Mobile CB Radio Antenna as a Base Station

Let's find out if a magnet mount antenna can be used as a base
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[@elliotspencer2648]

Here in the u.k when cb was illegal people used to use a mobile antenna usually a sirio dv27 on a mag mount on a metal biscuit tin with ground planes made from cooking foil!, and it worked!!. Aah! The good old days!!.

[@avleerxo]

This is how I started 34 years ago.. Saludos desde Metepec, México.

[@hammerdodger0]

TRC-415!!! The first cb i ever had! Begged my parents to get me a cb and we went to Radio Shack and left with that one! Great memories sitting in that hot van at 13 years old in the mid 80's trying to talk a few miles! Thanks for the memory jolt!

[@MowerJunkie]

The 415 may not have a lot of features, But it is a great little radio. That's very cool, that it was Your first radio. Thanks for watching.

[@hammerdodger0]

@@MowerJunkie short on features, long on memories. Keep up the fine work, sir

[@sahhull]

I did this in the early 80's with just a 9ft alu pole and a 7ft firestick. It worked so well, someone stole it out of my back yard along with the coax. So I made a 36ft dipole from twin core cable and strung it down the garden... Looks like a washing line. My temporary fix antenna has worked well for 25 years and is still doing it.

[@MowerJunkie]

still working after 25 years.....That's awesome! Gotta love the Homemade's. Thanks for watching, 73's

[@mongoose8986]

Ok Mower Junkie, I had flashbacks from the 1980's. Yes the center load mag mount is from the 80's. I had the same one. I needed to broad band it a little more to talk on 35-40 SSB. So I used a metal coat hanger and trimmed out a new top part for the antenna. I then stuck the mag mount antenna on the seat of a metal folding chair on the roof of my shed using the original however long coax that came on the antenna. I named my antenna the Astro Chair Plane. Did alot of talking on it. Enjoyed the video, it brought me back about 30 years. Also this is what radio is all about. This was when I enjoyed radio the most.

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks for sharing Your story. Antennas are My favorite part of the Hobby, and I do like hearing what others have done with them. 73's Mon Goose, from 151 SC.

[@paulnewsome4203]

All good there John, be lucky to get six miles from a Mobile with that little antenna. Just proves what can be done. Take it easy and stay cool out there. 337 UK said that.

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks Paul. I was very happy to make it 6 miles with this setup! 73's 337, from 151 SC.

[@MrThemeddleman]

Nice test set up. I thought the same about a decade ago. Had a self assemble press board night stand, strapped it to a similar hand truck and could house any radio (mainly to test CBS) to takes to the local flea market. Never finished the project but, the intent was to be able to test a set as I found them, would have carried a car battery inside, and would have equipped it with an SWR bridge and antenna. Never completed the project but that was the idea. Could have used it anywhere and equipped for anything, like a heavy "go box" for any radio hobby.

[@generalingwer4341]

I had cb's on my bicycles as a kid.lol.cb's on a hand cart kinda the same! Love it.

[@davidknowles7466]

That's basically what I'm using and I've had some good copies on 27.555 USB, Kentucky USA and a guy on the North West Coast of Greenland and that was using the kenwood TS50 through the AT50 using 100w

[@WorldRockumentaryChannel]

I used to transport for mobile broadcast television. I was always on the CB. I signed off October 9, 2011, if you were counting. Lol... So today I purchased a Wilson trucker 5000, a gum drop stud, with mount and bracket. Using a Cobra 29 LTD Classic. Home base set up. My antenna mast is made out of a 4' long 1x3 piece of wood. I temporarily attached it to my roof off the facia board. Ran the cable and signed on today. First time in almost a decade. Did a swr test with an Astatic swr and power meter. I'm at 3.0. Lots of static out there. So I'm thinking I'm just not grounded correctly? I did have success during my test. Someone asked who was making his dial move to the right. It came out of the blue. So I answered. He was about a mile away. Sounded real close. He too was a home base. I'm up on a hill looking over a valley. I've got a grounding rod for lightning and a Pro Trucker CB & Ham Ground Radial Kit for Mobile Magnet Mount Antennas. For the Wilson 1000-5000 brand. Not sure if this will help, gonna find out.

[@preacherjohngroves9647]

Configured mine as dipole. 24' in the air. 10 to 15 mile range. Thanks a bunch! 73's

[@delmarbish3926]

I have a K30 on top of my 30’x60’ shop and I have have been amazed at how well it performs on skip . Enjoy your experiments always good to hear someone else’s ideas.

