Install/Antenna/Opinions

[VOLVOR]

First off, i'm new to the site , and i'm glad I found it because ive already read most of the n00bie stickies.

I'm looking to install this [Please login or register to view this link]
into my volvo V70R. Im most likley going to mount this under my head unit, in replace of my ash tray.

My two main questions are what would be the smallest/longest range antenna that I can mount on the inside of my car if at all possible. I realize you won't get as good reception, but I want to keep the lines of my car clean.

And finally, what are your opinions on mounting a PA under my front bumper? Any one have pictures of installed horns?

Thanks a lot,
Jay

[Rex_foxhound]

Welcome to the forum!!

I don't know of ANY antenna that will work inside your car.

If you want a small one that works fairly decent, look at a Wilson Lil Will mag mount. It will Rx and Tx alright and it's small enough to not really mess up your lines on your car. And it's easy to take on and off.

As for a PA, just look around and see what you can find.

[VOLVOR]

Arite thanks!
If nothing will work inside of my car, I want the smallest possible antenna with the best range for the roof.

Another quick question...my volvo buddy has the same radio, and he claims that you power it through the 12v cigarette adapter...is this true? Are there radios that can do this ? ( non handheld )

[THUMPER]

well you could make one to use in side your rig but it would not get out all that good

[VOLVOR]

Are you talking about the PA...or the handheld.
Hopefully the handheld..

[Rex_foxhound]

You can plug that radio into your cig. lighter plug.

That Wilson Lil Will is probably about as small as you can get and still have decent performance.

[VOLVOR]

Excellent! How far would you expect the range on that antenna to be?
Pretty easy install right...mount radio....run wires for antenna....ground everything?
I appreciate your help with this, this set up is to talk to a group of kids before/after school.

[VOLVOR]

^^^^^^^^

This is the newer model....still cigarette adapter capable?

[VOLVOR]

^^^
Really sorry....all 3 posts should be together....no edit function.

[Please login or register to view this link]

[Rex_foxhound]

Yes it will still work in the cig. adapter.

I have 2 buddies that have that same model.

Very easy install.

And if conditions are right, you'll be able to talk across the country. But locally I'd say about 5 miles or so. If you get the radio peaked and tuned probably 10 or more miles.

[VOLVOR]

Very good news....how would I get the radio tuned/peaked...are there noticible differences besides range?

[Rex_foxhound]

It's fairly simple to get some more watts out of that radio and you could do it yourself.

I would check with Al at Sparky's CB Shack. He is a sponser on here and he's one of the best when it comes to Cobras. Tell him you're a member of this forum and you might get a special deal.

[stickman]

TO GET A PEAK & TUNE YOU WILL NEED TO TAKE TO YOUR LOCAL CB TECHNICIAN. AS FAR AS ANTENNA LIKE SOMEONE STATED THE WILSON LILWIL PROBABLY WOULD BE YOUR BEST BET FOR WHAT YOU ARE WANTING. AS FAR AS A PA I HAVE A BRAND NEW PA SPEAKER, I WAS GOING TO HOOK UP BUT AFTER I GOT IT DECIDED NOT TOO. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED PM & I WILL GIVE YOU A GOOD DEAL.
STICKMAN

[Bozo]

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I wouldn't recommend the little willie myself... the 1000 is just a we bit bigger, but will out perform the willie anyday. get with radio active and he can hook you up with an antenna/swr meter, and you will be set... we can even walk you thru the hook up... it's ez as pie...


Need a edit button? make a donation to the forum, and then you can edit your posts... get a snazzy donor rank too, plus it increases your post count

[humanphibian]

If it were me ( and it is not) I'd go with the 30 watt version of the Magnum Mini Mag and a Lil Wil.

The Mini Mag is a smokin little (and I mean LITTLE) radio with all of the channel capability of the big radios. They talk big and will get you that BIG RADIO respect when you hit the highway on that family vacation.

[VOLVOR]

What are the differences between the Mini Mag , and the Cobra?

Do you have a link to the mini mag?

[humanphibian]

[Please login or register to view this link]

It has small jumpers inside that allow for the use of different bands (including CB) and puts out big audio for it's size.

Call Mike at Radioactive and tell him that you are a CBRT member and what you are trying to do. He'll give you a hell of a deal and will steer you the right way.

