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03-03-2012 | 07:57 PM

#136

askingxforxit

CF Veteran

Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 3,500

Likes: 0

From: Long Beach, Ca

Year: 2000

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0 I6

Quote:

Originally Posted by cf1k1

Just saw the extension. Good idea but bad design, no trying to be an **** or anything. I think a 6"spring, plus a 5.5" extension then the antenna would be better. Adding the extension as is is limiting flexibility of the system. Great idea though.

I ran a 3" spring and didn't like how the antenna would flop around. I really don't need it to be flexible cuz I live in the california desert. And yes...my swr is at 1.1 I have grounding wires on my hood to the firewall and on my exhaust to the unibody plus I've cleaned all my other ground points on the xj.

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03-04-2012 | 02:05 AM

#137

KF2M

Member

Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 229

Likes: 0

From: Union County, NJ

Year: 2002

Model: Grand Cherokee

Engine: 4.0L

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morat

I'll try it!
I don't have an SWR meter so I was using the one built into the radio but I did have it measured at a shop with a professional meter (some kind of all-in-one device that I didn't get my hands on) which gave the numbers in the original post.

There's a nut on the base of the mount that I could use to clamp a wire to use as a ground, is that where we're going if the shield to Jeep reading is too high?

thanks for your help, it's really appreciated.

I never trust those built-in SWR meters wound up chasing too many ghosts. You can probably pick up a decent one on eBay. I am curious but can you snap a pic of the bottom of the mag mount? Personally I stay away from mag mounts. I either go with a gutter/lip mount, or break out the drill. Once you go below 30mHz a perfect ground is essential.

Quote:

Originally Posted by UsmclovesXJ

Running dual 102in whips worth it or no?

No. The reason being you have to have at minimum a 1/4 wavelength (about 9ft) of free space between the two elements. On top of that you should have an L Network feed system to properly phase the antennas. Too much work for too little gain. Rule of thumb for antenna's is the more wire you put in the air the better you'll get out. With that said the guy with the 1/4 wave steel whip (108") is going to **** all over the guy with the 5/8 wave Firestick that's only 4ft tall provided they are using the same radio with the same output power. Physical size matters without going into RF theory.

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03-23-2012 | 07:06 PM

#138

Morat

CF Veteran

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 1,435

Likes: 67

From: North Riding of Yorkshire, UK

Year: 1997

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

Just saw this video review, looks like a nice set. My radio is the older version of this one which comes in a bigger box.
The set in the review is single DIN sized!

As for my install problems, I've got the jeep back from the shop now (dead short in the alternator, replaced) so I'm going to have another go

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05-22-2012 | 09:36 AM

#139

Morat

CF Veteran

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 1,435

Likes: 67

From: North Riding of Yorkshire, UK

Year: 1997

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

Found the problem... replaced the mag mount and coax with a cheaper version and I'm getting out just fine

That's as long as I use the 9ft whip and not the short springer which appears to be too short to tune in properly :/
So now I just need an antenna I can drive with (sirio? small Wilson?) and all's done. I've also solved the install location.... turns out that the strange disk shaped piece of metal on the side of the trans tunnel that performed no useful purpose is infact a super strong magnet. Strong enough to hold my CB in place. Result.

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