The 102 Steel Whip CB Antenna. How To Install And Adjust The SWR On The Best CB Antenna Made.
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- I'm doing some long overdue upgrades to the old T100 and part of those upgrades it to replace the 20+ year old 102 Steel whip antenna setup and upgrade the CB as well.
The 102 is the best CB antenna you can have for a mobile install. Others do come very close, but nothing can beat a genuine 1/4 wave antenna when it comes to mobile installs. This one came out at a nearly flat 1.1 across the band without adjustment, and as a result nearly all 4 watts of available power will be transmitting out to the world when I Key down.
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I keep a 102 whip on the toolbox of my 84 ranger. Its been there since 1988. Great antenna. C.b. still alive in Sheridan Arkansas. Keep the videos going
Old school rangers are great trucks!
I miss my 85 s 10 gold color
@@FarpointFarms do you need a tennis ball on the 102 whip ? Didn’t want to put one on mine but don’t want it smacking the truck either . Thanks
3/2023: Another good video. I've always preferred a 102" whip antenna. Nothing works better. Thanks
Thanks 👍
I like mounting the long whip antennas on the drivers side to better avoid hard strikes of overhanging tree branches on the passenger side of the vehicle.
I would have too except the gas filler is on the driver's side.
Instablaster.
I've been interested in CB for a couple years now, I finally bit the bullet and bought a Bearcat 980 and a 102". Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
I am glad to hear it helped!
👍
I messed around with a couple of antennas ,now i have a 102" whip on top of the ladder rack on my Dakota pkp.I clip a few trees but it works great.
I had a 102 whip on my 85 Ford PU, mounted to the drivers side of the cab. I put a match box in line and adjusted the SWR with that. Worked Great!
Right on! The 102 rules the air with it come to mobile antennas.
I like the way you do things Eric, Infowars decal, Ryobi power tools, radio shack swr meter, 102" whip, and how you live. We have alot in common but unlike you many of my projects remain undone. I got your bring back cb radio mug. Cb around northwest Indiana has mostly all gone to ssb unless you want to cuss on channel 19 with the Yahoo's. Good videos keep that cb alive brother. I am trying round these parts.
Thanks for the kind words friend! Live the dream is all I can tell you. We all have an expiration date and I didn't want to hit mine without at least trying to.
Lots of patriotic people on air!
Just finished installing a whip without a spring on a custom Rago mount bolted on back passenger side of the tailgate. No holes drilled with a Rago mount as it uses the trucks existing hardware. I had to try different mounting hardware of different styles before my antenna was happy with 1.1 SWR. What works best for me is a basic vertical stud mount taken from a trucker mirror antenna mount and a single stainless washer on top of the insulator. 1.1 SWR on all 40 channels. Some antenna connectors don't have the notches cut out for the teeth on the antenna cable connector so the male and female connectors don't sit right and don't get a solid ground. I had to cut my own notches out so that the connector teeth would go in and allow the connectors to mate properly. I'm sure a lot of people forget to look at this when installing new mounting hardware. I'm running a President McKinley and 18' coax. 73
Cool, I never heard of them, but I'll check it out.
You said it, best antenna made, started out in the mid to late 60's with co-phased 102" stainless steel whips, still have those and still use them.
They will not burn out like most other antennas.
You can get out twice the power with just one whip.
The diamond in the video is @9:16 Good ol Shack LOL. Great video. Good to see CB's still getting used.
Thanks 👍
I found that with my 102" whip on the back bumper similar to your mount, at highway speeds, my antenna would "vibrate" at what appeared to be a harmonic frequency for the antenna. It would form a nearly perfect figure eight in it's wobble. While this looked kind of cool, it ended up putting too much stress on the antenna and it snapped off at the base. I solved the problem with a piece of paracord attached to the body of the truck and tied around the antenna (at about the height of the top of the tail light). That snubbed the vibration and my antenna now rides nicely. I'm driving a 2019 F-150, my antenna is actually mounted to a piece of 1"x 1/8" thick stainless steel flat stock attached to the bottom of the bumper using 2 stainless 1/4 - 20 bolts and stainless & nylon lock nuts.
