| Author |
Message |
    
Jameslarson
Junior Member
Username: Jameslarson
Post Number: 11
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 8:48 pm: | 
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Hi all. I would never even think about going to Radio Shack for anything for the most part, but they seem to be the only ones that have a 102" steel whip (About $20). I'm thinking that even they can't screw that up. Also, what I want to do is mount it dead center on my van. It will be mounted to a spring (that I already have) which in turn will be mounted to a quick "twist and release" mount (Which I have as well. Will adding the spring and quick release affect my SWR? If so, I am asssuming I would need to trim the whip correct? O yeah, about how much power can mini 8 handle? Thanks. |
1861
Intermediate Member
Username: 1861
Post Number: 478
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 9:09 pm: |
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THEY WILL AFFECT SWR , PROBABLY FOR THE GOOD . I RAN SS 102,S FOR YEARS AND ALWAYS HAD TO ADD AROUND 6 TO 8 INCHES TO GET SWR IN . I NEVER HAD TO SHORTEN ONE . |
Kid_vicious
Senior Member
Username: Kid_vicious
Post Number: 1410
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 11:21 pm: |
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james,
you are on the right track.
if you have a rad shak near you that still has a 102" whip in stock, GRAB IT AND RUN!!! buy two if they have them.
they are going the way of the do do bird, and are really hard to find nowadays. most rad shaks have sent them back to the factory and wont be getting anymore in. EVER!!!
they are very good antennas, even if they are from rad shak.
as for the spring: you have to use the right one.
there are two types that are commonly seen. one is a regular looking spring that has a uniform diameter. that is NOT THE RIGHT ONE.
it is for other smaller whips and wond be good enough for the 102" whip. (while you are driving, your antenna will bend over so far, it will raise the SWR)
you need the kind with the big bulge in the center of it.
it looks like the other kind with a big beer belly.
the 102" whip is designed to work with this spring.
it is NOT designed to be used without it, or with any other spring. you will not have to cut the whip or add anything to it if the install is done right. (good grounding=bare metal)
as for the quick disconnect; can you direct us to a picture of it? maybe someone is selling something like it. if it is considered, "heavy duty", and it is a good brand, then it should be fine. you really dont need one, as the threads in the antenna will unscrew in a matter of seconds.
i would rather not have one inline if i didnt have to.
if all goes well you will have an SWR of 1.5 to 1 on all 40 channels. (this is typical with a 102" whip and is an excellent match)
the 102" whip can handle as much power as you can feed it, until the plastic on the mount starts to melt. (well over 1KW)
the RG8mini should be able to handle 1KW, and probably more.
if i were running 1kw in my mobile, i would use RG213 or RG8 though. just for safety.
the rule of thumb when installing a 102" whip is:
if the SWR is over 1.5, DONT CUT THE WHIP.
LOOK FOR GROUNDING PROBLEMS.
they really are fool proof when installed correctly.
good luck,
matt |
Jameslarson
Junior Member
Username: Jameslarson
Post Number: 12
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 10:07 am: |
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Hi. OK Here is a link to the a picture I found of the spring mount which is also integrated to a fold down mount.
http://www.walcottcb.com/images/dv90s.jpg
The above picture will then be in turn screwed into a standard quik release (Like Firestick makes). Does all this sound good for a 102" whip? I suppose I can switch this spring with a regular "pot belly" spring and still keep the fold down part. |
Hotwire
Senior Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 1155
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 1:51 pm: |
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I have many radio shack 102 inch ss whips. They are good! The spring is a plus for the whip. The good springs have a braided flat cable in the center that is for keeping swr in check. Personally I would avoid a quick release. I like to call them "quickly stolen release adapter". Take a look at the ball mount. You can swivel the antenna down in almost any direction with one. You can even bend a ss whip over if you have to. Also personally I would never ever trim a 102 inch whip never ever ever never!!! It can cause even BIGGER problems with swr. Oh and I have heard of mini 8 handling 2KW. I would not go over 1 Kw and I like to keep it to about 500watts max just because well thats me. 1000 watts should be no problem at all though. Ahh the install! The mostest funestes activity in thr whole radio world! Good luck and 73
P.S. One more thing and this is the only rule and biggest advice I can give anyone.
TAKE YOUR TIME!!!!!!!! |
Kid_vicious
Senior Member
Username: Kid_vicious
Post Number: 1417
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 - 10:04 pm: |
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i agree with hotiwre, the quick release is going to be a pain to deal with everytime you get out of the vehicle.
and forget just once, and its all to easy to steal.
the good thing these days for us CB heads, is that pawn shops wont take Cb's anymore, so stealing them is not profitable.
you should go with the swivel ball mount and the fat spring.
with one turn of a wrench, you can lower the antenna 90*, or just as easily bend the antenna down, and make some sort of clip that holds it in place
just a piece of plastic with a slot in one end.
with the swivel ball mount, the right spring, good coax, and a nice neat install, you will be VERY happy.
especially with that big ol' van for a groundplane.
matt |
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