[@mtw3725]

i have a K30 too and a shop thinking of doing the same. How did you set it up?

[@delmarbish3926]

@@mtw3725 I tried to center it on the roof it leans to one side a bit but the magnet holds really well on the sheet metal and used some tape on the coax to keep it in place, I have been amazed by how well it works, SWR is very good. If you are looking for something simple , easy and quick it will do the trick.

[@johnnyphillips9735]

Long time no hear hello from hillbilly in the bam I tried that antenna and used four ground radicals that were stainless steel whips and had some of the best ears of most antennas I've had

[@MowerJunkie]

Hello hillbilly in the Bam, Thanks for sharing Your experience with a mobile. Lets Keep the hobby alive! 73's from 151 SC.

[@DatNESGuy85]

This was how I did my old station setup when I was in middle school. Grandpa's old mag whip on a conduit pipe with chicken wire for radials. Set up beside the shed.

[@dennymagdule4372]

Enjoyed watching your project! Up in Chicago visiting the grandson. 73s and my best to Mrs MowerJunkie. Denny WWS3922 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks Denny, Safe travels, and enjoy the time with Your Grandson. 73's, I hope to catch You on the air when You get back.

[@starman8623]

well done mate, some of the best CB fun is making antennas... I had a 300 foot long wire up on our farm, it was a great DX antenna... Tuned through a matcher, great fun mate. 73 from Australia Mower Junkie, US2317. Stay safe my friend

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks Anthony, Antennas are definitely My favorite part of the Hobby. Thanks for watching, 73's from 151 SC.

[@andrewgeorgelang]

Hello there Mr Junkie. I really do enjoy your antenna videos. As I'm watching, I say " If only we could be neighbors" Lol As always, take care and play fare. Stay safe there brother 184 Southern Ontario Canada Waving 73's 😀

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks Andrew, I enjoyed Your comment. Be safe 184, 73's from 151 SC.

[@SevenFortyOne]

Great Project! I may steal your idea and use it with my ham radio ham sticks...like you said it would work good for field day or parks on the air.

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks 741, It really would be a great portable setup, it sets up, and comes down very quick. Thanks for watching, 73's

[@agoraphobicadam1171]

It's always fun experimenting with antennas.

[@MowerJunkie]

Yes it is! There're My favorite part of the Hobby.

[@cruzcena1962]

"Base station to go " looks great

[@woodskid4ever]

Make a vertical dipole. Attach center conductor of coax to whip and braided side to 102" tube. Isolate tube from earth by about 1/4 wavelength using PVC mast or wooden fence post. You'll get close to a 50ohm match and fairly flat vswr. Did this last week. Worked Oregon to Georgia (the state) on 10 meter band with a whopping 5 watts!

[@MowerJunkie]

I've run dipoles setup as horizontal and vertical, and even at 45 degrees once. It's a good antenna no matter how you hang it. Take care, 73's

[@dodgeramsport01]

could you just put the mag mount on a metal roof such as a home or garage!

[@charleswills4554]

Cool video. Ive got a whole bunch of mobile antennas in the closet ,i may just try and build an antenna like that.

[@MowerJunkie]

That's great! Give it a try, It's a fun project.

[@125southernnh2]

Used to have one of those Antenna Specialist base loaded whips on my high school car. Worked pretty good.

[@MowerJunkie]

I have 1 on My garden tractor, and it works great on it. It's a shame this 1 was damaged. to be honest, it looks like it was damaged during manufacturing.

[@125southernnh2]

@@MowerJunkie They made a ton of them. Probably the number one seller back in the early 70's.

[@mongoose8986]

I enjoy your creativity! Thank you for sharing!

[@MowerJunkie]

Thank you! 😊

[@125southernnh2]

John is a true renaissance man. He can do just about anything!

[@zekemowad6501]

Believe it or not, I talk all over my city on a Uniden CB walkie-talkie with an inverted V wire antenna, hanging from a hook screwed into my bedroom ceiling 🤣

[@planca3430]

im useing a magnet mount wilson 1000 antenna on a metal roof mobil home. and im getting 1.3 swr on it. its working quite well barefoot. im running a uniden 980ssb radio. i havent heard you on my radio yet. but i have heard nc many times. maybe ill get you one day in the future. listen up for me 806 in the Texas panhandle. 73's to you. joel

[@MowerJunkie]

Hello 806, Thanks for watching. 73's from 151 SC.