I have a 2014 Tremor (F-150 2 door) I want to put a unit in my truck, How is the ant. mounted can you PM me a pic.? I would also lick to see the radio mounted it your cab.
Heh, the DX label on your tailgate is a pretty cool coincidence. Thanks for all the CB content👍🏻👍🏻
No problem 👍
@@FarpointFarms i see your infowars sticker and say That dude is my new buddy
Great video!!!
As stated, most antennas ARE in an imperfect environment, but on a Pickup, the stake pockets work well with a well devised mount, if you dont want to drill cab for ball mount. . Remember, height is MIGHT.
No matter what whip you run, the little loss you get from corner mounting won't make much difference compared to whacking power lines, trees, and Mickey D's drive through if mounted on top.
The drivers side most times has less physical interference, as it's usually closer to the center of the road.
73
Well, that was a flashback to 1971 for me! Thanks for sharing!
I hope that flashback was of good memories.
@@FarpointFarms - Great memories of that time. I got to meet a lot of great people through that hobby. I am still friends and in contact with some of them.
With current events I have been entertaining the idea of getting back into the hobby. That's what led me to your videos.
Eric.... Greetings from the sandhills of North Carolina. Getting back into CB after 2 past forays in CB. High school in 1968(vacuum tube then) and 1977(Hy-Gain CB). I agree with you on the 102 inch whip. I installed a 102 on the right rear quarter deck of my Xterra SUV. I used a Hustler heavy duty SS ball Mount and a 6 inch SS spring. The antenna speaks for itself. I will mate it with a President McKinley radio. Also I used RG-8X coax. Keep up the great videos!
73's Mark
Thank you for the great feedback I am glad you like the videos
My old truck used quick connects (one side CB, other side dual band) to the top surface of the truck bed. My new truck has Ram Boxes either side, so I sketched up a crude diagram of a 2” aluminum or steel (went with aluminum) antenna frame stand that ran either side of the interior truck bed, across the back to join, then ran up towards the middle front of the bed and across again just below the height of the cab height. On both sides of the top rail of this “antenna stand” I drew 8” diameter circles for the antennas to be centered on. I took this sketch to the local welding supply shop, their welder fabricated from my sketch for a couple hundred dollars. Light enough that it can be removed if I need to haul something that the rack/stand gets in the way, coax has two connections (CB and dual band again) in the bottom inside of truck bed, so I don’t disconnect the antennas’ coax at the antenna end of the mounts, but disconnect where the coax ran a few feet from antenna to where it enters the truck bed instead, so the whole antenna rack can be removed and put back with antennas still mounted and the coax still tied down to the rack. I also still have the antennas themselves on quick connects so they come right off the stand when I drive into the garage, or something lower than 10’... they quickly come off and then back on.
So welder mounted the 8” circular plates at either end of top rail, I loaded it up in truck, fit snugly, also had the welder add a lockdown ring so I could chain the antenna rack to the truck bed interior hooks for security. I took it home, drilled holes through center of 8” round plates down through 2” rack bars, and mounted my antennas through hole center of plates. Grounded the antenna rack to the truck frame via copper braid bolted to where tail gate closes into bed (on bed frame bolt each side of tailgate opening). It all works great. Couple hundred in cost to fabricate, little work to prep rack for mounting antennas which are firesticks; looks great, works great.
I remember probably 40+ years ago my Dad had a whip on his truck and they mounted it on a ball on the passenger side on the aft side of cab down low. maybe six inches form bottom of truck. HE still would run into trees etc. :) they installed a bracket on the same side on the aft bumper so he could bend the antenna down and that would hold it down while in town etc... I originally searched for the question of how good would the antenna operate with that config. You answered the question basically it is not optimal but good.
I love going into parking garages and hearing the noise every few feet- Boing.....
