Is it my CB antenna or something else
My friend and I just got Midland 1001z CB radios for our tucks. I'm using a Midland through glass antenna and he's using a magnetic 3 foot antenna. We both can hear each other fine when were parked close together but get 100 yard down the road and he can hear me but I can't hear him. We've messed with the tuning knobs but still he can hear me but I can't hear him. My display shows that the CB is picking up something I just don't hear anything. My only thought is that it's my antenna. What do you think? and what would be a good type of antenna. I was looking at a 9 foot whip but I think thats just overkill. Are fiberglass antennas any good?
Radio Communications - Midland - 1001Z 40-Channels Base CB Radio
Answers & Comments
First off, Midland makes a fine radio. Make sure your squelch is turned all the way down to receive distant signals (down meaning counter clockwise). The through the glass antennas are not the best thing in the world. I personally use a 102" whip and a 6" spring on a modified mirror mount. It is installed on the tailgate side of the tool box. The TX and RX is amazing. Wilson and K40 make great antennas also.
Keep in mind that if you mount a 102" whip on the rear bumper, you could have issues in the future IF you upgrade and run more than legal power (a linear) Your signal comes out of the coax into the bottom of your antenna and radiates up and out. IF you run a linear and your antenna is mounted on the bumper, the first thing that will happen is that your high power signal will actually radiate against the body of the truck, causing your standing waves (SWR) to go way up. Not a good thing. There are several great magnetic antennas that will handle a few hundred watts and work great up on top of the cab.