CB Antenna Bracket

[Mellow]

Well, here it is.... I used 3/16th inch thick steel and it's 1 1/2 inch wide.

I heated it a little at the bends and drilled the holes to match up with the rear luggage rack holes - between the plastic part of the luggage rack and the mounting plate for the Honda Top Box.

The plastic clips are to hold the CB Coax

[crazykz]

You could put ruler marks on your tile and give it some scale. :D

Curt

[Mellow]

You could put ruler marks on your tile and give it some scale. :D

Curt

I'll do that tonight and update the pics, good idea...

[Fireball18]

Does anyone know anything about the Sierra Electronics quick disconnect CB antenna and bracket? It's made to go with the J&M handlebar mount CB radio. With the fixed antenna, I have to punch a small hole in my motorcycle cover and fix a grommet to it in order to put the cover on the bike at night. Pretty inconvenient. If the antenna just pops off, that would make it easy.

[Mellow]

Greg,

I think you can get an adapter, like on the goldwings, where you pull up on a sleeve and you can pivot the antenna forward so a cover can go over it.

That might even be easier than trying to remember where you put your antenna...

I always use a half cover so I'm okay without the hinged bracket...

Joe

[nm6r]

Here are some pictures of the brackets I made for my ST1300 cb antenna. The brackets are made from 1/4" x 1" aluminum bar stock. The spacers are made from aluminum tubing and are 1-1/4" long. The two rear bolts that mount the top box plate were replaced with two 3" long 5/16 hex bolts. We ride most of the time without the top box so I wanted the bracket and antenna in close without the top box on.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[Mellow]

I just updated my first post with some pics...

[nm6r]

I can quickly and easily extend the bracket for use with the top box.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[dannyk]

Fireball the antenna will come off by pushing it in and giving it a twist

[Fred D]

Here's a pic of my antenna mount with a spring and the aforementioned quick-disconnect (parts are from the Firestick folks)

[Fred D]

No, it's one of their "Firefly" tuneable tip antennas, and a big, ugly sucker too!!

The 1100s seem to have enough "reflective surface" to allow the use of regular cb antennas.

[crazykz]

I have to soon mount a CB antenna. Please people keep this thread going I really need ideas for this stuff. Mounts, cables, etc.

Curt

[number9]

I have to do this as well. I have the Valk CB on my ST11 and the Hondaline antenna, but want to use a small - short as possible - antenna and mount as stealth as possible.

[Fred D]

Not to plug Firestick, but they have a really good tech section at:

http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs.htm

Also, their cell look-alike antennas are a lot more discreet than the big honker I have.....

[crazykz]

Does anyone have a link to this Valk CB? I've been looking at that Midland Handheld but I saw a Honda CB that looks a lot like the J&M but older looking. If anyone can share a link I would appreciate it.

Also does anyone know if you can get the hinging antenna mount for the firestick like the wings use to have? I don't want it to be easily removable for fear of theft but have it hinge down so I can get a cover on would be nice.

Curt

[dannyk]

Guys, before doing anything for a cb read the info on the site that fred d posted, it may save you some time, money, and frustration in the end. Also look at the Sierra electronics site and call them if you have any questions. I bought the antenna system that they recommended for the ST. just my $.02 Danny :biker:

[number9]

From what I understand the Valk CB unit has been discontinued by Honda. However, you *may* still be able to locate one - they are rare and highly valued when found by longtime ST'ers. I have *heard* that J&M used to sell / install the Valk unit and based their unit on it after it was discontinued. The Valk CB unit has rider/pass Intercomm and an audio input as well - for mp3 player/radar/whatever uses a headphone jack. I know of a couple guys who use a "Y" cable and run radar and mp3 audio on it. The PO of my ST11 had installed or bought nearly every Hondaline accessory for the ST at that time.

Here is a site I found that has the Valk CB and accessories my bike has on it:

Hondaline Valk CB unit (http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/detail.cfm?model_ID=0&Category_ID=5&manufacturer_ID=8&product_ID=1522)(made by Clarion)

Hondaline Valk CB install kit (http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/detail.cfm?model_ID=0&Category_ID=5&manufacturer_ID=8&product_ID=1521)

Hondaline Valk CB antenna (http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/detail.cfm?model_ID=0&Category_ID=5&manufacturer_ID=8&product_ID=1543)(folds down like you want)

My sig has a link to my webshots album and there is a Valk CB section there. I can take any pics you want of the unit.