I got a quad mount i modified with a 6 inch spring and a 102" antenna plugged into my cobra 29 talking with an astatic mic.
Love the infowars sticker
73s
I use the ss whip on 10m, cut it to 99", 1.1 on 28.400. it works fine on 29.5 FM at that length.
I also lost the corona ball, but replaced it with a much bigger one from RFJunk. with minimal change in SWR.
I use a Yaesu FT-857D for the transceiver.
I've got a 102 whip but recently took it off and put a 5 ft tunable firestick with a small spring. SWR's out of the box on the firestick were 1.1 on chnl 40 and not hardly measurable on chnl 1. The 102 is the best, but drive thru's and low branches make it a challenge even though it was mounted on my toolbox.
I feel your pain !! I love mine dead center of my toolbox lid ,, but I swear I'm developing PTSD from the constant thump bang lol but it's worth it
I really enjoyed your video on the 102 inch whip antenna replacement I watched the other videos that you did on the President McKinley radio and installed one this weekend in my truck also bumper-mounted the whip antenna in much the same way that you had did yours it worked out excellent I really appreciate you taking the time to show the details of the McKinley radio as well as the antenna positioning and this latest video on the 102 inch antenna replacement also answered a lot of questions, needless to say my first Contact was Quebec Canada .I live in North Carolina about 30 miles east of Charlotte I could not believe it it was awesome all the way to Canada from NC ! Thanks again and hope to hear you on the radio sometime would be awesome to talk to you !!!
I bought that antenna 102 mounting it on the roof of my house as a base station antenna I live in AUSTRALIA cb radio is great hobby I use a super Bengal base mark 2 thank you your review I liked very much,,
I think the Fall Guy had 102" on his truck in the show. I think how it was on that one complimented the way the truck was built. You gotta love them old shows from the 80s. They had awesome vehicles and most of them had a CB.
Heck yes! Loved A-team, Knight Rider, and Dukes of Hazzard.
I used to run co-phased 102’s. Quite directional but worked really well.
Interesting! It was directional?
@@billb6029 yes. The hood of the truck was the front of the beam. If someone was trying to get in the back door, forget it. I loved it. Good skip talker.
Thanks for this vid. I've noticed a lot of folks on the web saying that 11 meters use of a 102" whip doesn't need a spring, even scorning their use sometimes. My first attempt with a whip was done without the spring first, then I put the spring on and WOW! What a difference! Like a universe of difference. In receive especially. So for noobs out there like myself, GET THE SPRING with a 102" whip because you really can't use it on 11 meters without it.
I don't know about that
Technically speaking, Channel 20 frequency is 27.205 MHz which for a 1/4 wavelength equals ~108.5 inches. SO, tuning for the center CB band - CH 20, the addition of a 6" spring, (or 2 - 3.3 inch springs connected), will provide the proper ~108.5 inches for CH 20.... However you get there, a spacer or two springs, you need to hit that ~ 108.5 inch number....
My 102" has a flat 1 SWR on 1 through 40. Wilson techs told me when they tested their antennas in the Nevada desert they didn't beat the 102" whip.
I keep getting the itch to replace the three-foot Firestik on my Jeep with a 102” - just concerned about SWR wonkiness. I ended up with the Firestik in the first place because something about my then-new radio didn’t like my existing 4’ Wilson Silverload setup that had run for quite a while at 1.1:1. With the Wilson, she showed SWRs above nine (though the antenna was in perfect shape and ran at 1.2:1 on another install later); dropping to the shorter three-foot antenna dropped my SWRs back to a peak of 1.12:1.
I thought I knew a good deal about 11-meter setups, but I never could figure that one out. So, I’m naturally a bit gun-shy to change it again. Sure is tempting to try, though! 😄
I never use the spring , I put the mount right through my bumper, I also mount it on the left rear so I didn't hit limbs on the back roads, I since an O-ring around the whip the height of the tailgate, I pull the o ring over and down in the bead and hook it. When parked antenna is slightly forward and at 70 MPH its only slightly towards the back.
