What is best for CB. Fibreglass of Alloy base antenna.

In this video we talk about the difference between a Fiberglass and Alloy base station CB Radio antenna. Which do you prefer ? Let me know in the comments.

[@markhill9912]

Hi Fred, Mark from Oregon here! I've compared my vertical antennas over the years. My mast used to mount antenna above ground was 35' from antenna base to ground and, I always had the mast grounded with 4 gauge stranded copper wire cllamped to an 8' ground rod that was completely driven into the dirt. I compared an Avanti 5/8 wave ground plane with a Shakespeare super big stick, Antron 99 and an Imax 2000. The Avanti 5/8 wave was all aluminium that was about 23' tall with 4 ground plane radials that were about 9' long each. It was my dad's antenna that he purchased brand new in 1977 or 78 during the cb boom. I found that the Avanti was by far better at recieve strength and loud transmit. Friends that lived 20 or more miles away would tell me that my signal increased from 1 to 3 db on their meters and had a more clear and prominent sound in my audio as compared with the fiberglass antennas. The Shakespeare super big stick was the poorest and never used again. The Imax 2000 was a little better leaving the Antron 99 the best of the fiberglass group. I did a mod to the Antron 99. I cut an old 102" steel whip down to exactly 6' in length, removed the factory 6' fiberglass whip and installed the 6' steel whip in it's place. It made the Antron 99 more clear sounding both on receive and transmit while giving me from 1 to 2 db signal strength over the stock Antron. This is the big thing though, during our winters we can get ice storms. Antennas can be absolutely destroyed by the heavy ice, add the cold east wind with gusts and and aluminum antenna becomes recycle material in a hurry which is the case with the Avanti 5/8 wave, it was destroyed sadly. With that said, I used the modified Antron 99 for many years and it survived many ice storms! It would bend over from the weight of the ice, surprisingly arched over position but, it never broke, ever! The Antron 99 with the 6' stainless steel whip instead of the fiberglass whip had better and clearer receive with an increase of transmitted signal strength and did this for me, the mod gave me extra bandwidth to work the regular cb channels as well as the funny channel frequencies. I was able to load up 10 and 12 meters with the use of a tuner on my HF rig and used it until I got a 40-10m vertical, onto an 80-10m vertical until i bought an expensive 43' tall 160-10m all aluminum vertical and use my MFJ-998RT parked out at the feed point of the 43' tall multiband vertical that has a fold over mount that allows me to safely lower the antenna at the threat of severe weather. Thank you for letting me give my 2 cents on aluminium vs. fiberglass antennas. I believe that an all aluminum antenna is better but with a cheap and easy modification to the antron 99, it becomes quite comparable. Also, I did a test with the Imax 2000 where i removed the 8' fiberglass whip and put a full lentgh 102" whip in it's place giving it an improvement on receive and adding more to the bandwidth. It did work on 10m with a tuner but as for 12m, nope! Take care my friend!! I forgot to mention that the static increased with the use of fiberglass antennas compared to the good old aluminum antennas which is why I tried the stainless steel whips. It did lower some static but fair warning, the modified Antron 99 with 6' steel whip tip made it a serious bleeder of RF in my house as well as the neighbor closest to the antenna location. I had to keep that in mind and wait for the neighbor to leave for work so I didn't interfere with his stereo system, hahaha!!

[@noelwiltshire8926]

G'day. Retired Aussie communications tech here. It should make no difference to performance whether the antenna is fibre glass or aluminium. The fibre glass simply hold the wire (which is the actual antenna) inside up. If both antennae are the same (e.g. vertical half wave), and one performs better than the other, then that means one is not performing properly.

[@DeerHunter2100]

had a aluminum maco 5/8 up for approximately 7 years before the sheet metal screws gave out and the antenna telescoped into itself. Being winter, I grabbed an IMAX 2000 so I could get back on the air quickly as they are pre-tuned at 27.205. Got it Up quickly before the next weather front hit. I did notice an immediate increase in static, but it was broadbanded and did the trick. Spring came in and I put up another maco and the static level dropped greatly. I did replace the sheet metal screws with stainless steel nuts, lock washers and machine screws.The IMAX is in the shack as a backup. These are results from my location. Yours may differ but it's all about location and experimentation. 73's all

[@lisaayers1975]

I have had the same results as you and have been using my Maco V 5/8 for many years now.It talks better and receives better than other non aluminum antennas.Aluminum only for me.102 inch Steel whip for vehicles when possible.

[@williamduncan5679]

The best ariel I had was a sigma 4, spoke to people all around the globe. 👍👍👍

[@iainmeteorscan1555]

Hi Fred: Great intuitive answer from John @ 4:40 regarding the different radiation characteristics of the thinner radiating wire inside a fibreglass antenna versus the tubular aluminium antenna. John is correct - electrons flow along the radiating surface of an antenna (known as the “skin effect”). Tubular-constructed antennas have a larger surface area, one of the results of which is a wider bandwidth, i.e. lower swr over a larger frequency range, which would contribute to better transmission (and receive) characteristics. Nice video, Fred.

[@robprangnell8499]

I would always go for aluminium antenna, I've had silver rod's, sigma 4s, ham international big Mac, and various other incarnation of aluminium antennas over the years. I'm using a Shakespeare big stick at the moment, but just dug out of the shed a sirio 827. So that will be Going back up, but very shortly will be putting up a sirio vector 4000. Aluminium all day long 👍.

[@lisaayers1975]

Aluminum for me only also.Im using a Maco V 5/8 ground plane right now.Only time I tried an antron 99 was when an ice storm got my PDL 2 antenna.Not impressed with them at all.I made a 1/2 wave dipole once that just as good or better than the antron.I have always talked farther and recieved better on the aluminum base antennas.

