It enables you to tune the input to the antenna so that you can obtain the ideal SWR over a wide range of frequencies. This CB antenna has a fiberglass core for a good balance of flexibility and strength. When choosing the best CB antenna for your vehicle, there are many factors to consider such as mount, antenna materials, and more. Short antennas like the Workman B-100, for instance, require lengthy coax cables. Claiming to be Weather Channel ready, theWilson 305-550 is one of the most durable center-load CB antennas on the market and the strongest in our roundup. It is typically used to transmit and receive signals from a CB radio base station, which is a permanent installation typically located at a fixed location such as a home or business. Field tunable to over from 26-33 Mhz in 1 of 9 settings. Here, you will find a variety of base station antenna options to choose from: Indoor and/or Outdoor Base Station Antennas, Omnidirectional Base Station Antennas, VHF Base Station Antennas, Yagi Antennas, Discone Antennas, and More! Or latest Free phones here. Solarcon A-99 is the highest gain fiberglass antenna on the market. Ring-style coax ends are another popular way to connect the CB coax to the mount. The Maco V 5/8 antenna will come packaged in a 74.5 long cardboard box along with some packing peanuts. Our product review team has rounded up some of the top CB antennas on the market. If you want an antenna that you can carry with you to the campsite, condo, RV, etc., then you should also consider the portability of the new antenna you plan to buy. They can be mounted nearly anywhere on a vehicle. Add this to the high power handling capacity of 2000 Watts, and you get a really dependable antenna for your CB communication needs. This is because the antenna is ideal for both 10m and 11m amateur use. Amazon Review Score: 4.6 out of 5 based on over 100 ratings. 6 Best CB Home Base Antennas Reviewed Sirio 827 5/8 Wave - Best Selling The Sirio 827 is one of the most respected antennas and comes into its own for build quality. Though the antenna comes pre-tuned, you'll still be able to tune it to get a desirable SWR reading. Yes, many truck drivers use two CB antennas simultaneously to increase their signal range up and down the road. Solarcon IMAX2000 Description Do you want the absolute best performing omni-direction CB base station antenna available? The Firestik Indoor CB Base Antenna is perfect for the CB enthusiast who wants a base CB antenna but is unable to install an outdoor antenna. But you should make sure you mount it as high as possible. The antenna is also easy to assemble since it comes in three sections which dont require a lot of effort to fix. They are typically larger than mobile CB antennas and are optimized for longer-range communications. This is evident from the antenna's aluminum alloy construction. The antennas are manufactured here in the USA. The antenna is a full size 5/8 wave, 10/12meer vertical antenna type, which was popular back in the 70s. Can be used for export, commerical and 10 meter ham. To properly tune your antenna, you'll need to use an SWR meter connected between the antenna feedline and the transmitter. Our top pick? Can I use a mobile CB antenna for my base station CB radio? This gives it a truly solid feel that enables it to withstand the harsh weather conditions and last for a really long time. And the FireStik FG2648-B has a no tools required tunable tip that allows owners to manually adjust for required frequencies. vehicles due to their durability. When you finally assemble this antenna, it goes high up in the air-as high as 18 feet-to ensure it captures better signals. The receiver also converts outbound electrical signals from the CB radios transmitter and broadcasts them out through the antenna as radio waves to hopefully reach another CB radio. 2. Choose an omnidirectional antenna if you want to communicate with stations in all directions, or a directional antenna if you want to maximize the range in a specific direction. It might not be as powerful as the Solarcon antennas, but for CB radios, the Saturn B100 is more than enough. Youre conversant with CBs and wanted to dive further into the amazing world of CBs, You finally realized that the stock antenna that your CB radio came with isnt the best, Superior performance and it works great with many SWR meters, It can withstand relatively intense winds, Coating of the antenna susceptible to UV photodegradation, The top section is not so strong against extreme winds, Place the IMAX-2000 as high as you can wherever youll be installing it for the best performance, Consider getting the radial kit. Now since every antenna install is different and so many factors are at play this result could differ for someone else doing the same test, but I think generally speaking most people will find the Maco will very slightly outperform the Imax 2000 for receive by around S unit. Other than that, it has a 5.1dBI gain and can support a broad bandwidth. They typically range in length from 2.0 to 5.0 in. f you came looking for the best CB base station antenna, then one of these two things is probably be true: Whichever the case, one fact remains true. There is also a difference between a standard antenna versus a NGP (No Ground Plane) antenna! I did one last check and tightened all my fittings, connected my Davis RF Bury Flex coax and mounted the antenna on some temporary masting in the back yard. Being an indoor/outdoor antenna, you can install it just anywhere, inside or outside your apartment, condo, house, attic, garage, and more. This is because they emulate a perfect CB wavelength. Similarly, the A-99CK also ships in 3 pieces as well. This is your go-to choice if