I should have put it on the drivers side!!! Why didn't I think of that!!
I have mine on a fender mount. I have a 98.5 Ram 2500 4x4. I run the 102 whip and a Stryker 655HP. My SWR is 1:2.
Great video, thanks. One question, when you say "add a washer" to tune the antenna, where should add it?
Between the barrel spring and the antenna mast.
@@FarpointFarms Thanks!!
MAHALOS! EXCELLENT VIDEO!
USED A 102 FOREVER....THE 70'S
CENTER ROOF MOUNT. DISCIPLINE YOURSELF TO PULL IT DOWN SO YOU DONT HIT ANY THING! SITUATIONAL AWARENESS IS KEY
Right on!
Ran 102's for years. The nylon bushing on the mount has to be cleaned every couple of months depending where you live. Most SWR problems come from the mount. I mounted mine on my 5th wheel plate with a fold down bracket. Antenna bends perfectly into the back corner...
Heck I like watching just to catch the intro/exit tune. Something about that tune that is Just Right!
Hello, Eric I really enjoy watching these tutorial videos. Stay safe my friend.
Thanks, you too!
Great video! I'm considering this type of antenna but what type of hardware/bracket are you using on the bumper? I see the shock spring and a shaft that penetrates through the bumper but beyond that I can't tell. I see online different mounts but they look like mirror mounts for big rigs.
Shoot me an mail and I can send you a picture of it. farpoint.farm.survival@gmail.com
Absolutely right about a 1/4 wave whip, had a lot of headache with a 5/8 helically wound Firestik. Still fun though to mess about with cb here in the UK prę '81, little 35w burners, still got my NATO 2000 rig, with super low SSB...And very distinctive Roger Beep. Love it! Innocent days, even though it was illegal here. Met a couple of girlfriends through it too, come to think of it, lol.
CB as a dating app? I like it!
Antenna Analyzer is a good investment.
I'll have to look into one of those.
102 inch steel whip or plastic whip. Once you have mounted the antenna to your vehicle. Tie a string at the top of your antenna and pull back on the string. Tie your string to something while it has the antenna bending backwards. Check your swr reading. Untie the string and let the antenna stand back up straight. Check your swr reading again. They will not be the same. It is much better to set your swr on your antenna while it is bent backwards some. Going down the road conditions. Not sitting idle.
I love the look of 102 on a truck..I have mine mounted on a ball and spring mounted to a plate on my tool box i have it a little leaned back
My next New Vehicle (hopefully next month) will have a good C/B Radio that is "Tuned" thanks to you!
Oh wow! A Radio Shack SWR meter. What an antique.
If it works, it works!
I just got a hustler 102”. I mounted it to my toolbox. Box has 3 ground straps with one running to frame. SWR is great 1.2 match. When I’m driving I get a slight “antenna warning” on my cobra 29 LX
Thank you, I appreciate your time that you take for these videos!!!
Cool video. Us hams all started out on 11 meters. I wish cb was used more like it was in the 1980’s and 1990’s. I really enjoyed going to Radio Shack and building my cb base station. You really have to have a nice tall antenna on cb to be heard. I enjoy using2 meter/70 cm repeaters as well cause you can use a shorter mobile antenna and still be heard well. But I miss the 80’s and 90’s cb days. Keep making videos like this. I really enjoyed it.
yeah you forgot about the 500w amp you also would need to be heard
Hey Eric , I can’t use full 50 watt power on my ham radio with the fully grounded headache antenna mount ! Should I try grounding to the third brake light? Those mounting kits are too expensive even if they work for the problem that I’m having. I can adjust the power to 25 watts and that is fine , a little higher swr but still acceptable. You helped me with this set up initially , a grounded plate underneath the antenna didn’t make any difference ! (However I’m not sure about its metallurgical quality) of the plate thanks Shane
That one I'm not sure about. I can't figure out why 50 watts messes it up, but 35 is OK.