[@DanielOrtegoUSA]

Helpful video, so thanks for posting!

[@Manix81]

I am currently using a Wilson 5000 mirror mount as a base antenna problem is I only have two ground planes at this time.Good thing is my SWR is under 1.2

[@MowerJunkie]

That's awesome! I'll bet that Wilson makes a pretty good base!

[@howardsmotorsports9790]

I use the same antenna as a base myself. Works great, can do about 5 miles locally with my buddy and I've heard quite the chatter late night. I hear people all over the east coast even heard Kansas once

[@125southernnh2]

@@MowerJunkie Makes an even better mobile!

[@stevetaylor8446]

Very surprised tou got that 2ft antenna to work so well...what was the SWR reading on it? Looks more like a 2m/70cm antenna!

[@MowerJunkie]

I was surprised too! that little 2 footer did alright! It had a great match, The SWR was less than 1.1 on channel 1, and less than 1.2 on channel 40.

[@christophersmith1155]

i owned a antenna specialist antenna . Their factory was in syossett long island. Their distributer was Lafeyette Store.

[@MowerJunkie]

Very cool, Thanks for the info. 73's from 151 SC.

[@DavidWilson-pv7cr]

I used a top rail from chain link fencing and cut off a section drove it into the ground and then I slipped the other section over top of it that has a magnetic antenna stuck on the top of with a piece of 8 in x 8 in metal but I still have the Sky High standing wave I was trying to avoid the ground plane wires

[@Pault459]

Awesome little antenna there john

[@jimgresham5529]

On that old mag base, what did you attach that new grounding wire to ? 73's from old fart cber.

[@MowerJunkie]

when I put the 2 foot antenna on the pole, it was only grounded magnetically. I did not add a ground wire to it. Thanks for watching, 73's from 151 SC.

[@lesjones5684]

Really interesting 🤔

[@Maine307]

My Brother !!! hahahahah!!! love it !... u know! Cheers from Maine !

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks! It was Your portable base antenna, That inspired Me to try this. Thanks for watching, 73's from 151 SC.

[@Maine307]

@@MowerJunkie I am taking the portable to top of Waldo mountain ( Waldo County Maine ) this week, set up and test it.

[@MowerJunkie]

@@Maine307 That's great! I hope You make a video of it, I'd like to see the results.

[@junior53329]

I’m trying to use a Wilson 2000 on a mass pole next to my shed and can’t get the swrs low enough

[@trackpackgt877]

U need to get a ground plane kit that antenna was made to have metal underneath it to function I'm going through the same thing right now with the same antenna

[@125southernnh2]

It was great to hear ya today John. Loved the 'Iron Duke' handle! You really sounded awesome. Wondering if you're on the fire bottles or if you're still running the 225.

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks Chris. No Fire Bottles yet, I'm still on the 225. You also sounded great! You came in over 5 or 6 other stations. As always, It was great to talk to You again! 73's and stay safe!

[@KN4YEM]

Wow keep up the great work.

[@Bernard-John]

Hi, informative video, learned something new, thanks from Rotterdam 73.

[@MowerJunkie]

Glad you enjoyed it, 73's from 151 SC.

[@tinasmith3463]

My boyfriend wants to know what coax you use and the length also he works in hot attics putting in ac unit 100 degree is nothing he works in herando Mississippi nice job waiting for you to do a livestream to try to call you keep up good job 10 4

[@MowerJunkie]

for this antenna, I used cheap rg58u coax. Most of the base radios I setup have rg8x. Be careful in those attics. Thanks for watching, 73's from 151 SC.

[@robertbailey2342]

I did the same thing before I got a base antenna an could talk local lol I didnt use ground planes tho.

[@TheBudliner]

What would happen if you made a mini beam from a few of these 2 footers

[@markbeers7288]

Great video! Thanks!

[@almartiniii1541]

That is awesome!

[@richc8253]

Great video! I gotta try this!

[@gobstoppa1633]

super.cheers

[@Brantastic07]

An umbrella base would probably be better than those boards

[@MowerJunkie]

I was also thinking a Christmas tree base would work well. But the wood worked well for a temporary setup.

[@Brantastic07]

Mower Junkie I would recommend something with wheels so you can move it around

[@shawnlauderdale6502]

So does it work better with 6 wires instead of 4, to tie down at the 45^ angle?

[@MowerJunkie]

4 will work well, But more will make it easier to tune. Thanks for watching, Take care.