[@BrothersGrim2012]

Sirio Tornado, I couldn’t be happier with it, when I was setting up I got advice from a friend Peter in Wales, it was great advice it’s been a great antenna

[@mikestone9129]

I prefer aluminium antennas over fiberglass. I enjoy your videos. I live in South Texas, on the Mexican border and talk to Central and South America all the time. I had the Antron 99 but the aluminium sirio seems to pull in better with less noise.

[@Michael-xl8dz]

Thanks for posting Fred keep up the Hobby. Some times a home brew will work as well. Waven from Southern California Los Angeles.

[@rescate171]

I have had fiberglass antennas (Gain Master) for years and I have finally returned again to aluminum (Sirio 827 and GPE 5/8). I have had no luck with the Gain Master despite the good comments from other cb radio operators.

[@americaswayout4489]

The metal pole section of these Sirio do they both seem very close in thickness?

[@26tm9999]

I had a silver rod many years ago and got out all over the world. it eventually snapped and living on a main road I was lucky it didnt cause alot of damage to a car or pedestrian but honestly it used to blast out. I got an antron but took it down, very noisy and rattly, we can hear it inside the house. Ive since used wire antennas one of which was amazing, fan dipole and Im positive because of all the wire in the air it brought down the swr better than a normal dipole. Now getting back to dipoles I remember back when cb first became legal in the UK, many people on a budget bought really cheap aluminium dipoles, I used to see them twisted and mangled on the side of peoples houses but boy did they blast out, they were nothing to look at and so flimsy but they were the best performers, I often wonder why people dont use them now but with a more robust design. I love wire dipoles. I guess its the height thing really. I really wish I had more time to play around and build them, Im so busy lately I have no time at all to get anything up.

[@markwaughman2842]

Hi Fred For years I used a sigma 4, very hard to beat. But a massive aerial 27'. When I married we moved into a flat so it was way to big to put up on the balcony. So I went for the antron 99. It worked well, used to go on a net based Gloucestershire every morning. Good shout from Southampton. If I remember it did pick up a bit of qrm during the day. Omg this is over 30 years ago. I must try and get back. Mark, polecat mh18

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi Mark. The Antron is still going strong although there has been some quality issue inc the one i bought a couple of years back.

[@TonyLing]

I've got the same GPA 27 I've had since the early 80s. A rivet went open circuit once, but apart from that it's been great and held up to all wind and weather conditions. A thicker radiator tends to give better bandwidth

[@christophervilliers1962]

I'm running a thunderpole 5 and find it great.

[@Chris-tx9ou]

Fred I took down my sirio 827 as I wanted to try a gainmaster 5/8 , the Gainmaster less noisy than the 827 however signals were down both on TX and RX. I had the gainmaster up for about 5 days before taking it back down and sending it back, It turned into a horizontal dipole in the winds. The 827 is back on the mast and never gave any problems. its a big antenna and will need a decent support for fixing. the 827 is solid and build like a tank.

[@factcheckersbranch]

Interesting topic Fred I use the Antron but I'm not sure it's the best. I've had many antennas over the years but perhaps I prefer the alumni antennas. 🙂

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

The 827 gets some good votes but as you say its pretty big. Cheers chris

[@Team-fabulous]

Jeepers I have both, gain master and the 827, the 827 destroyed the gain master plus the gain master was alot noiser which is typical of the wire up the fibreglass poll antenna...

[@m3uec]

I started off with a basic silver rod, then went to an anton 99 until the top section broke off, now I have got an imax2000, and haven't had any problems so far.

[@train1962]

Great video Fred! I'm running a Stryker 955 with a 102 inch whip and spring on a tri mag mount 15 ft.up on a metal roofed pole barn.I have had great results (considering my set up). I have a NOS A99 antenna from 1996 and want to put up a proper tower. Now I'm debating on whether to use the proven A99 or go with an aluminum set up. Excellent video and thanks!

[@anti-corruption-anti-tyranny]

Hi @Fred in the shed .... I had my gainmaster 5/8 just 2 weeks and it snapped. Highly recommend securing these on an alloy mast which gives a bit of leeway and takes the strain off the bottom section on high winds . I also would say do not tighten the jubilee clips onto bare fibre glass , reinforce the section 1,2 and 3 with at least four layers of self amalgamating (rubber tape) 6 or 7 inches each side of the joint and make sure your second section is pushed as far as it goes inside the coiled tube with the rf choke . Once you've reinforced with amalgamating tape open your jubilee clips right up and wrap around the newly amalgamated reinforced sections tighten ONLY enough to secure the jubilee to a steadfast position and then wrap some more amalgamating tape round each jubilee . The 5/8 wave four section edition is just far too big and floppy for high winds especially were i am in Scotland UK . Loads of reports of the 5/8 wave version breaking . Sirio should've made these better. For anyone with a broken one go on ebay and buy a 8/10m telescopic fibre glass pole. And attach your gainmaster to that. They're only 26 quid delivered. May seem like overkill but I can honestly say my other gainnaster has been through 95/ 105 mile an hour winds this way .

[@HighOakJunction]

I had a few antennas over the years A99, Silver rod 1/2 wave , 5/8 wave , Imax 2000, Gain master 5/8 wave, currently on a Silver rod 5/8 wave as my Gain master broke in the winter winds but I did buy secondhand but will be ordering a new Gain Master from Thunderpole this week, as all the antennas I've had I think the Gain Master 5/8 has been the best for TX & RX. But alot depends on location location. Thanks for another informative vid still trawling through them.

[@artdodd815]

Great video Fred as usual, the antenna pics were a nice touch. From Art New Jersey

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks Art.

