Cobra 75 and Antenna Question

[TRDteen]

Got my mind set on the Cobra 75WXST CB radio. It's inexpensive, does what i want to do (and nothing more), and fits right in the ashtray. Narrowed the install down to two options.
1. Add-A-Fuse
2. Straight to the battery.

Most likely going to do add a fuse, because of how much more safe it is compared to a direct battery connection. If anybody has tips on an install for me thanks in advance. I know I'm going to tune it BEFORE I put it in. (CoB's SWR

One question I have about the antenna. Looking into getting a Firestik, but dont know the length. Alot of people are getting the 4' but what is the dofference. I'm guessing better reception and signal with a longer anetenna? Also, i have the T4R mount, should i get a spring for the antenna?

 

[agloukhoff]

3rd option.

Splice into power to cig lighter.

Technically you may induce more electrical noise into the sytem, but really with modern electronics electrical noise isn't much of an issue.

And yeah, longer antenna = better recpetion. You could have a short antenna high up or a long one down low produce same reception and output.

 

[theizzardking]

i went with the 5 foot just to get above the roof line a bit more, they are all tuned the same so it's really about just getting the signal out, post up some pics of your install, mine arrived yesterday and will be installing it this time next week.

 

[rideexileex]

Depending on the type of wheeling you do (if trees will hit it or not), frequency of use, etc, I would look into getting the Wilson Lil Will. That is one of the best performing antennas I've seen in the field... That setup, on the roof, blows away any of the hood/rear mount firestiks I've used/experienced.

On my 75, I've had it wired straight to the battery and still had bad noise interference. I've since added a noise filter inline with the power lead. Grounding/Ground loops are key.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Always fuse your connections.

I wired mine to the radio harness power. Comes on with the radio.

SWR tuning happens after everythings installed and in it's final position.

Yes, buy a spring if you plan on wheeling with that antenna, a disconnect is handy if you want to take it off. Any modifications to the length of the antenna (wire from CB all the way to the tip of the antenna) will require retuning.

Firestik 2 4" antennas are sturdy and well made. We'll have to talk later when I come by tonight, there's some more information regarding ground plane and several other CB facts to learn about. Basically the antenna is using the roof of the truck as ground and I'll have to show you how to maximize your signal.

 

[theizzardking]

Always fuse your connections.

I wired mine to the radio harness power. Comes on with the radio.

SWR tuning happens after everythings installed and in it's final position.

Yes, buy a spring if you plan on wheeling with that antenna, a disconnect is handy if you want to take it off. Any modifications to the length of the antenna (wire from CB all the way to the tip of the antenna) will require retuning.

Firestik 2 4" antennas are sturdy and well made. We'll have to talk later when I come by tonight, there's some more information regarding ground plane and several other CB facts to learn about. Basically the antenna is using the roof of the truck as ground and I'll have to show you how to maximize your signal.

hey stupid question what size nut did you use on the quick disconnect? i can't find anything standard on my shelves, threw a mic on it and came up with m10x1.25 ...that can't be right....also i'm pissed i paid for the connect and it didn't come with a underside nut and washer....i'd be willing to have paid the extra .50 cents to not deal with sourcing this crap....

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

The Firestik K1A disconnect I ordered screws in right where the antenna usually screws in, then screw on the antenna.

The rest of my setup was a cheap CB antenna kit from radioshack that came with the nylon washer and lock washer, etc..

Which disconnect did you get?

 

[downpour11]

I just picked up a midland 1001LWX and a Firestik 4' Firefly FL4. Where are you guys grounding the CB and antenna/where's the best spot? I'm still waiting on the spring, quick disconnect, and ODL mount but would like a good idea of the best ground spots. Can't seem to find any info on ground spots with searching.

 

[02running]

i have a 6 foot i believe and i use a heavy duty spring on it with the t4r mount. i would say yes to a spring bc while your wheeling you want the antenna to be able to flexible so it doesn't break.



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[TRDteen]

Alright, here is the antenna i am going to get: Amazon.com: 4' FIRESTIK ORIGINAL 5/8 WAVE RED: Car Electronics
And the spring:Amazon.com: Firestik SS-3H Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Antenna Spring: Car Electronics
All lookd good and compatable with the cobra 75?

 

[TRDteen]

Or there is this one :Firestik FS-4RD 4' Firestik(R) II FS Series Tunable Tip CB Antenna - 900 Watts Red (1 Each) : Amazon.com : Automotive

 

[rideexileex]

Get the tuneable tip one - the original one you literally trim off the end to adjust the SWR