@@FarpointFarms been that way for 2 years and it bugs me but, I generally can do what I need to with the 10 watt setting so, no big deal . Love your channel . I’ll let you know if I figure it out .
I wanted to replace my Fire Stick on my Beetle with a 102 whip and my SWR's go crazy with the whip but the Fire Stick is really low. What could cause this?
Both mounted in the same spot? I'd check to make sure the bumper is grounded properly.
@@FarpointFarms Both in the same exact spot and grounded properly. I just installed a new 18 foot coax last night but I haven't had time to see if it helped.
Hey Eric do i really need a spring for my 4 ft firstik ? Would a 3 ft firstik be fine on truck for 10 meter? Thanks bud .have an awsome day 🎉🎉🎉
The spring helps to keep it from being damaged.
@FarpointFarms thx Eric ,have an awsome day 🎉🎉
I use a whip adjuster to run a 102 on my particularly vehicle. With spring full length is 110"
Never heard of it, I'll have to check them out.
@@FarpointFarms Mr.Coily has started to make them recently. But others have sold on the past
can you install a 102' into a regular old magmount? I have a Wilson W1000 magmount on my roof, but the range is terrible with the 62' whip. Wondering if I can just unscrew the little coil off the mag mount and slap a 102' in there no problem. Thank ya once again
I don't recommend it. The 102 has such a mass and wind load it would topple the magnet mount. They make a huge 3 or 4 magnet mount for 102 whips but they are not cheap!
@@FarpointFarms thank you! contemplating where in the world to mount one, do you happen to know the easiest way to ground an antenna if i were to drill it in a plastic bumper? I did try googling to find out before I bombard you with these questions, would it surprise you to learn that there's hardly any information on installing CBs on a variety of vehicles in the modern era? lol.
On my Ram 1500 I run one on the center of my toolbox lid , perfect swr as expected . I have several stainless steel heavy duty springs that WILL NEVER RUST .. old school made by Motorola ,, from my previous career that you and Mower Junkie are aware of , I will be sure to get you and him one !! Just don't ever check your SWR riding down the road with the whip laid back a little or you'll get a bad feeling in the pit of your stomach , so being determined to use the spring cause the almost 4 inch spring is needed in the SWR equation .. I ran 2 tig weld beads down the side of mine top to bottom , 180 degrees apart .. problem solved ,, or you can lose the 4 inch spring and use a riser, or nothing and play with coax length for your SWR happy place .. just a bit of info I thought I'd share . And we all know by hearing 151 Mower Junkie ,, a 102 inch whip works !!!!
Do away with the spring and small mount, use a gp 10” riser and a larger mount stud. The riser makes adjusting swrs and tuning very easy. No snipping antenna or adding washers. I just installed mine on my freightliner.
Great antenna
Where can I find “GP 10” Riser”
Does a firestick antenna, really need a spring mount or have you had good luck with out the springs?
I've never owned a firestick. Sorry!
Thats why I like 2 meters fm cause there are tons of free repeaters in southern california that are crystal clear any you can use a 12 inch magnet mount antenna. Cb was a ton if fun in the 80’s and 90’s when more people used them. Now not many truckers even use them much with all the cellphone walkie talkie apps out there
I've thought about making a sort of ground plane and mounting a 102 whip in my hitch receiver so I don't have to drill holes in the bumper and if need be I can remove it .I thought if I use a 3 or 4 inch drop hitch and flip it upsidedown it will definitely put the antenna 1/3 above the highest point of the truck. I rarely pull a trailer so I would not be compromised by mounting it there. My only concerns are being able to put the tailgate down without interference and will it actually work in that location. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated . thanks Eric I've learned a lot from your channel ,being completely new to this hobby and not having any prior knowledge after a few select videos I was able to set my radio up and get out there and talking in no time.