[@speedbumphonda1]

I had the A99 up for 15 years just decided to take it down and the fibers were splintering so I replaced it with the maco v 5000 much quieter better groundwave

[@markwilliams8702]

Interesting video Fred. I have a Gain master and a 1/2 wave antenna up on my shed. They both work really well. The GM copes better in the wind and generally works better. High winds are a problem as I love on a hill. But the GM rides the wind and bends accordingly. Personal choice I guess. Great video again Fred.

[@davidcooke7744]

Hi Fred thanks for your help I got the swr sorted. In case it might help others I’ve got a silver rod and there’s an insulator on the top of the bracket which had slipped up the antenna causing it to come into contact with the bracket there by shorting the antenna out come high swr.

[@evanescecse]

I had a Sigma 4 back in the day best antenna ive ever used...

[@richardpattison5525]

Hi Fred. I had a99 up for a few years. I took it down for a inspection and found it had a lot of splits in the bottom part. So I went out and bought a silver rod. It proforma as good as the a99 for a lot less price. You said about your silver rod bending. All a do is just turn the pole it stands on. And it states up again..... Keep the good work up.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thats a good idea in turning the pole. Crazy but i never thought of that.

[@americaswayout4489]

@@CB-RADIO-UK Thinking is a valuable skill we often for get we have. Turn the pole, bend it back. You could just wrap the pole after tuning it with one of the new fiberglass wrap repairing wraps, it makes it strong so it never will bend. I am considering getting two of those antennas and co-phase them like the truckers do except on the top of a large metal roof. three real dbi of gain plus kill the noise behind it. I am modifying an M-2000 to get it to be resonate on 20 meters and plan on wrapping the joints with the Fiber Repair wrap granted it will never come apart again. www.amazon.com/FiberFix-857101004297-2/dp/B00V6TNT84/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=fiberglass+repair+wrap&qid=1592335187&sr=8-1

[@steelydan42]

I still have my antron 99 I put up in 1989 and it still works great and the same original coax

[@Handle3714]

Thanks for the link Fred 🤜🤛

[@TE5LA-GAMING]

I recall a story my brother told me about his friend who decided to make his own TV antenna and use solid copper rods instead of those cheap hollow antenna elements on commercial models, not realizing that only the outer surface matters as far as reception and he would have a very heavy antenna.

[@niftyfiftycampingadventure795]

73's Fred already commented previously on this upload. However . For performance and noise . The Hygain SPT 500 PENETRATOR is the dogs bollocks, available from Radio World in Wallsal. However the 4 ground plains are 9ft long . So not ideal for Urban setups..And as far as lighting strikes are concerned it is essential to install lightning arresters outside the shack .. I recommend The Diamond SP1000W arrester .. About 30 quid.. Best regards, Now 153 AT 888

[@garybrown8101]

Due to antenna restrictions where I am currently I'm actually using a Ampro 11m whip fitted to a homemade ground plane and worked most of Europe over the summer with it using a CRT SS-6900-N so if you're struggling with space you don't always need a huge antenna up.

[@charlieoscar09]

gary brown Thats a great effort pal just shows what can be done with a simple setup good conditions and a tonne of patience.

[@cbrmac]

Hi fred both will radiate the same wire or aluminium however you will find the aluminium being a larger surface area will actually give you a greater band width.. Best wishes Mac

[@chriswilby7679]

I had an aluminium gp 27 back in the day so I wanted a similar set up just being nostalgic. so I have a venom antenna with me old York 863. It's up on a 20ft scaffolding pole for about 5 years and has a slight bend.

[@chrisbennett1701]

I had a A 99 and it worked well no problems

[@VNV67]

Hello Fred I have a Avanti Sigma 4 I bought back in 1978 I think. It has been hit with lightning 5 times and the only thing I had to do was change the gamma match 2 times. I also had a A-99 that only lasted 8 months because of the lightning strike. There was no fixing that one. However I had them both up at the same time on different towers at the same height, same cable RG8 type and the same length. The A-99 on receive was 1 dB less than the Sigma 4 and about the same on TX. The Sirio version of my antenna is made with very thin metal and do not survive the hurricane's we have here n Florida, also the lightning storms. So after 43 years of service the Sigma 4 has been a solid performer and very durable. I just wish I had another one for a backup. You can see the antenna here at the shack on QRZ.com with the call of W4DRA. Have a nice day Dave

[@niftyfiftycampingadventure795]

Tried a 5/8 wave silver rod. Antron 99 and Gain master.. The silver rod bent in high winds. The Antron caused very bad TVI. Even with a balun.. The gain master was superb until destroyed by a lighting strike even though very well earthed..Cheers from 153TM001. If you can source one the Shakespere big stick is a class performer ..

[@fred306801]

I put up a Brand New, Maco V 5/8 Aluminium antenna about 15 yrs ago, It's about 60 ft in the air. And it worked really well. The problem I have is rather strange. About 2 yrs in, I look up at the antenna and the very top section is bent at a 45% angle. So how the hell did this happen ? A bird, a plane, Santa Clause, who knows. I do live close to a small airport. This thing was not easy to put up in the air. One person can not do it alone. Having to take it down and then putting it back up is a Real pain. It is not like I just half ass threw this together. I knew a guy that worked on CB's. and I helped him put his antenna up. He could talk all over the world. Just saying he knew what he was doing. And he helped me put mine up. The other night the wind was blowing really hard. I go out side and look at the antenna and the whole top section is gone. I found it about 50 feet away from my house. Looks like it snapped off at the base. Could have been the wind. But then how did it get so far away. I gave almost $200 for the antenna and another $35 to upgrade the connections where the cable connects. Some one told me that CB stood for Constantly Buying, and that seems to be a true statement. Some time back I started having trouble with my Texas Star 667 amp. I sent it off to Sparky's CB shop. I talked to a guy who said it was in the shop. I gave them about 2 weeks and called. Every time I called they told me the tech was not in, to call back later. I wrote them emails and called for over 3 months. Never got a reply or heard back from them. Did not get my Texas Star amp back. So beware of these people.