[@sahhull]

I have 16 x 3m ground plane wires on my 7ft Firestik loft antenna.. Works ok but no way near as good as my homemade 20ft pvc antenna... 20ft pvc pipe with 36ft of wire wound onto it... Like a firestik only better.

[@bobcatcomms]

Another great video, 73's 29TM063 Dublin Ireland

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks Bren, Take care, 73's from 151 SC.

[@JohnnyFingers227]

The pole doesn't have to be in the ground for proper grounding?

[@MowerJunkie]

If this setup was permanent it would need to be grounded. it does not need to be grounded for a temporary set up. Thanks for watching, 73's from 151 SC.

[@neonfreak24]

@@MowerJunkie that cables that you put down in the ground. makes that the ground for the antenne?

[@Ass_Burgers_Syndrome]

@@neonfreak24The wires were held down with string, so it probably wouldn't unless the ground wires were grounded directly.

[@lesjones5684]

Please 🙏 bro 😎

[@candycorn3690]

U ok havent seen any new videos

[@MowerJunkie]

I'll have a new video soon. I'm waiting for parts to arrive. Thanks for watching, 73's

[@maxastuto]

hi I'm IU8MLV; I would like to resume CB broadcasts with my Zodiac Tokio 276 ch AM - FM - SSB, which I have suspended due to the QTH change. Now I live in the attic (3rd floor and top floor) and on the balcony railing I have mounted a corresponding 4 meter pole at the lowest point of the roof. To this pole I mounted a 3 meter long Comet GP6 for the VHF - UHF, of which by means of the 4 meters of the pole, the 3 radials are raised to 1.7 m from the roof. I have my old Sigma 5/8 Mantova 1 antenna which is 7.20 meters long, but due to a very ventilated area I cannot mount it because: 1- I cannot mount the pole on the roof because I do not have the sturdy structure, otherwise I would have also mounted the bibanda pole on the roof. 2 - I cannot make the cables braced on the 7.2 m stylus because it would be mounted on a pole installed from the balcony and not in the center of the roof (mounted at the corner I have no points where to fix the bracing anchors) 3 - I would have to mount a partition pole (like a cross or an L) and also mount the Cb Mantova 1 antenna on the same pole as the Comet GP6 twin antenna and it would be too heavy a structure with overload of the single pole. I have the roof completely covered with iron sheet with sloping sides of which one side is inclined by about 25 degrees while the other is inclined by 7-8 degrees. In the center there is the central curb as long as the whole house and it is almost level (it is inclined by about 2-3 degrees) but it is about 30 cm wide. I thought that this roof would be like a large ground plane (like the chassis of cars, trucks, buses) and consequently I could mount a car cb antenna with a magnetic base. If necessary, I purchased a 1.98 m SIRIO model P5000 cb car antenna and a magnetic base of 16 cm in diameter. I thought of this alternative because this is a 2 meter whip antenna and would hold the wind (I don't know if the magnetic base from 16 cm up to how much it holds the wind) while the MANTOVA 1 base antenna is 7.2 meters long. meters and mount it to the same pole, as I have already said, there is a risk that the wind would break everything, even if the pole is made of galvanized iron and not sheet metal or worse aluminum. The metal is 5 mm thick while the diameter is 2 inches (6 cm) and is of the same type as those used for road signs. Unfortunately 7.20 m of antenna are a very heavy and resistant load and when there is strong wind even 50 knots, the pole despite being so strong I do not think it would hold the weight and oscillations of two antennas (COMET GP6 and MANTOVA 1) . I had thought of a Boomerag antenna but I would not have complete omnidirectionality since it is mounted on the balcony and therefore one side of the wall is a negative signal coverage. In this video I noticed that you have mounted a car cb antenna in the garden. I still haven't mounted my Sigma P5000 CB. In your opinion, is it a solution to mount it on the roof with a magnetic base? Or should I mount the cb antenna on the dual band pole with a cross or L-shaped tube? The pole would hold up with the strong wind both the bibanda and this Cb Sirio P5000 with whip stylus. Thanks for the advice

[@TheLonesometoad]

I don't know where everyone comes up with this 102" obsession. The actual length in the real world is 108". And that is for the GP radials as well.

[@MowerJunkie]

I don't know where everyone comes up with this 108" obsession. The actual length in the real world is 102". And that is for the GP radials as well.