I haven't used the unit yet as the PO kept the headsets and I have yet to buy any. I have removed the Honda antenna and want to use something smaller and more stealth. I plan to get a 15" to 24" antenna and mount from the license plate braket or make a bracket like you did. However, I DO want a quick disconnect antenna so I can remove it when I want.

[crazykz]

Thanks number9 for the links. Way out of my price range. It might be great but way more than I'm willing to spend right now.

Thanks for the links though because it always helps to know what's out there.

Curt

[number9]

I agree - I certainly would not have paid that much for those items.....but I am glad the PO did :D

[Horst]

Man, what is this, the GWRRA board ? ... oh well to each his own and maybe I better not say too much or my ST11 will grow antennas too ... :) :) :)

[number9]

Well, my parts came in today (Firestick II 3' antenna, Firewire coax with Fire-ring connector on one end and Motorola on other and Firestick stud/quick-disconnect mount). I stopped by Lowes and got a 3' length of 1-1/4" wide, 3/16" thick steel bar stock and made a bracket tonight. Paint is drying as I type. Can't wait to get it all mounted up.

And YES, as Fred said - the antenna is a big ugly sucker :( . I will just have to get a short one for riding around local and swap the 3-footer for trips/meets.

[number9]

I got my parts from http://www.walcottcb.com - I don't remember where I got turned on to them, but it was recently in my search for CB info/parts. Called them up and they were nice, informative, easy to deal with and had good prices. Overall transaction was smooth and pleasant and when I buy a smaller antenna I will go back to them.

They didn't have the K8R18M coax listed on the website and actually I didn't know it existed. I called and explained ot the guy that I was putting a CB antenna on a motorcycle that had a factory CB with the Motorola connector on the end of a 6' coax lead that is hard-wired into the CB unit itself. He told me that would be no problem and that Firestick actually had the coax I was looking for - Fire-ring to Motorola - and he had one in stock.

NOTE - my antenna IS a ground-plane type.

Items part # are link to catalog page.

FS3 (http://www.walcottcb.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=28_97&products_id=419)- 3' tall Black Firestick II FS (hand tune) antenna
QD4 (http://www.walcottcb.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=29_62&products_id=586) - Quick Disconnect Stud mount
K8R18M - 18' long Firestick coax with Fire-Ring to Motorola Male connector

[Mellow]

Charlie,

I had my NGP cable come from the handlebar area up along the frame to the rear taillight section then back forward just behind the tank and back towards the taillight section again and to the external antenna. It's not as long as you'd think (If I had a dime for everytime I've said that :eek: ) and pretty easy to route.

I've heard of guys adding sheets of metal in the topbox and other places to create a good ground but I'm lazy and the NGP seemed like an easier option, maybe not the best as creating a ground plane might give slightly better range, but definitely the easiest in my mind :eek: .

[Fireball18]

I have limited experience with electronics and radio stuff, but I used to be in amateur radio (KL7DNF a loooooong time ago). You will never get any kind of a ground plane with a motorcycle. There's just not any metal that will provide for one. All of this mobile radio stuff was designed to work on a 4-wheeled motor vehicle with the antenna(s) placed on or near the roof. Most folks place the antenna on the roof of their car or pickup, and you'll see a dual antenna setup on semi's with the antennas mounted, usually, on top of the mirror mounts. I don't even know if placing a sheet of sheet metal inside the lid of the top box will help much. My experience over the last 15 years of using CB radios with a motorcycle is that the best range you can reasonably expect (despite what the manufacturers tell you) is about 1/2-mile. Sometimes up to a mile under optimum conditions.

[Hewhois]

Greetings,

Yesterday I ordered my antenna, coax and stud mounts. Went with FireSTik (http://www.firestik.com/).

DV-SBS (http://www.firestik.com/Catalog/dvsbs.htm) w/NGP connection: SWIVEL MOUNT ANTENNA BASE WITH SPRING (be sure to specify NGP connection when ordering)

http://www.firestik.com/images/dv-sbs.jpg

LG3-B: The FireFly "No-Ground Plane" 3' black antenna, thinner and 40% lighter than the normal FireSTik antenna.

http://www.firestik.com/images/fl-antna.gif

K8-NGP: 17' NGP (No Ground Plane) Coax cable

I debated between QuickRelease and Fold-Down. Decided to go with Fold-Down cause I can release it by unscrewing the wingnut when I want, and gives me more options for covering the bike.

Should get here early-mid week next week. Already went down to Home Depot and got a 1" wide aluminum spar to cut & drill for my mount.