[@robinjackson5894]

i have a antron 99 had it for years and still going .

[@RobertSmith-eq6rl]

“What ever lighting hits it will destroy, end of “ never heard anything so true 😂

[@tf7274]

I put 60 ft lengths of wire in the ground with a garden tool under the grass that were connected to the legs of the tower. Didnt make any difference locally...but made everyone jealous when I got picked up more frequently on the rare dx...short skip/local 120 mile stuff with no added power.

[@shopsoloukcbradio870]

:) good stuff i do try and call in from Surrey

[@saltyrebel2037]

By the way, Fred, I'm not trying to be a know it all, but I've done a lot of antenna modifications over the years. I got into radio comms in 1983. Try that grounding wire I mentioned in the comments of a couple of your other videos. It will definitely help with SWR's transmit and receive. 73's my friend. Talk to you on the waves!

[@caulktel]

I have a Antron 99 in a crowded mobile home park and have found it to be quite noisy, but I have found all antennas noisy here, even my Ham antennas. I think is has more to do with location than it does the material they are made out of.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I think you hit the nail on the head Joel. If you have a lot of activity around your qth then your going to get noise no matter what antenna you use

[@billybassman21]

Go higher and the noise will get better. Noise is really bad where I'm at too, ruins the hobby.

[@XXXJAB]

I prefer alloy to fibreglass. I would love to try a Sigma 4 type (Vecta 4000). It is massive but I bet it performs well. I understand that Vortex are making a "beefed" up version.

[@mistermeanor968]

The vortex is a bad boy antenna 👍

[@miguelsalami]

I assembled & used a galaxy 27 base antenna and a Saluit LW150 Both older versions of the Vector 4000. They were 3/4 wave length antennas rated at 6.5 db gain. They were both monster sized at 32 ft in length. One was mounted on a very large hill top. Gamma match would handle 2kw Ser was flat very broad banded & although they sway a lot in the wind they were both very resilient. My cb buddies ran them out west in the 1980s at a time I was using the Hygain penetrator. Talked around the world extremely well and dominated the locals.

[@paul35531]

I found the Antron 99 too noisy, silver rod is just fine but does bend in the wind so I made my own T2LT for a couple of quid and put it on an 8 meter pole, Job done

[@chrispierce53]

I used to have a silver rod in the earley 80's and I used to speak from hertford to south london

[@kevinwhitted2147]

The best antenna for skip and long distance is the salutemod lw150 used one for years all aluminium and stands up well to wind

[@MaxMountainWorld]

I just put up an AN99 (with the top-stick) more for weather protection where I am but also I used a Shakespeare Bigstik years ago and felt it was the best all-round vertical for 11m. My AN99 tunes 1to1 from 27.000mhz to 28.000mhz and 1.5to1 down to beyond 25.000mhz and up to 30.000mhz. Also it tunes less than 1.5to 1 on 6m, 12m, 15m and 45m (Aye OK!). I am Impressed so far, all I need is a little propagation now, still waiting after a week of gallant roof and balcony efforts!!!

[@MaxMountainWorld]

I'll call you guys on 305 when I hear you. TTUSN.

[@Tobinindustrial]

I live near the sea but it is well protected from the salty corrosion of sea spray because I live in a shallow area protected by a narrow but long island called Sandy Point which provides awesome protection from high seas, erosion and saly spray. Fiberglas antennas are very popular here due to possible corosion as we have thousand's of miles of coastline here in Newfoundland Labrador. As per performance, I cannot offer much with regard to my experience but I found my 102 inch fiberglass whip was awesome on my ford Escort back in the day. was using a K40 with a smaller height profile but did perform equally well as a trunk mount. Grounding issues cropped up with the newer models of vehicles of course. A good rule of thumb is metal radiates better and I guess the more metal the better if it fits the frequency formula. Much of the technical stuff is a bit over my head but bottom line is, I liked both applications but a smaller footprint/profile and performance always will rule the day. Thanks for the video question. Interesting stuff and great comments so far.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Cheers Andy. The corrosion issue never entered my head but is a good point if your near the coast. Mobile antenna wise a good old 4 or 5 ft Firestick got you heard ok. I rem the K40 but they were way to expensive for me back in the day.

[@mistermeanor968]

Theres a number of factors to consider when choosing a base antenna. Can you get away with ground plane radials as neighbours hate the look of them but if you can then the sirio 827 is the best antenna for cb radio although a little heavier than most other antennas so keep that in mind. If you want something a bit less scary looking then ive found the sirio gainmaster to be a lot better than the antron 99 and the imax 2000. The gainmaster doesnt suffer from static like the antron and imax especially when its about to rain and the gainmaster is 1s point better on tx than the antron. Also for anyone who is new to cb then the sirio gainmaster is the best to install as its pre set 1.1 swr never fails, many new cbers dont swr there antenna and get poor performance and give up the hobby thinking no one is on, you get guaranteed optimal performance with the gainmaster out of the box and mine has been 80ft in air at 90mph wind and still working tip top. If its cheap you want then a used antron or siver rod at around 20 quid work ok but the gainmaster is the best buy for anyone who wants top performance without swr issues ! Also the president himalaya wideband antenna is a 3 section 18ft antenna similar to antron 99 but factory set swr at 1.1 again good for new starters. Anyone in flats or tower blocks will be shocked at the performance of a sirio boomerang 27a set up correctly, i have a friend that get 15miles no problem with this antenna on 25 watts and is only 2meter tall ! Ive heard the vortex antennas are supposed to be second from none but havent had chancd to try one but do look excellently made antennas but not cheap ! Top antennas in my opinion are : 0. Vortex quaser q82 1. Sirio 827 2.sirio 2016 3. Sirio gainmaster 24ft (pre swr) 👍 4. Imax 2000 5.president himalaya wideband (preset swr)👍 6. Solarcon antron 99 7. 21ft silver rod 8. 18ft silver rod 9. Sirio boomerang 27a 10. Sirio dv27 on a buiscuit tin

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Other than snapping in very high winds the Gainmaster gets a lot of votes in this video.