you want something you can install indoors. The last spot on our list goes to another highly popular CB base antenna designed by FireStik. Links in this article may result in us earning a commission but do not impact our advice or recommendations. For my antenna I found that I only needed minor adjustments for SWR and the most noticeable changes in tuning were done by changing the location of the conductor wire on the ring. The longer it is (or, the higher it goes), the better the range you'll get. Learn More, Reviewed By: Charles Noyes. If you've got money to spend, this high-end Hy-Gain SPT-500 antenna is an excellent choice for your base station CB. Assembling this dipole antenna is a snap! 3' Length: 2 to 4 miles. This way, you can start using the antenna right out of the box. Generally speaking the most popular base antennas in the CB world are the vertical omni-directional antennas. When completely set up, this antenna measures just over 5-feet tall and outperforms most outdoor antennas. It can also be used on cars and trucks, but the FireStik FG2648-Bs advanced no-ground plane design makes it ideal for non-metal surfaces that dont require grounding. Base Station Antennas: Base stations are a great way to stay connected, especially during an emergency. 5 Best CB Antennas. Height to the bottom of the antenna was around 30 and with the 20 length of the antenna the tip was around 50. The final step in this assembly is attaching the wire from the center of the coax connector to the ring using a small P clamp. It can deliver a bandwidth of 1400KHz at S.W.R 2:1 while at the resonant frequency, it is capable of an SWR of 1.2:1. And then turning it (the antenna) until you obtain acceptable SWR. The highly-rated antennas for CB base stations we have outlined in this guide will help you boost your transmission range and enjoy super-clear signals when talking to other CB users. Our antennas feature high performance, great range, and unbeatable durability. This is a crucial factor keeping in mind that CB base station antennas are mainly intended for outdoor use, where they get exposed to all types of weather elements. Microphone Wiring Color Code The All Inclusive Guide! And it doesn't need a ground plane to function. Key Features. We recommend checking out the Hustler IC-56 if youre looking for a true wave CB antenna that doesnt require much work other than installing it. With an exceptional height of 22feet, 9.5 inches, there's no denying that this antenna will stand up high in your house and defy any topography that might have been interfering with the reception of your previous antennas. Choosing the best CB antenna will depend on your vehicle and transmission needs. Everyone want to now what the best CB antenna is. Do not believe any guarantees you read online, as most reputable manufacturers will know this and will not specify a guaranteed range. Included in the package is an 18ft. Just like its sibling above, this Italy-made antenna dictates quality and performance at a reasonable cost. The best CB base antennas are much taller fiberglass or aluminum antennas (12-18 feet), and they are used for base stations in fixed locations rather than mobile CB operations. They are usually around 8.0 or 9.0 ft. in length and are relatively inexpensive but require a. : These are designed for RVs, boats, or any vehicle that doesnt have a metal chassis. Don't forget that this antenna comes fully waterproofed so that you don't need to keep taking it away in inclement weather. and have a range anywhere between 2.0 to 7.0 miles. Some customers complain that they received high SWR readings from their antenna and could not get a consistent reading between 1-1:5. 5' Length: 5 to 7 miles. Whereas you can assemble the Solarcon A-99s pieces to create an antenna that extends for 17.5, the Solarcon A-99CK is a few inches short and comes in at 17 feet. Another good reason to get this antenna is that it has a considerable length of 8 feet. I have another piece of 6 foot plumbing pipe that Ive pounded into the ground about 3 and I slide the 6 top rail fence tubing over this. Note that this antenna doesn't require grounding (uses coax cable as its ground), further enhancing its portability aspect. Can I use a mobile CB antenna for a base station? Some negative reviews claim SWR readings are negatively affected after driving for extended periods of time, blaming wind force knocking the antenna out of tune. William Sanders was born and raised in California. Considering that ham radios are also limited to 1500W, the Solarcon A-99CK would also double as a ham radio operators ideal antenna. I have my other two antennas (Imax 2000 and homemade ground plane) on an antenna switch so I added the Maco V 5/8 to the three way switch to compare the static noise. The compact design is beneficial in that it allows you to use it virtually anywhere, on apartment balconies, in the attic, and any other area where a large antenna will not work. A set of instructions is also included to guide you through the installation process. In addition, the A-99CK comes with the Solarcon Twin Ring Adjust-a-Match tuning. However, your primary focus whenever selecting a CB base antenna should be the purpose you intend to use it for. Additionally, you can use this antenna for FM, USB, and LSB radios. Once youve completed sliding most of your tubing pieces together youre ready to tackle the ring system. . You'll get this antenna with full instructions on the different ways of mounting it. A versatile top-loaded CB antenna kit, theFireStik FG2648-B has a stainless steel mount that allows for multiple installation locations. Base station antenna ranges are VERY difficult to estimate because they typically range from 