[Hewhois]

Charlie,

I called FireSTik and ordered from them directly. Since I didn't want the kits, due to my making my own spar mount, I couldn't find anyplace that sold the individual stuff I needed.

We need a CB icon/smily :)

[Putt]

I got my parts from http://www.walcottcb.com - I don't remember where I got turned on to them, but it was recently in my search for CB info/parts. Called them up and they were nice, informative, easy to deal with and had good prices. Overall transaction was smooth and pleasant and when I buy a smaller
FS3 (http://www.walcottcb.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=28_97&products_id=419)- 3' tall Black Firestick II FS (hand tune) antenna
QD4 (http://www.walcottcb.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=29_62&products_id=586) - Quick Disconnect Stud mount
K8R18M - 18' long Firestick coax with Fire-Ring to Motorola Male connector

Walcott CB... Just down the road a bit from here..


Putt...

[nm6r]

I was getting a nasty ground loop whine when I was using the motorcycle frame as a ground plane. Two things I found. One, the ST1300 frame apparently doesn't make a good contact from one end to the other. Two, this ground loop was intolerable.

I had two choices. Either go with a non ground plane type of antenna or create a suitable counterpoise for the one I have and not ground it to the frame.

I ran a length of wire for a counterpoise. Once again two things happened. The whine went away completely and I was able to achieve a very good SWR.

Ray - NM6R
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[BentAero]

OK, I'll bite. What's a counterpoise?

And am I going to have problems with this setup?
http://www.walcottcb.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=521

[nm6r]

Here's an easy way to think about it. A counterpoise is the other half of the antenna. In a mobile installation it is usually the metal of the car body, commonly referred to as a ground plane. The other half is built in on a non ground plane type of antenna.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[number9]

Got my antenna bracket made and installed. Looks okay, but not near as stealthy as I wanted.:cool: Oh well, I can live with it.

Click here for pics (http://community.webshots.com/album/198040630BrZfqR). The antenna pics and excess coax storage are at the end of the album.

[SilverSTreak]

Does anyone know anything about the Sierra Electronics quick disconnect CB antenna and bracket? If the antenna just pops off, that would make it easy.

While the quick disconnect works as advertised, I was getting complaints from fellow riders that my J&M Handlebar mount CB wasn't "getting out" and I noticed I couldn't keep in touch with the last rider in a group of more than 12 riders or so (when strung out).

I went to a local CB shop and had them check my SWR. It was better than they thought it would be and fine as a number. So I asked the guy what I could do to improve my transmissions. He suggested a K40 antenna ($25) and ditching the quick disconnect. I did and man, what an improvement in reception and distance.

My recommendation, don't waste your $$$ on the J&M antenna kit. Make a mount, buy a good antenna, make sure you have it tuned (SWR check) and you'll be a LOT happier.

As for taking the antenna off to put on a cover. I find I can just pull my antenna forward and there's anough flex between the antenna and the mount that I can get the cover on and it works out fine.

Bill Royal
'91 ST1100 - "Silver STreak"
STOC #1137* HSTA #9359

[Hewhois]

My FireStik stuff came in today :)

After looking it over and looking at the bike, I got an idea! (uh oh)

http://severe.wso.net/images/ST1300/cbantenna/mount1.jpg

http://severe.wso.net/images/ST1300/cbantenna/mount2.jpg

All I had to do was replace the 1" long 3/8" bolt that came with the mount with a 2" long 3/8" bolt and a few washers to make everything line up right, then take out one of the bolts on the cargo rack and use that hole. Hooked everything up, wheeled the bike out to the driveway, and was able to pick up traffic on channel 19 :) Will get the setup tuned in the next couple days. Also, still need to run the cable under the seat, but that shouldn't be too hard.

Still going to fix up the aluminum spar mount for when I want to use the whole cargo rack space.

[ST090]

If you are interested in a NGP CB antenna that folds down, check out the following:
http://www.firestik.com/CatalogFrame.htm

This is a 30" whip, base loaded antenna. I have been using it on my ST1300 for about 6 months. I find the CB transmit range to be acceptable--maybe 2 or 2.5 miles max, depending on conditions. I may be able to transmit further and don't know it as my riding buddy in AZ often rides with his squelch turned up to high so that he doesn't pick up any unwanted chatter. That limits his reception of me so I have yet to really test the range of the look a-like cell CB antenna. I don't like having to store 18 feet of coax under the seat and fairing but that is the price of NGP.