[@bonydox9]

@@CB-RADIO-UK I know a station over Dartmoor that's had 2 gainmasters snap on him like me and my mates they all go back to using the Imax 2000.

[@saltyrebel2037]

Damn Fred, nice set-up in the shed! I'm impressed. Fiberglass is just the outer coating, they have a copper filament inside them. And fiberglass will last forever! I've got a Maco M-105C 5-element beam 64 feet in the air, but I seldom use it. I prefer the ole trusty A99. I've been running 350 watts into it for years and I can talk from Mississippi, USA to Ireland and New Zealand when conditions are right, which is quite often. 73's. Good luck... maybe I'll CQDX you one of these days.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

The maco sounds good !

[@Cheordig]

My A99 ended up covered in thin fibres /shards that made short work of your hands if you weren't careful. It had been up for 10+ years though. Went to buy another this week but was surprised how pricey they are now. A silver rod at my location in north Scotland wouldn't last 12 months.

[@joerowland7350]

@@Cheordig check out zero five 5/8 wave out of chicgo it built like a tank

[@Cheordig]

@@joerowland7350 Wow it's a beast!

[@joerowland7350]

@@Cheordig I had storm come thru here last year 100mph + winds I'm still fixing Barnes n out building so I wanted a stronger antnna I look at Mr coily n shock wave n zero five n went whith the zero five 73 n good dx 2fb2112 hope here you on the band

[@fixingbikeswithmentalhealt4880]

I've got the old silver rod mounted to my wash line pole in my back garden works just as well had it mounted to chimney breast on the roof didn't work till good I have now got my j pole are mounted to my chimney breast on the roof and that works for my ham radio just has an effect when I put the TV on

[@DundeeDude]

I had a sliver rod on my roof but the wind ended up breaking it.. miss the CB days .. my rig had the little needle that pinged up.. good to see the digital ones

[@kellytaylor3915]

I wanted to get the Sirio 827 however a friend gave me an A99 put a ground plane kit on it. If it gives me any trouble I will switch the Sirio 827. If have a Sirio 6 meter 5/8 wave it is a great antenna. extremely broad banded. Covers 4 mhz band on 6m with less then 1.3 to 1 both ends. The 10m 11m 827 Sirio should be as good or better then most out there. The Hygain Vertical 5/8 wave is also a good antenna.

[@charlienewman9858]

Hi Fred I’m useing a venom at the moment but I’m changing it for the blizzard I’ve been advised this would be better on my 6900n 42foot compleat on poles 👍🏻 thanks from Kel

[@sleeve8651]

Call me crazy, but through more than 50 years of playing with radio, I've seen a number of Fiberglass Antennas blown to bits, or turned into what resembles an umbrella, from Lightning ! Were a typical Aluminum vertical antenna, will generally take a hit, dissipate the charge to ground, and be usable ! My hypothesis has always been, as a Thunderstorm pushs it's way across the land, ahead of it comes the increase in winds, bringing with it charged particles, ( Dust, etc. ) that build on a fiberglass mast, until an approaching oppositely charged cloud moves past and, " Bang " ! No more antenna ! Perhaps that the Aluminum antennas offer a DC short, which allows such a build up to be shunted to ground, lessening the chance for a build up of charged particles, and a resulting strike ? Another thing I have learned is that Lightning doesn't always strike the highest object in the area, and that lightning can reach many miles ahead of the actual storm body ! Sometimes so far ahead, you may not see a dark cloud !

[@ronedwards8239]

Gainmaster 5/8 or HW version. Best antenna I’ve ever owned.

[@glasstronic]

Brilliant!

[@andrewknight6853]

i have had a a99 for believe it or not 30 years ish! worked perfectly although the top section came off and the thread was damaged so a soldered it back on and put fibreglass matt over the connection, still works! must have got it when it first came out! maybe 1990, longevity it has if installed correctly, however i am thinking the same as you and i would like to try aluminium Ariel like the sirio 2016! I think it will outperform the a99 but i'm not sure how long it will last in the current climate! any advice would be greatly welcome also the famouse sirio 827 is another i may try, kind regards to you all!

[@DrWatts-bi1jv]

I found that my Antron degraded and split and was noisy. I put up a silver rod next and that eventually bent and broke in the wind, but to be fair it was very cheap. I now have a 2016 up now and it's fantastic. It does whip around in the wind, but it's going to isn't it. When there's no wind its as straight as a straight thing. Jonny Gs 2016 has been up a long old time now and that's still straight too. I guess the moral of the story is, you only get what you pay for, or as I say 'Buy cheap, buy twice'.

[@EdzashedFudwinkle]

In looking at the Sigma Venom 4k,, but have a good Thunderpole up atm, and a A99/FS99 waiting to go up.

[@EdzashedFudwinkle]

A99/FS99 didn't work out, going with the 5/8w silver rod next week. Sirio 2016 are good, checkout the Sirio 2010/2011 (1/2w & 5/8w), half the price of a 2016 or Imax, both claim a 9.9db gain, worth a look Fred.