back in the middle of bed is the best for the 102
CRC 2-26 is the ideal lubricant for these connections. Provides enhanced conductivity, reduction of corrosion and electrolysis, and lubricity to allow for easy removal. As opposed to dielectric grease...
thanks for the tip
After the cordial introduction, at approx 4:01 the left turn information commences. what about grounding/ bonding 🤔
I've always heard a 102" will out talk any other mobile antenna. Mines pared with a President Dick and a KL203p on my bench it tested out to 190-200 watts pep @ 1.5 - 2 watt dead key 20-25 swing The Dick has features you'd find on high dollar $
"Export" jobs but better cost. I can see raising it with a washer but how would you lower it?
Does the lenght of the coax effect the swr? Thinking about mounting a 102" on a chevy tracker
Yes and No- I think a 102 on a Tracker would be awesome, if you have a few extra feet, it will not make a difference- If you have like 150 extra feet, then a little
Hey quick question;
I am installing a 102” whip on my g20 van. The antenna kit came with a potbelly spring, which brings the total length to 108”. Is it better to run it as a straight 102” or is the 108” better?
Also, the ball mount has a coaxial connection, but nowhere to ground to the chassis. Do I need to ground my 102” whip to the chassis?
108 is the perfect height! The Ball bolts to the body of the car and that is your ground, so you should be fine. Sounds like a cool setup!
I have a president McKinley, a palamor 250 amp, and a 102” whip. Swr’s are way too high. It’s mounted on side of Tacoma with aluminum bracket. Do I need to change to SS bracket or put it on back bumper
Could be a ground issue. Also may need to shim the 102 to change the SWR.
Quick question so I plan on mounting my 102 on the lip of the bed by the back glass how to I ground that Ik I need to ground the mount to frame but what do I use to do I’ve been told conflicting things some say just 10 gauge wire some say 8 gauge and some say I need to buy the copper braided grounding strap but they don’t seem to be sold in lengths long enough to reach from the bed to a spot of the frame. So how should I do it?
Check the grounding of the bed with a Ohm meter. My guess is that it is already grounded and no additional wiring will be needed.
The bed has a spray in bed liner from the factory so I gotta ground it else where but I was looking at some forums and they were saying that I should ground it to the frame that I gotta run it from multiple different points on the body and just made me a lot more confused
I run one on the top of my tool box on my pickup and got a 1.1 SWR. My friends and I tested it against the Wilson 5000 and 1000 and predator and the 102 beat them all
You've got nearly the perfect setup like that. I need my full bed, or I would have added a box and done the same.
I got a flat 1 SWR. Needle didn't move
My 102 killed the Wilson 5000 and 1000 when we tested them on a hill in massachusetts. It beat the Predator too
LONG LIVE C.B. RADIO !!!
Amen Brother.
You have alot of truthful information. However, I have used many antennas in many locations on many vehicles, and using a five foot firestick 2, a five foot wilson silverload, or a five foot quad wrap on a mirror mount or high mount behind the cab will smoke a 102 whip. I do believe a properly installed whip is good but not on the bumper it just has too much reflection. And you need to test your system with an analyzer. If you have an swr meter on your radio it will be just as accurate as the external meter, as a matter of fact the external meter will have an effect on the readings
Thanks for sharing that- I am sure it can help a few others
@FarpointFarms I'm not trying to be a know it all, but I have ran about every antenna made including the 102, and predator 10 k long shaft, the Mr Coily long shaft and several other coiled antennas, with everything from a stock pro-510 to a 3200 watt 16 transistor linear, and the only advantage the whip or big coiled antennas have over long top loaded fiberglass antennas is the power handling capacity, my friends and I have done a lot of test from a spot 35 miles as the crow flies from a recieve spot near my home, I have been using these things since 1975 and have talked all over the United States including Hawaii, and several countries and continents on am and sideband with some big famous radio guys, many that are not around any more, I guess we are getting old lol, anyway keep up the good work, many people I'm sure need folks like you to help them along the way
As a side note from my understanding Co-Phase mounted 8.5 to 9ft apart (like on a Semi) the radiating pattern on the properly tuned setup is perpendicular to the arrangement of the antennas not with the antennas. This is likely different when they are mounted closer together but thought I would share.
