6.5db antenna or 5db antenna for CB

Hi Birdy

In terms of range most important is that from the middle of your antenna you should be able to have an unobstructed view in all directions and that that point be as high as possible.

Hence unless you have a large roof rack etc, the best antenna is the cheapest , a quarter wave whip mounted in centre of roof at $13 each.

In also uses less cable to connect which means less losses and generally
less electrical interference from engine bay, and obstructs your view less.

If mounting on a bull bar make sure its a ground indepenant antenna.

P.S. I think you mean 5dbi not 5db etc

On the positive side from what I've seen the main benefit of those antenna types is that they make a good impromtu sand flag mount, in which case get the longest one.

Robin Miller

There is not much differance between 6.5 db and 5db regarding performance over hill or flat terain.

If you compaired a 5db or 6.5db to a 1/4 wave then you will notice abit of a differance due to the radiating patern.

There is no all rounder antenna that is going to do every thing good.

A 1/4 wave will work good on flat ground and a 5db or 6.5db will work OK in hilly stuff.

If there was a big differance we would all be changing antenna every 5 minute.

Go with the best antenna that suits you requirerment.

Just don't use one of those W$%^&R big white bull bar mount ones.

Remember its not the size but the design that works.

Regards Richard

Regards Richard

This may help with your decision, well I hope it helps.....

http://www.rfi.com.au/rfitechTips/tech_tips_dec_2005/tech_tips_page182_183.pdf

I use a GME 4702 antenna with my 3400. I think it's 4.5db and the longer options are 6db. It has a removable whip that can be changed for a stumpy one round town. Works fine as an alround solution.

Peter

Looking at either of these antennas at the momen t??

Option 1

RFI CD900 Rugged 6.5db Antenna ($90)

Ideal for 4WD, heavy transport, mining or industrial uses. Antenna is available in Black of Chrome. Choose your colour below.

Ultra flexible yet extremely robust 6.5db
Elevated feed and ground independant.
Australian Made and the best we have seen..
The whip section is wound from stainless steel
Antenna is injection moulded with polypropylene for rigidity .
This allows road vibrations to be transferred to the flexible tapered tip
Eliminating metal fatigue and whip breakages.
A heavy-duty antenna includes a heavy-duty spring.
4.5m of RG580 cable and connector
900mm total length inluding base and spring
12 Month Warranty

Option 2 ($109)

RFI CD5000 Rugged 5db Antenna

A rugged & extremely robust antenna which is ideally suited to 4WD bullbar mounting. With a 13mm stud mount and ground plane independant design, this antenna may be installed onto a number of mounting brackets such as mirror mounts, bull bar mounts, gutter mounts or fender mounts and are ideal for installations in commercial vehicles, four wheel drives and trucks. They can even be used as a base station antenna due to their ground plane independent design.

Black 860mm radiating element
Integral heavy duty electro-polished stainless steel spring
Ground independant deisgn
May be mounted on bullbars, gutter or fender mounts
Can even be used as a Base station antenna
Supplied with 4.5m RG cable
PL259 coaxial connector

Option 3 ($105)

3 & 6.5db Ground Independant 4WD Antenna Package
CD900 6.5 db Ground Independant Antenna (Full info and pic above)
3 & 6.5db Gain Whips Supplied
Elevated Feed
Heavy Duty Spring
Extremely Robust
4.5m Coaixal Cable and PL259 Connector
Measures 900mm in 6.5db mode (Total length including Spring)

I have a front bullbar mounted spring-based aerial of recognisable brand that with a gme220.

The aerial only protudes 1 foot higher than my 4x4 vans roof

a half-length roof rack is mounted towardrs the rear & tou-stacked just a little higher than the top of the aerial.....

should i
a) by a taller 5db aerial for the front. The aerial mount is heavy-duty
a) by a much taller 5db aerial for the front.
b) buy a twin rig aerial & mount the short second aerial on the roof-rack
c) point the vehicle in differant directions when trying to find a chat
d) dont worr if im stuck in a hole i really need a base station

AM is better in the hills. Not much difference with a 6.5 or 5db as both are line of sight.

Cheers

Check out the GME site.
This should answer your question:

www.gme.net.au/land/brochures.php

and choose Antennae

i have fitted both, keeping the shorter arieal for around town but when travelling run the larger giving the convieniance of changing due to conditions, easy enough to change over plugs under bonnet, also having a spare when having problems with one arieal was a god send as well. Col

Decided to go for the 6.5db antenna with the 3db whip as an extra for only $15 more

Cheers

Birdy