[@alanhewitt6607]

In a perfect world you would have a fiberglass whip as it can with stand the whipping around in the wind .Surrounded by copper fluid of about 3mm thick as it is the skin effect you are interested in.Fanny's your Aunt and Bobs your uncle.I do like your video's.:-)

[@GaryLordsWayMinistry]

Whenever static electricity is in the area due to thunderstorm activity, the humidity in the air is one factor as well as rain saturation upon objects around the static electricity, just as when rubbing a balloon on one head and raising the hair on the head. When static electricity is in your area it is going to short to a ground which is closest to it, for a discharge. That is a fact and it works the same in an RF amplifier that has Sweep Tubes in it as well that has a high voltage transformer in for the high voltages needed in those tunes to work properly as well. The high voltage can and will leak out of any unshielded/uninsulated wire to a ground through the open air as well; especially in a high humidity area such as those of us who live in the Southern States of America; or any such areas must take extreme care and caution while working in those situations. Just as putting up an antenna in a thunderstorm. Use extreme caution, with high voltages. This is your life and not many chances are given to us when working in those extreme situations. Here is another example of what material to use when building an antenna, not many beams are built out of fiberglass are there? Why is this? Aluminum is a better radiator of Rf than a wire and it is lighter to use than fiberglass, which in the case of the antron and those which are similar, I have noticed that fiberglass seems to me to be heavier and the structure of the fiberglass seems to me to catch more air/drag and snow builds up on it quicker than slick aluminum. The only thing I have heard that was bad about the Siro 2016 is that the people who bought them, after a couple of years, noticed that the fiberglass/plastic would start to crack due to weathering or UV maybe the cause of it cracking. Also, the Siro people are not offering replacement parts for the antenna and the customers are having problems with the Sellers in customer service area with parts not being supplied to the customers.

[@barrykeeto1248]

It’s logical to assume that the more wide banded the omni directional antenna, the more background noise you’ll pick up, which is what it it’s supposed to do really? Whereas highly tuned antennas will be more efficient at a given frequency and in theory should pick up less unwanted noise, assuming that the noise isn’t being directly generated at your specific frequency or as a harmonic. Of course a horizontally opposed yagi will always pick up less noise and more wanted signal if pointed towards your chosen signal. I’ve always used aluminium tube or steel whip antennas, having said that, almost all commercial grade vhf/uhf and marine and aircraft antennas are fibreglass coated for longevity. Metallic antennas performance can also be affected by rain positively or negatively depending on its state of tune (you’ll often notice a variance of SWR from damp to dry conditions) This is less of a problem for a fibreglass coated antenna unless it has been compromised. Ground/earth everything as good as you can and physically longer length antennas nearly always wins out.

[@danjor_droneitsme6874]

Try a drx111 livewire or a hawkins antennas 58+ on a 12m spiderbeam hd pole.Fantastic results and an amazing swr just to add

[@forddude1976]

Hi Fred, great video coul you explain all your radios in your shack. I have the silverwing and a spring type msg mount in the car and I can only get a few streets. I'm looking to upgrade so this was interesting to watch. Also could you advise on scanners. The airport isn't that far from me and I think it would be fun to listen in. Thanks

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Ive made videos on all the radios that i own on the channel if you look back. Scanner wise you can find out what freq the ground loop is on AM if you google the airport etc. Most com has gone digital but incoming aircraft will still be on around 119-127 Mhz AM.

[@forddude1976]

@@CB-RADIO-UK great thanks I'm watching some of your older video now thanks

[@Ranchhand323]

I had a Antron 99 , and put a 102" stainless steel as the top final section , and it worked like a champ !!

[@2penny417]

Did you cut the 102 inch stainless steel whip

[@Ranchhand323]

@@2penny417 no , I did not.

[@Bernard-John]

for many many years have used as an outside aerial always aluminum GP 27 for example or the president 2000 put a few days ago I got my first fiber glass outside aerial and at the moment it seems quite impressive,but the most impressive feature is the swr it stays very very low from around 26 to 30 MHz very impressive all factory pre set nothing to set, so simple.looks great and made a few videos about it anyway thanks until the next time,19 Charlie tango 022.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Cheers Ben

[@bonydox9]

I run a IMAX 2000 cos I live on the coast and all aluminium and magnesium mix antennas rot and snap due to the salt in the air. To stop my IMAX waving around I've tied some strong sea fishing line to the top of the top section and lead it down to a ground post. We have a constant westerly wind here so it's easy to do.

[@DougCraigTheFerretMan]

Always used a ¼ wave droopy ground plane for local comms and a 5/8 groundplane for dx, verticals anyway and always aluminum. JMO. P.S always good quality aluminum antennas

[@davidherbert1562]

Hi Fred, I think it's a personal choice, I've had both, the Imax, worked for me I changed it because the fibreglass was splitting, I can't fault the sirio 2016, a good strong antenna, holds up well in strong winds.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes my Antron is starting to splinter now. The 2016 pushes out your signal Dave.

[@martynlewis9954]

Gainmaster here in exact same position & coax etc reduced stronger signals & noise by 1 S point compared to my Imax. 24ft to base of antenna , level with chimneys.

[@ericzerkle5214]

2016 is great! Low VSWRs and great bandwidth.

[@rondellschuyler7074]

Love the yaesu FT- 450. Leaning toward the sirio 827. I have a Atron 99 currently. I hear some operators call them a static stick

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I think the Siro 827 will out perform the A99 but its a LOT bigger with the ground plane radials.

[@clarkjamieson692]

Hi Fred just getting started up again after listening to what was Sed think l am sold on a Sirio aluminium pole . I have just bought a galaxy 959 and was not sure on what antenna to get l live on the edge of a large lake with wide open space it can be very windy from time to time .l am looking forward to getting back on the air CB is alive and kicking out here in Canada .

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Good to hear CB is alive in Canada.

