Need tips for a base setup.

[BobCB]

I'm trying to get into CB and I want to set up a base station. I have a Midland 1001z(not the best, but it will do for now). I know I need to buy an SWR meter and I'm going to order one soon.

My main problem is deciding what antenna to buy. There are so many options out there, I don't know which would actually work and which is a rip-off. I want to install the antenna in a way so that I can take it down when not in use, so I dont want one that would be huge and I would mount it at about 20ft. I am considering the Workman B100, or Patriot 12ft. Does anyone have opinions of these antennas or others that would be small and still give decent performance? We live on a hill, so I wouldn't have to mount it more than 15-20ft to clear most obstructions.

And the A99, or Imax 2000 are out of the question because they're too long.

[Bombero]

What exactly are you going to mount it to, to get it 20ft up?

[BobCB]

Well, I don't want to have a huge mast, so 20ft was just a guess. 10-15ft is about the highest I'll probably go. Would it work to put a wood post in the ground and mount the antenna on the end of that? Or should I mount the antenna on the house?

[BobCB]

10-15ft is with the antenna, not just what I'm mounting it on.

[shakuna]

hmm maybe the workman b-100 would do good for you then. not sure how good it is, but i did read upon it and it said it was just as good as a a99. since you are looking for a way to take down and back up again when needed. or perhaps someone has a better idea on the matter at hand. i was alos thinking of buying a b100 myself to see how it would do for me. i wish you good luck on this and take care.

shakuna klm 2741 on your side.

[BobCB]

I searched this site and saw a few good comments on the B100 as opposed to the Patriot 12 which seems to have a lot of issues. The B100 would be worth a try considering its price.

[Sheriff Bart]

kinda have me confused just a little. I understand you saying the Imax 2000 is long and after all it is a .64 antenna but the A-99 is a 1/2 wave and considerably shorter. when you described your situation I was thinking a Starduster would be a good match for you.


73's

['Doc]

If 15 feet it the total you can go with antenna ans support, why not just ground mount an 'A99' or an Imax? Will they work that way? Yes, not as well as if either were higher, but they certainly will work.
- 'Doc

[Tinman590]

If 15 feet it the total you can go with antenna ans support, why not just ground mount an 'A99' or an Imax? Will they work that way? Yes, not as well as if either were higher, but they certainly will work.
- 'Doc

That is exactly what i was thinking to do. concrete a 4x4 in the ground, mount a 2inch pipe on it about 2 feet long and then mount the a99 on a 3 foot 1.25 pipe. then you can just slide the antenna down the 2 inch pipe and pull it out when not i use. just 2 cents here

['Doc]

I wouldn't bother with that '4 x 4', just isn't needed. I would suggest laying some ground radials in the dirt and connecting to that pipe. How many radials and how long? As many as you can do before getting totally fed up with the whole thing, and as long as possible. They should be 'deep' enough so that you don't wind them up in your lawn mower when cutting grass. Doesn't matter if they are insulated or not. Use whatever wire you got the most of. A 1/2 mile sounds like a nice round number. If you EVER get that much in the ground, would you consider coming over and doing mine too?? >
- 'Doc

[BobCB]

If 15 feet it the total you can go with antenna ans support, why not just ground mount an 'A99' or an Imax? Will they work that way? Yes, not as well as if either were higher, but they certainly will work.
- 'Doc

That is exactly what i was thinking to do. concrete a 4x4 in the ground, mount a 2inch pipe on it about 2 feet long and then mount the a99 on a 3 foot 1.25 pipe. then you can just slide the antenna down the 2 inch pipe and pull it out when not i use. just 2 cents here

Wow, you read my mind. That is what kind of setup I had in mind for whatever antenna I get. I guess now I need to narrow my choices down.

Thanks to everyone for all the help so far.

[puddlejumper]

'Doc You should consider becoming a comedy writer.Come over and do mine YOUR killin me man!

[Tinman590]

I wouldn't bother with that '4 x 4', just isn't needed. I would suggest laying some ground radials in the dirt and connecting to that pipe. How many radials and how long? As many as you can do before getting totally fed up with the whole thing, and as long as possible. They should be 'deep' enough so that you don't wind them up in your lawn mower when cutting grass. Doesn't matter if they are insulated or not. Use whatever wire you got the most of. A 1/2 mile sounds like a nice round number. If you EVER get that much in the ground, would you consider coming over and doing mine too?? >
- 'Doc

Who wants to dig up there yard for that? anything is gonna be better than that workman b-100. So dont use the 4x4, just concrete the 2" pipe in the ground

['Doc]

puddlejumper,
?? I wasn't joking!
- 'Doc

['Doc]

Tinman590,
That 1/2 mile was more exaggeration than what I think would be 'best'. The part about providing a nice ground system is not a joke though. It would definitely help any antenna mounted over it. Can't say I would 'want' to do all that ground work, but it's really about the cheapest improvement you can make with any antenna. Like it or not.
- 'Doc

[Tinman590]

Does any electrical supply house sell wire by the mile?

[puddlejumper]

puddlejumper,
?? I wasn't joking!
- 'Doc

Yes I know. 'Doc it was the part aboat comming over and doing mine that got me

['Doc]

Tinman590,
Try your local hardware store. Electric fence wire, typically on 1/4 mile spools. Careful with it, that stuff kinks real easy.
- 'Doc

[Tinman590]

ok

[RC2002]

I'm trying to get into CB and I want to set up a base station. I have a Midland 1001z(not the best, but it will do for now). I know I need to buy an SWR meter and I'm going to order one soon.

My main problem is deciding what antenna to buy. There are so many options out there, I don't know which would actually work and which is a rip-off. I want to install the antenna in a way so that I can take it down when not in use, so I dont want one that would be huge and I would mount it at about 20ft. I am considering the Workman B100, or Patriot 12ft. Does anyone have opinions of these antennas or others that would be small and still give decent performance? We live on a hill, so I wouldn't have to mount it more than 15-20ft to clear most obstructions.

And the A99, or Imax 2000 are out of the question because they're too long.

Ok I just bought myself one of these Mini 11 meter Beams The thing Is tinny!!! and a Good price,
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[Sporty Mike]

Doc, i've only been on here less than a week, and you are like Papa Smurf!! You think like I do, that's good.