In my opinion, a mini mag and lil wil will be a very clean set up for that Volvo. I have a friend with this set up in a Jetta, and it is sharp. The radio is in a 1/2 DIN cubby and fits perfectly. It looks like it was made for that spot

[SmallTruckBigRadio]

First off, i'm new to the site , and i'm glad I found it because ive already read most of the n00bie stickies.
I'm looking to install this [Please login or register to view this link]
into my volvo V70R. Im most likley going to mount this under my head unit, in replace of my ash tray.
My two main questions are what would be the smallest/longest range antenna that I can mount on the inside of my car if at all possible. I realize you won't get as good reception, but I want to keep the lines of my car clean.
And finally, what are your opinions on mounting a PA under my front bumper? Any one have pictures of installed horns?
Thanks a lot,
Jay

This thread has gone in a wonderful direction. Impressive work, and congratulations to my fellow CBRT forum members.

Welcome VOLVOR,

You're going in a good direction. Doing your thinking on the PC is much less frustrating than regretting a purchase.

The Wilson Mini Wil is the smallest antenna that will work in a decent way. It will probably transmit 3 miles, possibly more, depending on obstructions. Buildings, hills and trees really choke a CB signal. Your effective communication range also depends on the other radios involved. They have to be able to match your transmit and receive range for two way communications.

Trying an antenna inside your car is like talking into a pillow.

Do you have the option of using the little FRS walkie talkies?

The Wilson 1000 will perform at least 20% better on both transmit and receive than the Mini Wil, but it is much longer, unless you get the "center loaded" version.
A Wilson 1000 magnetic mount antenna will work well, if placed in the center of the roof, with the coax cable running into the gasket edging going into one of the rear doors. It could also work on the roof, near the rear hatch, but the coax may not reach the radio from back there.
Also, study the Wilson 1000 "trunk mount" and see if there is a spot near the rear hatch that might accept it.
There are a couple other options (special brackets, etc.) but they get more complicated. Ask, if your curious about those.

The Magnum Mini "30 watt version" radio, is the most powerful "small box" radio. It will perform +50% better than the Cobra that you mentioned, but I don't see it listed as having the PA option.
The PA horn can be mounted anywhere you can fit it, but don't forget to avoid hot and or moving parts. Pointing it downward will cause the sound to radiate in all directions, and it will be very loud.

I highly recommend your doing business with Sparky's Radio Shop or RadioActiveRadio's. These two companies have a very impressive track record on great customer service.

Keep thinking and asking, it's free, and wise!

[VOLVOR]

Arite, thanks for all your help.
I still think i'm going to go with the Cobra, only because I want the PA function.
I will look at the mini will, and the wilson 1000.

How much longer (heightwise) is the 1000?

[SmallTruckBigRadio]

Arite, thanks for all your help.
I still think i'm going to go with the Cobra, only because I want the PA function. I will look at the mini will, and the wilson 1000.
How much longer (heightwise) is the 1000?

STBR in blue
Arite, thanks for all your help. You're welcome

I still think i'm going to go with the Cobra, only because I want the PA function. OK, have you weighed all your options? Also, if that radio can be "peaked and tuned" that greatly increase its performance

I will look at the mini will, and the wilson 1000.
How much longer (heightwise) is the 1000?

62" - 36" = 26" difference

[Please login or register to view this link]

Mini Wil
[Please login or register to view this link]
300 Watt power handling capability (ICAS)
Made with high impact Thermoplastic
Heavy duty coil uses 14 gauge copper wire
Exclusive low loss coil design (Patent #4,882,591)
( Same as Wilson 1000)
36" 17-7 PH stainless steel whip
Frequency range 26 MHz to 30 MHz
Large 3-1/2" 10 oz magnet
Available in a black magnet mount version only
Weather Channel ready
1 Year Warranty

Wilson 1000
[Please login or register to view this link]
Gain performance proven by power gain tests at
Lockheed Corporation Antenna Test Laboratory
3000 Watt power handling capability (ICAS)
Made with high impact Mobay Thermoplastic
10 gauge silver-plated coil winding
Exclusive low loss coil design (Patent #4,882,591)
62" 17-7 PH Tapered spring stainless steel whip
Frequency range 26 MHz to 30 MHz
Weather Channel Ready
Available in Roof Top, Trunk Lip, or Magnetic Mounts
Removable coil for safe storage & garage entrance
Weather Cap included to protect mount when coil is removed
Color choices: Black or White
2 year Warranty

[VOLVOR]

Thanks a lot everyone!

I'm still going to go with the Cobra above...but i'm getting the wilson 1000 antenna...can anyone point me in the direction of a good place to order these?

Thanks again!

[Rex_foxhound]

Sparky's CB Shack.

Talk to AL.

Tell him you're a cbradiotalk forum member and what you want and he'll hook you up right.

[Stoneman]

Any antenna with the name Lil Wil, sounds like little output, get the Wilson 5000...Big and loud...lol.