[@ericdee6802]

What model Yeasu are you working on in this video Fred?. As for antennas, id definately go with a aluminum antenna myself, all the Antron is is a capacitance loaded end fed half wave dipole which is installed into fiberglass tubing so it can be mounted vertically which is standard polarization for AM low frequency transmiting.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi Eric. Iam running A Yaesu 450D

[@IFIXCASTLES]

I see this video and comments are old. There is a lot of info on cb base antennas here to think about. I believe it was 2015 i installed a Sirio Gain Master5/8 wave after reading as much as i could about which antenna i should buy. For many years that antenna was a marvel of engineering. Then i needed bypass surgery times 4. I spent my time recuperating and hardly keyed my mic. Then one day it all came together again and i started keying up on lower 38 looking for some long distance contacts. I noticed my swr wasn't the usual 1:1. It had creeped up a little. I continued making some great dx hits. But every week the swr creeped up some more. Now i am hesitant to key up. Something went south but i don't know what. I'm not going up there to take it down because I'm no spring chicken anymore. I really get a kick out of dxing and have so since childhood. Sooooo, i decided to put another antenna up but from the ground this time and it will be on a telescopic emt pipe. Again i read as much as i could about what antenna i should send up. I decided on another Sirio but this time the Sirio 827 5/8 wave antenna. I did buy the optional radial ring. I'm going to cut the LMR400 from the Gainmaster as far up as i can and reuse it. The GM will remain until i have to pay someone to take it down. I haven't used a ground plane antenna since the 70s. The GM was fantastic so this 827 needs to perform to make me happy.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Good on you for not giving up. When you take the older antenna down you may find the bottom full of water.

[@stevetaylor8446]

Seems like they both have pro's and con's Fred...my first and last large antenna that went when I sold up in 95 was pretty good for that era, now using an 827. Good results with both, although different points in time and different conditions today. Not sure how this 827 will fair in the winds, but it sure is a sturdy and well built beast! 73's

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Each has he's fav. Alloy / fiberglass.

[@stevetaylor8446]

fredintheshed1 Need another Antrim and a few wire antenna next Fred mate...no more radios or mics now hehe

[@nickytembo4572]

I have an I-max 2000 very good antenna but I suggest with all antenna’s that before putting them up you spray them with a clear coat lacquer so they don’t corrode or in the case of fiberglass they don’t chalk on you from u.v. Rays. I have a copper j-pole I put up seven years ago and lacquered it it still looks copper colored and not green and corroded like copper gets when weathered. A friend of mine put up an I-max 2000 and didn’t lacquer it and within 5 years the fiberglass started to chalk and break down the outer coating and he took it down and did what I said and it’s back up good as new. So he was happy and he’ll get more life out of his antenna. Aluminum oxidizez so if you clear coat it it won’t for a long time. So you extend the life of the antenna and get clean signals. That’s my story and suggestion spread it to the rest of ham nation through your blog or you tube videos. Thanks for your time KB1IWE !

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

That is GOOD advice Nick and wished i had sprayed mine when it was new.

[@QuebecoisSti]

Sirio 827, A-99 or IMAX 2000 antenna ? I am looking more towards RX and high winds handling.

[@stephencoope3909]

I have had a gain-master up for 4 years i am on the side of a hill facing the pennine's not far off the north end of the runway of Leeds/Bradford airport so i am at a good height and the winds off the top of the said hills are very strong over the valley to me so i would not worry about the your gain-master they stand up well mine as been through a few 80mph storms before the gain-master i had a real imax 2000 up for just over 15 years before it finally give up on me i have had a lot antennas up in the same place over the last 40 or so years and the only one that ever came down was the 827 although that one was not on the stack but on a 16 ft pole on the back wall under the gutter had it up for a week at the same time as the imax on the stack on a 12ft pole should have said the gain-master is on the same pole as the imax was on the stack but back to the 827 up for around a week till we had a storm and it came down split the stone on the wall not brick stone and came down across are roof and nextdoors that was about 16 years ago and they still don't talk to me lol

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Sounds like a thumbs up for the strong Gainmaster.

[@stephencoope3909]

Not really there is still few good ones but it's full of dickheads on the uk Fm but there is still good few on in Yorkshire where in Leeds are you i am in Guiseley and i am the last one the next one to me is up in Yeadon then Horseforth

[@stephencoope3909]

I don't know anywhere in that part of Leeds but there are 2 this end one in Otley ans one at yarnbury rugby club in Horseforth

[@stephencoope3909]

Well i am okay with it's strength Fred and it don't bring in much noise and it works well when the skip is running as most do when conditions are good but i am not convinced there not a bit deaf fine on transmit but if you can here them well you know that's no good

[@cosmoshfa88savant66]

enjoyed that

[@adamivanecky3907]

the best cb home base antenna is 5/8 shockwave. it,s made in MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA if you have the internet look up shockwave antennas

[@RonanKearney1]

good man Fred :)

[@robertdixon6536]

A-99 with ground radials has done well for me at 40'.

[@co1950]

Same . Although I have switched to a Starduster (M-400)

[@fernandoscrenci4874]

I love diploe antennas, of every kind indoor or outdoor it doesn't matter and Still like your videos!! 👍

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks :-)

[@bleirdo_dude]

Cool! I would set 1/4 wave dipoles for friends till they got a regular base antenna. They work. Same as a mobile antenna on a car.

[@fernandoscrenci4874]

@@bleirdo_dude , Diploe antennas Work Really well, And make sure you have a Antenna tuner like MFJ-971 Because they are the best, for diploe antennas, And works Alot better than a car set -up !!!✍

[@lucbenit1569]

Well differences between aluminium and fiberglass antennas knowing that i only been on the air for about 25 yrs or so...Fiberglass seems to brings lots a mush if they close to building or less you put them 25 foot about the roof line, if you can't then put those antennas 25+ in the back of the garden same with I-MAX 2000 they work very well with ground plane...I started with a wilson firestick on a biscuit tin middle of the room....I had 1/2 and 5/8 silver rod ...5/8 anytime above the roof peak work ok ...