[@TheLonesometoad]

@@MowerJunkie : The 102" whip is designed to be used with a ball mount and heavy spring. Plus, after taking into consideration the velocity factor of the feed line, 108" is the proper length. You can do all the math you want. In theory, the mathematical length of 1/4 wave is 102". In reality, the physical length is 108"

[@MowerJunkie]

@@TheLonesometoad I've made a lot of antennas, and I've tried both 102 and 108". and every time the 108" will not tune properly. I have even done testing with a 102" SS whip, with and without the spring. and I have found the 102" length works the best. if 108" is working for You...stick with it. Take care, Thanks for watching.

[@jfrphoto01]

@@MowerJunkie ... The 108" won't tune because it's resonant frequency is 26.000 MHz (468/26.000=18'/2=9'x12=108" or 234/26.000=9'x12=108"). Great video, I had a similar setup using a Hustle HQ-27 Center Loaded mobile antenna at 40'. It was a great antenna for 11 meters (CB) until I moved from TX to MA. 73, have fun and stay safe.

[@robertcook5972]

108" is correct, I have 102" whip with 6" stainless steel extension up over my shop. mounted on 20 ft flag pole with 3 102" radials. have 1.1 SWR on complete 23 channel band and with 80 watts only 1.2 SWR

[@lesjones5684]

I will send you money 💴 first 😅😅😮😮😢😢

[@johnnorman7708]

Getting a kick out of this bare bones base rig. I remember a guy that was running an old Halicrafters crystal rig that was a 6 channel bread box size radio. He wasn't pushing more than 3 watts he said. Had a small ground plane antenna in a tree outside his window. He was able to reach town about 8 miles or so. This was in the early 70s.

[@davidknowles7466]

I'm using a dominator Springer as a base station antenna and it does work I've had some surprising results, I've got a 102" tank whip also with excellent results coupled up with a kenwood TS50

[@48pluto]

It low to the earth so it should be a good antenna for DX? I mean i know HAM operators use low to earth verticals for DX so yeah this is almost the same i guess.

[@MowerJunkie]

I was thinking the same thing. When DX comes back, I may give it a try. Thanks for watching, 73's from 151 SC.

[@davidjason1116]

Wow.. that was awesome.. a two foot mobile ant brilliant my friend, thanks for sharing cant wait to see the next one. 73's from Wws1185 western Newfoundland Canada

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks David, I'm glad You enjoyed it. 73's WWS1185 from WWS568 SC.

[@holotape]

That “base station to go” is so hilarious, but completely genius.

[@gregestee9099]

My question is. Do you strip the insulation off the extension cord wires you're using for ground plane wires? Is it better to use bare ground plane wires?

[@MowerJunkie]

No need to strip the wires, Only the attachment end needs to be stripped. the wires will last longer with the insulation on. and it won't hurt the signal at all.

[@gregestee9099]

@@MowerJunkie Thank You for answering my question appreciate it. 73.

[@lesjones5684]

Fix my 138 xlr 😢😢😢

[@Manix81]

Watch out for those cats Mower Junkie

[@MowerJunkie]

We have plenty of them, Want 1? or 2? or 3?

[@Manix81]

Mower Junkie Thanks I’m good one dog one cat enough for me.

[@wallingtonfilming]

Good video mate 🕯 Candleman

[@jimnunya1253]

3:47 in and I bet it does great for skip. Cart-mobile, too funny!

[@robcole8218]

Love your videos

[@MowerJunkie]

Thank You so much! Take care Rob, 73's from 151 SC.

[@robertmethia7080]

wanna buy a qt40 brand new for 100?

[@seasonfilms9375]

Hello, I recently rediscovered a CB radio I bought in Highschool 1991 that is in mint condition. I used it in my car and had a group of friends who then did the same. We had a great time. How can I know which converter to buy to use this as a base station at home? I'm afraid to not know exactly what I need! Thanx!

[@MowerJunkie]

any 12 volt DC power supply with 3 amps continuous or more should work fine.

[@happepappe88]

Love that sears custom.

[@andrewwilson4175]

Good job .. good video, thanks

[@JohnnyFingers227]

What exactly was the ground wire soldered to on the magnet mount?

[@MowerJunkie]

Sorry, I don't have an answer for this. the base of the antenna is sealed, and not visible. Thanks for watching, 73's from 151 SC.

[@amyjojinkerson6745]

Are you a New Yorker you sound like 1 I love the acent

[@MowerJunkie]

45 years in New England. Thanks for watching, Take care.

[@TomMarsteller]

Good job! Thanks...

[@xszl]

So..next job to replace that coil ?

[@MrThemeddleman]

I would. Fix the coil and put shrink tubing around instead.