I've been using a 102" whip for years mounted on my pickup
Put a fishing line at the top of the antenna and tie it to your truck that keeps it straight up and not blowing back
you have some great tips- thanks for sharing
can not beat the 102 inch whip i mounted one on a magnet mount on top of a window air conditioner about 20 feet up i have talked around the world on it
I would have never thought of that, but I am sure it made for a great mounting spot.
In the new antennas get a magnet 500 Stainless Way up will do the job
i found a trick for the swr after you install the amp. first its best to use a 12foot jumper from amp to cb. ok heres what i done to get a 1.0 swr . connected my amp to radio with a 3 way splitter on the open end just plug the open three way to another amp dont turn it on... mines grounded and powered because i was installing another amp. and i had the 3 way already. i had 4. somthing on 1 and 8.5 on 40. now the swr is 1.0 and 1.1 and im able to check the swr with the cb..... try it and see its new thing i found myself.....
i get props for it my call handle is gamer north east ga
I want to put a cb in my Ford F150 just to have for out of town trips. And I am trying to do this without putting any new holes into my truck. I am thinking of mounting a 102 whip antenna to the reciever hitch. So I can remove it when not on a trip and I can hopefully do this without damaging any paint. Do you think that it will work as well as the bumper mount? Thanks for the good videos!
Maybe you can help I want to install my wip on my trucks roof will work good with a tram 3 magnet Mount.
Thanks for video - What cable & length would you recommend on same bump mount full size pickup? I have some old stock 58u 18' length but curious if shouldn't get better or just use this new 20yr old stock? About last time I fooled w/ CBS -
18 feet is perfect, but if you need a 25 foot section that should be fine as well.
@@FarpointFarms ok thanks for info so I'll go ahead w/ 58u cable-
What coax u using I just got my 102 an mounting it to bumper
I had a short run of rh213 that I used, but it's total overkill. Use rg59 or whatever. It's a short run and will be fine.
When he said 'this puppy', he made me laugh as when you get something new it's a puppy and when you replace it, it's an old dog 🤣
Used car salesman mode activated!
Go ahead farpoint Farms! You have the cactus juice Bass here in Florida!
Glad to see ya!~
That might work good on the Freightliner Cascadia?
It should- it needs to be mounted to metal
MFJ has a 108" whip that eliminates the need for a spring and makes it a little more rigid., so it won't be flopping around so much. I just checked and they're not available right now but are still on the products list. So maybe they are just having trouble keeping them in stock right now due to the rona.
tfastlane I just mount the antenna straight to the mount because a 102 whip is actually 103 inches from Corona ball to the lug that screws down and 103 is exactly the right length using ham radio antenna formula for channel 20. That is where you should tune your antenna for swr it will be pretty even on channel 1 as is channel 40. The spring actually causes more swr and makes it hard to tune. If you have a ground wire from bottom of mount to the actual center of frame under your vehicle you shouldn't need any tunning.
mfj has stopped selling the 108 inch whip.
can you install the 102 inch whip on your house? thanks
best antenna ever made last forever !
Yup!
Thank you for the video. I’m just getting into cb tech. Video was very informative.
I am well grounded, but can not get my 102" below 1:5:1...and trimming q 1-2" just sounds wrong?
