How to Install a CB Antenna

Citizen's Band (CB) radios are a popular method of communication between drivers. You can use your radio to report accidents, get directions and avert traffic jams. If you recently installed a CB radio in your vehicle, you'll need an antenna to go with it. Here are some guidelines for installing a CB antenna on your car.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• CB radio
• CB radio antenna
• Mount
• Mounting bracket
• Cables
• Wiring
• CB antenna kit (optional)
• SWR meter

1. Purchase a CB radio antenna, mount and cables separately or buy a CB antenna kit. Generally, buying a kit is more economical.
2. Verify that the mount is strong enough to support your antenna. Some mounts only can handle antennas of a certain length. Those that are longer than 4 feet will require heavy duty mounts.
3. Be sure you can screw your antenna into the mount by matching the threads. If they don't, you'll need an adapter.
4. Decide what type of mount you want. Some require drilling a hole some place on your vehicle. Magnet mounts are the easiest to install and remove.
5. Determine where you want to install your CB antenna. The ideal location is in the center of a metal roof so it will reflect the signals. Fenders also are a good location although the signals from there may be weaker.
6. Have adequate cable to be able to run it between the antenna and the radio back. Consider the path the cable must travel to get from one to another.
7. Secure the mounting bracket. Use a wrench to tighten the two pieces of your antenna together.
8. Connect the coax (two conductor-shielded wires) from the back of the radio to the antenna. Some antennas come with the coax pre-attached; others will have a connector that plugs into the antenna's base or 2 terminals attached to the antenna mount.
9. Secure the connection between the shield of the coax and the body of your vehicle. The shield is the larger outside braided wire on the coaxial cable. This connection generally is provided by the mount.
10. Tune your antenna and adjust its SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) by lengthening or shortening the antenna. First time installers should have a professional make any SWR adjustments.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid mounting an antenna on a sun roof.
• Seek the help of a professional to adjust your antenna's standing wave ratio.

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