CB / Ham radio antenna question

[MadeInMaine]

I tried googling this, but didn't find any concrete answer.

Is there any way to have 1 antenna for both CB and Ham radio? Not sure if there is a product for that. Just have a "Y" attachment to go to each radio.

Cheers

 

[mountain mike]

I know that people have successfully used a CB antenna to run their HAM. I am not sure about running both off the same antenna. Seems like there would be interference if both radios were on but I honestly don't know. I guess I'm not much help...

 

[USKTog]

I tried googling this, but didn't find any concrete answer.

Is there any way to have 1 antenna for both CB and Ham radio? Not sure if there is a product for that. Just have a "Y" attachment to go to each radio.

Cheers

To my knowledge, there are no antennas available to support 2m/70cm (technician class HAM radio) and the 11m CB frequency band.

You might call the folks at HRO (Ham Radio Outlet)

 

[mountain mike]

This guy has apparently had success with running a CB antenna.

Using CB Antennas on the Ham Bands! A New Ebook by KL7JR

 

[MadeInMaine]

I don't think I would be running both at the same time. It would be just for one antenna on roof, one cable run, etc. Then switch the connect at the receiver when in use.

Thanks fellas.

 

[USKTog]

I don't think I would be running both at the same time. It would be just for one antenna on roof, one cable run, etc. Then switch the connect at the receiver when in use.

Thanks fellas.

Right; problem is that there aren't any antennas (that I have found) that work effectively for the HAM frequencies (2m & 70cm, typically) and for the CB frequencies (11m).

You could have 2 antennas with a switch between the radio & antennas for sure, but I don't think that is what you want to do (and I wanting just 1 antenna).

Realistically, if you do a lot of wheeling with a club, you might talk to the club and find out what they use primarily. From what I know here in Metro denver (which isn't much ), CB seems preferred since it doesn't require a license and the distance between vehicles is usually well within range supported.

If you do a lot of solo wheeling, I would suggest you go with a Dual-Band radio & antenna (I run a Anytone AT-5888UV with a Comet CA-2X4SR dual-band antenna) on my current vehicle and will probably transfer over to my 4R TEP, once I acquire, unless I decide to upgrade to a Yaseu FT-8900r quad-band).

 

[Jeff614]

Pretty sure the Wilson 5000 series is rated for use with HAM radios. If I'm right about that, and by all means please double check, you'll have one of the best antennas for your CB.

Either the mag mount model or the trunk mount variant would work best on a T4R. There's actually a thread where a member used the hole where the XM "shark fin" is to mount the trunk mount style and avoid drilling any holes in the roof.

The Wilson's are nice as the coil and antenna can be unscrewed from the mount and replaced with a weather proof cap so you don't have to worry about the super tall whip.

Best of luck! There's a few radio related forums out there who's members can probably answer all questions radio related.


- Jeff

 

[USKTog]

Pretty sure the Wilson 5000 series is rated for use with HAM radios. If I'm right about that, and by all means please double check, you'll have one of the best antennas for your CB.

Either the mag mount model or the trunk mount variant would work best on a T4R. There's actually a thread where a member used the hole where the XM "shark fin" is to mount the trunk mount style and avoid drilling any holes in the roof.

The Wilson's are nice as the coil and antenna can be unscrewed from the mount and replaced with a weather proof cap so you don't have to worry about the super tall whip.

Best of luck! There's a few radio related forums out there who's members can probably answer all questions radio related.


- Jeff

Per the Wilson Antenna website:

Frequency Range 26MHz to 30MHz for the Wilson 5000 (I thought about that antenna as well, but it does not handle the 2m/70cm frequencies)

 

[Jeff614]

Whoops, my apologies, thanks for confirming that USKTog.

Best of luck in your antenna hunt though!


- Jeff

 

[USKTog]

Whoops, my apologies, thanks for confirming that USKTog.

Best of luck in your antenna hunt though!


- Jeff

All good Jeff. Great thing about these forums is there are folks who want to help and the amount of knowledge, "gotcha avoidance," etc is awesome!

I am by NO means a HAM radio expert; have enough knowledge to get me by and my engineering background makes me slightly OCD (okay, okay, probably a lot more OCD than I'll admit)

 

[OffRoadGuy]

USKTog is correct - CB and Ham uses 2 different radio waves. Not really compatible. Suggest people to take ham radio license class. They'll teach you how it works and what works with your rig. Plus you'll be legal with a call sign.

 

[Jeff614]

All good Jeff. Great thing about these forums is there are folks who want to help and the amount of knowledge, "gotcha avoidance," etc is awesome!

I am by NO means a HAM radio expert; have enough knowledge to get me by and my engineering background makes me slightly OCD (okay, okay, probably a lot more OCD than I'll admit)

Well thanks again for checking into that and setting the record straight. Would hate to see the OP fry his HAM with the wrong antenna.

Also agree on forums, particularly this one, I've been active on a number do different ones in the past, usually associated with my present vehicle, and t4r.org has been the most helpful and friendly I've ever posted in.

Goodluck in your antenna search MadeinMaine, sounds like you'd be best off with a seperate antenna for each radio but maybe some HAM experienced folks will know of an alternative.

Goodluck!
- Jeff

 

[fourwd1]

There are multi-band amateur radio antennas that would do it, but they are very expensive. You'd be better off with separate antennas for your application.

As for all the references to various antennas that work on CB and ham bands, there are several that would work IF you were using the 10 meter ham band.

And remember, where and how you mount any antenna is an important factor.

 

[fourwd1]

Im also going to move this to the appropriate section.