[@kevinjames9852]

Well at present I’m enjoying the wire stripped away from the fibreglass Antron 99 that will be the T2LT so really I’d have to go with the fibreglass antenna hehe 😜

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I kinda think your in the middle Kev :-)

[@notsoandy]

Hi CT1551 hear I use an A99,because of my location when the wind blows it blows & costing me a small fortune in alloy antteners .

[@dannyvermeulen4553]

Still in perfect condition now? Regards,Dann

[@rfhorizons5797]

I am split, not impressed with Imax2000, but impressed with Sirio GainMaster, once up and in the clear, so that bottom side of the dipole is up high, for the very long F2 they are the vertical to beat in my humble opinion. However I have a soft spot for the classics so the Sirio GPS27 "1/2 wave" SIlver rod does the job for me these days. Oddly the Sirio GPS27 is a bit longer than half wave it seems to be in the middle of a 1/2 and 5/8 wave length wise, strange but true at 19.5 feet. Good vertical antennas seem to shine when conditions are down, then they can extend your reach, F2/Sporadic-E DX or otherwise. In the midst of good conditions, wet piece of string, blah blah : )

[@YWHIC1]

Fred. ? How is your 2016 holding up?? I just ordered one of the 2016 in from the UK just today. Currently on A99 antenna

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi Iam still using a A99.

[@johnmckeen60]

I have got a siro208well it work just as good as the2016

[@carlb6939]

Hi Fred i have owned both alloy and fibreglass antennas,the fibreglass beats alloy anyday in my qth but it may not for another op in a different location

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

That a positive vote for fiberglass. The Gainmaster seems to be near the top.

[@carlb6939]

It’s a gainmaster fred

[@LeeKirkman88]

I don't know why people go for the Antron 99 when the imax 2000 is a bigger better version. It's actually a .62 wave not a 5/8th as advertised. Yes it flaps about more in wind but I've had mine a good 7 years and I live by the sea. I've had 2 Gainmasters snap! . When I lived in Yorkshire I used the 827 and loved it but I lived high up on a hill overlooking the surrounding areas and it worked awesome. I'm thinking of getting a Sirio 2016 next and giving that a go. Only thing is I've seen a 2008/2016 snap in the local area the winds get brutal off the sea. The first year bent it the 2nd year snapped it.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes the Imax and Gainmaster are good. Personally i went for the A99 as it was smaller (even shorter with the fire up) as iam on a modern housing estate.

[@BlastedFreak82]

hello... i have President Black Pirate 5R antenna and Intek HR-5500 and i must say it runs good...would like to try longer distances but dont know people who still use cb

[@mattcurtis3019]

I got an £200 Shakespeare's Still box. Settingit up at Xmas

[@davecurwen565]

Would love to hear your opinions on lightening protection i.e. supressors, brands, types etc..

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I am not the best person to ask :-). Most people try and sink a meter long pure copper rod and attach to the mounting pole. In theory the earth may reduce noise. Trouble with a lightening is that it does not need a direct strike to fry electrical equipment like radios.

[@davecurwen565]

@@CB-RADIO-UK Very true that Fred, I seem to recall a tap like item all those years ago, basically it was a block of metal with an SO239 either end and a bolt and nut to to attach an earth rod.. It was a one shot piece of kit pretty much like a discharge arrestor in a telephone socket / telephone exchange. (Sorry, that's the telecommunications engineer in me coming out). Dave

[@davecurwen565]

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124112334265 Like this....

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I would trust something like this more. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-8-EARTH-ROD-AND-CLAMP-4-FOOT-LONG-48-1200MM-COPPER-BRASS-MACHINE-CLAMP/173472692038?hash=item2863c73746:g:WrMAAOSwmxJbc9eg

[@orange70383]

I've had a Gain Master up around 45' to the top for 6 years now and it's been flawless, low noise and much lower tvi compared to the star duster I had up before.

[@jerrydell8944]

Do you want to sell your starduster? Stardusters which is in M400 made by antenna specialists. Which these antennas have not been manufactured since 1979 or 1980. They have been many copies made. But if you're interested in selling your starduster M400 made by antenna specialists. I would love to buy it from you. Thanks.

[@americaswayout4489]

@@jerrydell8944 You can just build a wire version if you have a way to tie up the radials , using them as guy wires? This video shows a Ham build one for both CB and 10 meters, seems VERY broad banded. Very easy to build. If you want an easy way to mount the wire antenna and desire the up to 60 ft or 18 meter heigh, contact Cal at DX Commander for one of his poles. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6erkqVtpLOSiqs

[@davekettle6220]

I have listened to this video about home base antenna's, don't anyone use beans or quads (both are directional so you needed a rotator) anymore as there were lots of people using them during the 80s i was one of them .

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi Dave. Yes a few have Yagi beams and they work well with a rotator. Only problem is that they are very big for 11m so you need a lot of space.

[@foxman362]

I like your yaesu cb radio.......

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Well yeah its not really CB is it :-)

[@martinscopes3914]

In 1981 I had a GPA-27 at 98-feet tall with six guide lines metal once a year I would do a half turn because it would bend a bit and my first CB was a ROTEL RVC 240 and I still have it now and a CBX and a BINATONE 5-STAR.I never had any real problems with the Antenna it was up for six years and I renewed the coax once a year.i could walk up my poles to change the coax and turn it when it bend a bit. Static runs on the out side of a Antenna so others say so a fibreglass Antenna the wire is in the in side with metal it's different so what is best. It would have to be tested both Antennas same height same coax and a six month test. Next year I will have my new Antenna up fibreglass I won't say what make all I will say it's a good make bought from Nevada Radio.these days theres so much signals of all types gsm internet and so on in 1981 we did not have all this in the Air.we just have to get on with it .

[@denniswatson8699]

i think a alloy antenna are best