15 to 50 . Stryker Radios CB Antennas. CB Base Station Antenna Comparison Table Workman Saturn B100 Requires 18ft or More Lenght of Optional Coaxial Cable with Regular PL-259 Connector. Both sections are 6 feet long and they are top rails that fit together. If yes, you have come to the right place. Check Solarcon A-99 on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oxt3x1Not sure if the Solarcon A-99 is the right CB antenna for you?In this video, we review Solarcon A-99 and discuss all its key features with all the Pros and Cons.If you want to see how it compares to other top CB antennas check another video where we review the top 5 CB antennas or check the detailed review of the 7 best CB antennas on our website here:https://youtu.be/ExZUTmuepbEhttps://www.whollyoutdoor.com/best-cb-antenna/Disclaimer:Wholly Outdoor is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com . Getting the best performance from your CB radio depends heavily on the type and quality of antenna you use. The CB base station antenna stands about 10ft. : This mount format is good for mobility and usually fairly affordable. This is the best omni-directional antenna in base station CB performance. Check the following video on how to correctly tune your CB base station radio. These antennas also have different power requirements, so using the wrong one can damage your CB radio. These antennas are designed to fit on vehicles and are not capable of reaching the same ranges and frequencies that a base station CB antenna can. If you click any of the above links and buy a product on Amazon we might get a commission. So, we recommend you to use an antenna specially designed for base station CBs. While the chances of this happening are probably very slim, its just something to note. These antennas are generally 4.0 to 5.0 in. On the same note, it would also be a good idea to consider whether you want a dual antenna setup or the conventional setup. For technical support call the manufacturer at 866-622-7979 typically have lower wattage ratings due to using a thinner coil wire. The effect of length on the performance ere is the same as that of your truck CB antenna. A true wavelength CB antenna is frequently cited as having one of the best ranges, yet its 8.5-foot size makes it very impractical. The antenna boasts of a maximum power handling capacity of 2400 Watts. Choosing the. Other than that, since it is fully weatherproof, you wont need to retract the antenna because of poor weather conditions. The higher you out your antenna, the higher its performance becomes. Although it doesnt come with a mount or coax cable, the manufacturer recommends installing the IC-56 with a barrel spring for the most secure fit and best resilience. Here's another quality dipole antenna you can order for your CB base station today. If you need a mid-range CB base antenna that is not overkill and is well-balanced, then perhaps the Sirio m400 might be the antenna for you. Evidently, theres more to CB base antennas than most people think. Where is the best place to put a CB antenna? Requires 18ft or More Lenght of Optional Coaxial Cable with Regular PL-259 Connector. More radials will improve transmission efficiency, Short and requires lengthy coax for best results, Good quality and minimal background noise. The antenna captures incoming radio waves which are then converted by the CB radios receiver. To overcome this issue I usually pull out two pieces of fence tubing I keep around. You'd also want to ensure the antenna comes with quality mounting brackets and other installation accessories for hassle-free installation. In fact, you will hardly need a lightning arrestor. Before you purchase a CB antenna for your vehicle, its important to consider all of your options. antennas are more expensive and prone to damage. A flexible CB antenna with an easy adjustment process. 9 Best CB Base Station Antennas On The Market You have probably done your research on CB radio units and learned that they are offered with a maximum output of 4 watts (as per regulations). A citizens band, or CB, radio antenna is used in conjunction with a CB radio to transmit and receive radio frequencies. Take note that you can utilize a mobile CB radio as your base station radio, however, you will likely need a power supply to power the radio since they typically do not come with a power cord . The Maco V 5/8 is an omni-directional vertical ground plane antenna made of aircraft alloy 6063-T5 aluminum tubing with .050 wall thickness. CB base antennas can naturally handle all sorts of harsh conditions. This is a high-performance antenna with a gamma match system. tall-while powering up your CB for better performance. As such, picking an antenna that has durable components is a sure way to prevent yourself from spending another +$50 on a CB base antenna. For receive comparisons I decided to test the Imax 2000 and Maco V 5/8 and see if there was any discernable difference in signal strength on receive. It does take at least an hour for most people to put the antennas together, and initially getting the antenna into position for testing can be a bit tricky without damaging the long ground plane radials. The design of the whip is also worth talking about. Put the ground rod into the soil and ensure its head sits about 5-6 inches above the ground. We found that the reception on the CB radio is great on all 40 channels, and this must mean Sirio packed in just enough power to make the radio perfect for CB owners who are just starting out. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out ourmethodology page here. Our team then combed through dozens of resources such as DIY mechanic and auto enthusiast forums, manufacturer and CB-specific websites, instruction manuals from manufacturers, and reviews from online retailers. Additionally, since it extends over 17 feet, you wont be needing lengthy coax cables as was the case with the Workman B-100. At only 3.0 ft. tall, it is the shortest CB antenna in our roundup. Some radios also feature a built-in SWR meter, which you can use for the tuning process. Next I got a chance to talk some DX with the Maco V 5/8, and while DX conditions arent the best measure of an antenna since the level of skip can vary from day to day, I was able to see how well I was able to make contacts in different areas of the country and how well my station was able to compete with all the other stations trying to make contacts. Its 8.5-ft. height picks up to 30.0-MHz frequency wavelengths and is rated to handle up to 500.0 watts of power. For radio to fit this description, it should be high-performance oriented. One thing that some negative reviews highlight is the extreme length can be unsafe for other vehicles on highways, so reviewers had to tie down their antennas for high-speed travel. Get the most out of your CB radio with Stryker Radios CB radio antennas! And because of its size and materials, the IC-56 requires little tuning to locate and maintain its appropriate frequencies. It comes with a lightweight and portable design-weighing a pound only, and measuring 3ft. If you are looking for a antenna to stand up to the elements this option handles heavy wind and intense weather easily. The one weak point in the antenna might be the ring tuning section. Some radio operators may find a non-ground plane antenna easier to assemble and mount, but with 1,000s of these antennas sold and being using I think most people have no issues putting them together. This is the ideal length of antenna if you live in an area with mountains, trees, and other obstructions that are likely to hinder your antenna performance. We looked at factors such as standout customer reviews, prices, meaningful superlatives, and discount shipping eligibility. How to Remove Bad Smell from Clothes Without Washing? Ring Style Connections. Can A Car Be Registered And Insured In Different States? You'll also get four 30-inch radials for the ground that work quite well. Here are the top 7 CB base station antennas you can buy in 2023 and beyond: Solarcon IMAX-2000- Our Top Pick+Lightweight CB Base Station Antenna Solarcon A-99- Best Versatile CB Base Station Antenna Tram Amateur Dual Band- Recommended Base Antenna for Newbies Tram 1411- Best Budget Base CB Antenna Sirio SD-FM- Best Dipole Antenna This ensures that it doesn't lose its shape or bend when it counters various punishments. Adding the right antenna can improve the performance of your CB radio by increasing its range and clarity of signal. Any magnet mount mobile antenna is only as good as the ground plane underneath it. With a power handling capacity of 500 Watts, this antenna can handle any CB or SSB transmission. If youre putting up your first base antenna, or youve decided to upgrade from a shorter antenna such as the A99, you wont be disappointed with the Maco V 5/8. The more power the antenna uses, the clearer the signals it gives you. These comparisons are quite subjective and involve a lot of antenna theory so for this review weve decided to focus on the install, tuning, specifications, and general performance of this antenna without getting involved in the heated debate over which antenna is best. Are you on a tight budget and still want to get a great base station antenna? Although they perform better than most. I then attach the antenna to the other 6 foot section and connect the two sections together. This ring is connected to the main base section of the antenna with a bolt. Buy Now Solarcon IMAX-2000 However, getting the best CB base antenna also comes with its own set of challenges. The mast will slide into the bottom tubing of the antenna and is secured with a metal ring/bolt. In addition, this low-profile CB base antenna is not as tall as many of the other antennas since it only measures 39 and would require you to have a PL-259 compatible coax cable that is approximately 18 feet long. And you cannot do anything about the power, but you can do something about the effective range. As you can see from the picture the top part of the ring is attached to a metal bar that angles down at about a 45 degree angle and is attached to the antenna with a clamp. It can handle a maximum of 500W PEP, and it operates on a frequency range of 26-39MHz which is equally ideal for 11-meter radios. long with a range anywhere from 7.0 to 10.0 miles. The low-profile antenna stands 39 inches high from the base mount. This base antenna can be set up inside a home or apartment, or on a job site. If youll be picking the CB base antenna for use in your vehicle, you should know that there are specific areas where you can get stronger signals. CB base antennas are slightly different from your conventional CB antennas in that one of their main goals is to offer extreme performance. Because there are so many factors that can affect radio transmission range, it is almost impossible to guarantee any kind of maximum range for antennas. Reviewers claim theyre able to pick up frequencies other antennas arent able to locate, and that their CB antennas have great range. Because of its tall height, the IC-56 antenna is susceptible to low bridges, parking decks, and tree branches, just to name a few obstacles. Long considered one of the best CB antennas on the market, the SR-A10 CB antenna is available both as a trucker version and as a magnetized CB antenna mount. Due to its 0.38-24 threaded base, the IC-56 can only be installed with size-compatible mounts.