4 CB Radio Specialists - Expert Advice, Competitive Prices & knowledgeable staff - now in our tenth year of trading

nick2303 · Mar 19, 2012

got mine from same place..

super fast delivery and everythin ya need...

Airways · Mar 19, 2012

I have both, but only found i ever need to use the mini one. i get great range and clear with it.

burrito · Mar 19, 2012

Fitted the side mount on the back of the roof, didn't take long.
Don't know how bendy the Thunderpole is but a springer type aerial is very whippy, so snagging and bending the panel shouldn't be a problem. (Famous last words

)

Some pics.

COA · Mar 19, 2012

Cool - did you have to tune the min orbitor or did you find that the "pre-tuning" was ok? Thanks

strange_days · Mar 19, 2012

No tuning, just plumbed it straight in. Just make sure you have it nice and central on the roof if possible

COA · Mar 19, 2012

BIG_GINGA_BEARD said:
Hello buddy,

Unfortunately your SWR is somewhat related to the ariel length. Id get a long one and then chop it down if the SWR reading deems it necessary.

Nice new piccy BGB - what ariel did you use on yours? What length was it please? I was hoping that the "pre-tuned" aeriels woudl nto need cutting but may be optimistic!?

GINGE · Mar 19, 2012

COA said:
Nice new piccy BGB - what ariel did you use on yours? What length was it please? I was hoping that the "pre-tuned" aeriels woudl nto need cutting but may be optimistic!?

Like me new piccy i do, MHM did for me. :lol:

Erm mines the 5 foot orbiter one i fink. When i bought my motor it had a cb but the ariel had been nicked so i put a new one in and i int had any problems wiff it.

Sorry buddy, cant help more than that really.

But i do know that if your SWR reading is too high or too low in a certain band then you need to vut down your ariel. So get the bigger one then you can cut it, you cant stick a bit on if its too short!

corbydog · Mar 21, 2012

I've got the orbiter 5 footers on both landys, they were as advertised, pre tuned,

the SWR rating being too high is usually down to a bad ground plane, easily sorted run a wire from a good earth to the aeriel mount

CB question

COA

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GINGE

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strange_days

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nick2303

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Airways

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burrito

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COA

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strange_days

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COA

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GINGE

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corbydog

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