Community Forums

Switchflicke · 09-23-2019, 02:53 PM

The CB antenna on our coach works OK right now, with a good SWR, but the stranded wire inside the spring is getting real rusty as is the rest of the metal parts. I'd like to prepare to replace it when or before it fails without disturbing the weather seal and the mounting part attached to the coax.
Does anyone know the make and model of the antenna.
I'll try to attach a picture, but... Hey cool it worked!!

Stan

DeanM2 · 09-23-2019, 11:50 PM

There are several good on-line CB shops (Weare, Walcott Radio, Right Channel Radios). I would send them your picture and see what they say.

Note, all of my RV companions have moved to Ham Radios. They are so much nicer than CB radios.

winniman · 09-24-2019, 04:41 AM

We still use our CBs. We travel quite often with several or more rvs. Its nice to be able to chat as you go, or inform each other of a wanted stop. Transports all seem to mount dual antennas, one on each mirror facing backwards slightly. Sorry, but I cant help with finding the antenna. I bought a bigger one, but have it only hooked up temporary inside the rv.

richard5933 · 09-24-2019, 06:02 AM

The good news is that the portion above the pivot bolt can most likely be replaced without having to touch the cable or the base, assuming that the base and cable are in good condition. However, given the amount of corrosion & rust on the antenna it might be a good idea to replace the whole thing.

Not sure where you are located, but odds are there is a radio shop at a truck stop somewhere nearby. Replacing an antenna is easy stuff for them, even if they have to run a new coax.

If you want to try and replace just the upper section, unbolt it from the base and take it to a radio shop that serves truckers. Likely they will be able to identify it and get you a replacement.

All that said, if it's working with a low SWR you could just leave it in place and carry on. The rust is likely just superficial for now.

I agree with the previous post - CB is worthwhile having in an RV. For me, it's a safety issue to have it on while traveling so I can monitor for upcoming traffic or road condition issues. More than a few times it's allowed me to start slowing far ahead of a sudden road shut down or traffic situation, helping me avoid difficult situations. The CB airwaves may be silent much of the time, but where there is a problem on the road things suddenly get much more active.

Switchflicke · 09-24-2019, 07:55 AM

Thanks everyone for your posts. After I took the picture and posted it, I went back on the roof and was able to remove the antenna with only one large screw. What remained was a stub of antenna with the factory seal and of course the coax and stuff. I was able to separate the rusty spring from the bottom part of the antenna and from the black capsule with the tuning rings. Maybe I'll find a correct size spring somewhere.
I like having the CB on for the very same reasons that Richard does. One time an oversize load lead truck saw and called me and made a very strong suggestion that I pull over on the paved shoulder. Kept my heart rate in the green band!!

Stan

richard5933 · 09-24-2019, 08:13 AM

Looks like you might need one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/Firestik-SS-3...50734888&psc=1

Switchflicke · 09-25-2019, 07:42 AM

I think that might do the trick. Mine is just a tickle under two inches, so if I can't find the correct size, I'll just need to trim the antenna to get the SWR back under control.
Stan

FIRE UP · 09-27-2019, 10:14 PM

Well,
For years I was just a C/B man. Then, I took the test for HAM and, well, it was a fairly easy test. So, from then on, I've messed with HAM radios off and on for a few years. I recently installed a new Kenwood TM281 in the motorhome and, it's about a foot away from the Uniden PC78 LCW. Both radios have a purpose. I also have recently done the same to our Jeep. We now have HAM radios and C/Bs in two vehicles. So, if and when, the wife and I are traveling separate, which is phenomenally RARE, we can communicate on which ever one we choose.

Or, I can talk with other HAMs in either vehicle or, use the C/B if the application applies. It's just nice having the options.
Scott

Switchflicke · 09-28-2019, 08:15 AM

The reason I'm looking at maintaining the CB antenna is because I just replaced the stock radio with a Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB. I ordered a spring online, and because it's an inch longer than the old one, I guess I'll need to trim the 24" whip.
I'm also looking at HAM. From the sample test questions I downloaded here in Canada, it looks overwhelming. I have a couple of HAM friends whom I will quiz as soon as I get to see them. I think a 2 meter set in the Motorhome would be sweet.

Scott, thanks for your reply

Stan

FIRE UP · 09-28-2019, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Switchflicke

The reason I'm looking at maintaining the CB antenna is because I just replaced the stock radio with a Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB. I ordered a spring online, and because it's an inch longer than the old one, I guess I'll need to trim the 24" whip.
I'm also looking at HAM. From the sample test questions I downloaded here in Canada, it looks overwhelming. I have a couple of HAM friends whom I will quiz as soon as I get to see them. I think a 2 meter set in the Motorhome would be sweet.

Scott, thanks for your reply

Stan

Stan,
You're quite welcome. I have to tell ya, every single person I've met that has to do with HAM, whether on the air or, at a meeting or, where ever, have been great people. Most are quite willing to assist in helping a person get ready for the Technician test. There's all kinds of ways to prep for the test. There's even a couple of apps you can put on your phone, (if you're ok with that) that, when you've got a few minutes here or there, you pop your phone on and go to the app and, you can either learn about concepts or, just start taking prep question tests.
There's on-line stuff, libraries, and a whole lot more for prepping for that test. You'll have fun once you get your license. I know I do.
Scott

Ray,IN · 09-29-2019, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Switchflicke

Thanks everyone for your posts. After I took the picture and posted it, I went back on the roof and was able to remove the antenna with only one large screw. What remained was a stub of antenna with the factory seal and of course the coax and stuff. I was able to separate the rusty spring from the bottom part of the antenna and from the black capsule with the tuning rings. Maybe I'll find a correct size spring somewhere.
I like having the CB on for the very same reasons that Richard does. One time an oversize load lead truck saw and called me and made a very strong suggestion that I pull over on the paved shoulder. Kept my heart rate in the green band!!

Stan

The OEM Winnebago CB antenna has a knurled SWR tuning ring just above the roof-line, mine was covered with sealant at the factory. I think they are still available from W. Once I dug that away and applied some PB Blaster to remove rust and excess sealant, it turned-with persuasion. I also have a 4' Firestix non-ground-plane sitting in the corner of the slide-room just behind the driver seat; I simply switch the coax to which antenna I want to use at the time. SWR on both is 2.