I went to a NGP after repeated problems getting a decend ground and SWR using a regular CB antenna affixed to the rear tail mounting bolts to the frame and an added jumper wire to the frame.

John

[crazykz]

I might post this seperately but it would be nice if we could keep this thread going.

I have a simple Uniden CB (their good small one) and I'm wondering if anyone knows if there is an adaptor you could get/make to convert from the screw in handheld mic to jacks I could plug into my comm unit that has a push to talk switch.

Is there anyone out there that knows more about CB's or might have a reference to a site about doing this? I guess I could it up the local amateur radio shop.

Curt

[Mellow]

I might post this seperately but it would be nice if we could keep this thread going.

I have a simple Uniden CB (their good small one) and I'm wondering if anyone knows if there is an adaptor you could get/make to convert from the screw in handheld mic to jacks I could plug into my comm unit that has a push to talk switch.

Is there anyone out there that knows more about CB's or might have a reference to a site about doing this? I guess I could it up the local amateur radio shop.

Curt

Curt,

www.airrider.com has tons of patch cords and they might be able to help, they have incredible cust service.

Joe

[number9]

So what is everyone getting SWR? I installed a ground strap on the antenna and get 1.5 on CH1 - this is good, but steadily increases until CH25 is 2 or just over. From there it keeps increasing until CH40 is over 3.

Any ideas as to what to do or is this normal for CB's? Also, I noticed that with the bike running the readings are higher. I set the SWR with the bike running and outside in the street.

[Hewhois]

Hmm, didn;t think about doing it with the bike running. With it not running, on channel 16 my SWR is 1.1 and on channel 19 it is 1.4, didn't check other channels since I just use those two.

Will have to check them with the bike running to see if any different.

[number9]

Well, here is more to the story......I posted this on the ST liST.


Okay, I got my CB gear installed and began testing SWR. This is driving me nuts as I cannot seem to get good results that are usable - ie. with the cap on. Here is the equipment list......

Honda Valk CB unit
K8R18M - 18' long Firestick coax with Fire-Ring to Motorola Male connector
QD4 - Firestick Quick Disconnect Stud mount
FS3 - 3' tall Black Firestick II FS (hand tune) antenna

And the testing equipment......
Vanco SWR1 meter
12MFPL12 - PL259 to Motorola Female adaptor 12" long
12SMMPL - PL259 to Motorola Male adaptor 12" long

***NOTE - all settings were taken with the bike out on the street and running as the values were lower when it is not running.*** Also the coax is looped in a bowtie fashion as per Firestick's instructions and laying under the seat over the rear shock.

When I set Ch1 to be the baseline the best I can get is 1.6 SWR. From there the SWR climbs on each Ch until Ch25 is just over 2.0 and Ch40 is over 3.0. Pondered on this a while and went back out and set Ch19 to be baseline and it dialed in to 1.6. From there I tested all channels and they were under 2.0 - with the antenna cap OFF. When I put the cap on and check the channels again, the results are much higher. Here is what I am getting........

Antenna Cap OFF.....................................Antenna Cap ON
Ch1..........1.9.................................. .........Ch1..........1.7
Ch5..........1.8.................................. .........Ch5..........1.8
Ch10........1.7................................... ........Ch10........1.9
Ch15........1.6................................... ........Ch15........2.1
Ch20........1.6................................... ........Ch20........2.5
Ch25........1.6................................... ........Ch25........2.6
Ch30........1.7................................... ........Ch30........3.0
Ch35........1.8................................... ........Ch35........3.2
Ch40........1.9................................... ........Ch40........3.3

Can any of you CB guru's make heads or tails of this? I will call Firestick Monday, if no one here has any suggestions.

[Hewhois]

NGP or regular?

[duSTy]

Here is what I got for my antenna foldover adapter:

http://www.walcottcb.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=29_112&products_id=262

Tom

[Putt]

Well, here is more to the story......I posted this on the ST liST.


Okay, I got my CB gear installed and began testing SWR. This is driving me nuts as I cannot seem to get good results that are usable - ie. with the cap on. Here is the equipment list......

Honda Valk CB unit
K8R18M - 18' long Firestick coax with Fire-Ring to Motorola Male connector
QD4 - Firestick Quick Disconnect Stud mount
FS3 - 3' tall Black Firestick II FS (hand tune) antenna

And the testing equipment......
Vanco SWR1 meter
12MFPL12 - PL259 to Motorola Female adaptor 12" long
12SMMPL - PL259 to Motorola Male adaptor 12" long

***NOTE - all settings were taken with the bike out on the street and running as the values were lower when it is not running.*** Also the coax is looped in a bowtie fashion as per Firestick's instructions and laying under the seat over the rear shock.