Hi , i just bought a 17 foot telescopic mast that collapses to 9 feet and a Hustler 102” whip , how long do the ground plane wires have to be and how many should I have , if I decide to raise the mast to the max height does that effect how long the ground plane wires have to be . I’m using a brand new Galaxy 959 B ssb that was peaked by the radio shop , I’m setting this up for emergency use . I have a 8” copper rod already installed so I have a great ground source
Thanks
Hello again Eric
I wanted to ask what you thought about using a 102 steel whip as a base station antenna? I have one that I have been thinking about putting on the house. I would ground the antenna and I have a spring to get slightly higher and I'm looking to the mirror mounting bracket I would just screw that to my roof peek and I gotta pick up ground wire and I have a ground rod copper and I think its 8 ft. What do you think? Should I not waste my time with it? I currently have a workman B100 short antenna. Thanks for the great video eric. Always helpful
Nice set up...... that cheap black coax is now your weakest link. Rock on bro.
Fantastic your swr was tight across the whole spectrum , however it leaves me with a question for you . At the end of your video you talk about using small single washer's to raise or lower the depending on your swr readings on 1 and 40 , my question is and it may sound silly but are you suggesting i can use the washer to lower the antenna without trimming it somehow ? If so would you mind showing this to us because i have never attempted to lower an antenna without trimming it to my needs , unless of course it has an adjustable tip like my firestick . I'm sure i just misunderstood but it just sounded to me like you were suggesting the washer could be used to adjust it either way .
I’m getting a little under on channel 1, 20, 40 is that good? Did a radio check to one town over, they said they’re getting a 9 pounder from me
For base stations all directional anesthetic Antron hike wave length at 20 to 80 feet high hi
Hey Erik, I have a 2006 Tundra and I'm thinking of installing my 102" whip on the same bumper corner as your T-100. Do you hit a lot of tree branches & stuff when driving on the right lane? How is your radio signal for oncoming traffic? I've seen so many recommendations as to where to install it but I'm trying to decide either the drivers side or passenger side of the bumper. Please share your thoughts. Thanks!
you should get a mfj 259b, best tool you can get to test and evaluate an anenna.
how many feet of cable did you ues to get to the back
Hi I have a 10 x 10 aluminum over hang about 8 feet tall with 8 steel pipes keeping her up. I'm thinking about mounting a 102 whip on it either on side of it or on top with a spring. Do you think with r g 8 u that it would work as a base antenna and maybe shoot skip with it? Thank you.
Eric I done radio for years and I use a little bit of never seize silver but on the PL259 I use dielectric grease as far as an antenna I use monkey made because the 102 whip is too long and will not handle the power I run
That must be some SERIOUS power!
@@FarpointFarms yes I'M pushing 6K when I do key down competitions but as I said a while back I'm using a striker 955 it is a great radio with a little bit of power it helps to get out because in in a industrial park lots of wear houses and tank farms if you do not have 50 whats or a real big antenna good luck getting out more than 1/4 mile
I saw one of those tapered springs once that looked fine on the outside, but the wire inside was corroded and broke.
Firestone makes a 7 foot whip that comes close called the KW7
I'll have to take a look. I've never heard of it.
I think he meant fire stick ,, and they're fiberglass ,, they work awesome ,,, until the first time you're cruising the highway at 70 mph and you hit a crow , and then it becomes a 4 foot whip and don't work anymore ,, true story
@@Dallas-Rife-UDX-347-Tennessee LMFAO u cracked me up.... TFF
@@Dallas-Rife-UDX-347-Tennessee They're pretty solid for fiberglass. Hitting a bird won't happen. I'm running one.
@@Dallas-Rife-UDX-347-Tennessee I guarantee that crow didn't work anymore after that either... 😂😂😂
I want the digital swrband power meter from radioshack badly sorry it won't let me post a pic of it. Out of production now and hard to find. But thinking about getting an108 steel whip.
Is it a hustler 102
Whip...?......like the hustler's. They got the old school. Corona ball on it......hustler antennas has always been very good quality. ....
Mike from minnesota
I got a question how long is that 102 steal whip
nice video where did order your 102 whip from? happy dxing aloha from hawaii
Do not throw that spring away, clean it in a Ultrasonic bath and hopefully it will end up like the day u bought it.... and those springs are very expensive here in Australia like alot of radio stuff.... u guys got the cream of the crop cos u have had the population to sustain it.