When I set Ch1 to be the baseline the best I can get is 1.6 SWR. From there the SWR climbs on each Ch until Ch25 is just over 2.0 and Ch40 is over 3.0. Pondered on this a while and went back out and set Ch19 to be baseline and it dialed in to 1.6. From there I tested all channels and they were under 2.0 - with the antenna cap OFF. When I put the cap on and check the channels again, the results are much higher. Here is what I am getting........

Antenna Cap OFF.....................................Antenna Cap ON
Ch1..........1.9.................................. .........Ch1..........1.7
Ch5..........1.8.................................. .........Ch5..........1.8
Ch10........1.7................................... ........Ch10........1.9
Ch15........1.6................................... ........Ch15........2.1
Ch20........1.6................................... ........Ch20........2.5
Ch25........1.6................................... ........Ch25........2.6
Ch30........1.7................................... ........Ch30........3.0
Ch35........1.8................................... ........Ch35........3.2
Ch40........1.9................................... ........Ch40........3.3

Can any of you CB guru's make heads or tails of this? I will call Firestick Monday, if no one here has any suggestions.


Nr 9.
with the cap on, your antenna appears to be a bit on the LONG side, shorten it up a bit.. replace the cap and measure it again... The cap may be
adding a bit of capacitance. As far as checking the SWR with the engine running and not running, when running you might have to adjust your SWR meter to zero again, with the alternator running, the output of your CB will be a bit higher, throwing the meter calibration off. Flip the meter back over to calibrate, re-set the meter and check it again...


Putt...

[Hewhois]

Howdy,

I used a hacksaw to cut the aluminum spar I was thinking of using as a mount. Then a dremel to smooth it off.

[number9]

Sorry for the late reply guys. I used a Dremel to cut about half way through on each side of the bar stock and then just "broke" it by bending it. I then used the Dremel and flat file to shape the exposed end (where antenna is mounted) to be rounded and then smoothed all the edges and corners. I cut the antenna just long enough to extend about 1/8" past the bottom of the bag on the back of the Hondaline backrest. This was done so the bag wouldn't hang over the edge/corner of the bracket during use and eventually wear a hole in it. If you look closely in this pic you can see what I mean http://community.webshots.com/photo/198040630/292894226GaSRrn

For the SWR, I found that when running the antenna adjustment (brass threaded adjuster on top of antenna) all the way down the SWR was about 3 with the cap off. Put the cap on and it dropped to around 1.9. I was able to get the SWR to....

CH1......1.6
CH19....1.9
CH40....1.7

[Putt]

Sorry for the late reply guys. I used a Dremel to cut about half way through on each side of the bar stock and then just "broke" it by bending it. I then used the Dremel and flat file to shape the exposed end (where antenna is mounted) to be rounded and then smoothed all the edges and corners. I cut the antenna just long enough to extend about 1/8" past the bottom of the bag on the back of the Hondaline backrest. This was done so the bag wouldn't hang over the edge/corner of the bracket during use and eventually wear a hole in it. If you look closely in this pic you can see what I mean http://community.webshots.com/photo/198040630/292894226GaSRrn

For the SWR, I found that when running the antenna adjustment (brass threaded adjuster on top of antenna) all the way down the SWR was about 3 with the cap off. Put the cap on and it dropped to around 1.9. I was able to get the SWR to....

CH1......1.6
CH19....1.9
CH40....1.7
NR 9,
see if you can remove the tuning stub all together and see what that does to
the SWR..

Putt...

[Hewhois]

I haven't actually used it yet since I was able to install the FireStik directly on to the cargo rack.

http://severe.wso.net/images/ST1300/cbantenna/mount1.jpg

The aluminum spar would be for when I want to make full use of the cargo rack. The spar doesn't stick out that far so I don't think it would be a problem, the shorter the length the less flex. Torque wise, meaning twisting or stress put on the spar by the antenna's drag, it should be fine, and the spring mount would smooth out peak torque stresses. I got the three foot "light" firestik version.

If it is a concern, maybe stack two spars?

It's the kind of question that can only be fully answered via long term testing.

[number9]

FRED D. - can you tell me what kind of range your setup gets as far as sending and receiving? We have the same setup as far as antenna and mount goes and I haven't got to test mine yet.