Can you actually get a good SWR on a 2' antenna?

**AtLarge** · 04-20-2019, 08:09 PM

I recently purchased a Firestik II FS2-B 5/8 Wave 300W with tunable tip. I also used a FS quick detach mount so I can switch it out with my 4' FS4 but, wanted to leave the 2' on regularly and still get it in the garage. Cannot get the SWR lower than 3.2 even though my 4 footer gets 1.5 so, I am looking for some suggestions. BTW my coax is the FS Fire ring with 9' cable.

**JesseJamesDallas** · 04-21-2019, 09:10 AM

not sure why you would even bother with a CB if all you can use is a 2' antenna...best you'll see out of that set-up is maybe a mile at best...I've seen 2' antennas tune better than 3.0 SWR, but no where near what something 6 or 7' will tune...should do better than 3.2, might have to do with where you have yours mounted...no idea you didn't say or post pictures.

**sonoma** · 04-22-2019, 04:19 AM

the best I have ever been able to get a 2 foot antenna is about 2.5 swr. they just do not talk or hear very well either.
JJD hit the nail on the head with what he said.

**AtLarge** · 04-25-2019, 09:07 PM

Well, since you asked...

And this is my 4' which is great when I'm out and about.

I've reached over seven miles in town but, I have to take it down when I pull in the garage which is why I use the Firestik quick release. Kind of a bummer that I can't use the 2'. I knew I would lose range but, I don't want to damage my radio if I can't get the SWR under control.

**JesseJamesDallas** · 04-26-2019, 04:31 PM

Hard to tell how you have your antenna mount attached... (or what it's attached to) It could be you don't have a very good ground to the mount...May try running a ground strap from the antenna mount to the frame and see if that helps any with tuning.

**campingDan** · 05-01-2019, 07:26 PM

I had a 2' on back on my JK and had no issues. Had to use 2' to fit in parking garage at work without whacking lights. Otherwise i ran 3'

A good ground makes a huge difference.
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**BOOTY MONSTER** · 05-02-2019, 05:47 PM

as the pork butts would say ..... you can get a good (perfect) vswr on a dummy load . but no one will hear you on a dummy load . most folks are trading performance for visual appeal and/or size restriction and wallet limits on both base and mobile setups . on a mobile a 9 footer is about as good as it gets ..... when sitting still . going down the highway with that 9 foot whip laid back or flopping in the wind negatively effects tx and rx . typically something 6-7 ft tall with enough meat to stay mostly vertical works good enough for most folks . a 3 ft lil' will is a decent antenna for it's size but it will not perform like it's bigger siblings . it's all about what works for you and trying to maximize your performance within your compromises .

where the antenna is mounted on the vehicle plays a huge roll in how it performs also . the location in your photo is ... ummm ... highly compromising ! since sooo much of it is below the roof and right next to the metal roof support that's most likely causing a LOT of reflection effecting your tuning . i'd suggest a bigger mag mount antenna that you can put on and off the roof of the cab and try to center it in the same location each time you put it back on .

**wookie** · 06-01-2019, 01:08 PM

as you have an FM radio antenna why not use it with an antenna splitter and you probably can still find them your antenna plugs into a little metal box and it has 2 cable coming out one for the FM radio and another for the CB solves all your needs and it works similar to the 3 foot antenna i hope this helps if you have trouble finding one let me know and ill look for you may even have a couple laying around.

**BOOTY MONSTER** · 06-04-2019, 07:25 AM

DO NOT ! ... try to use a FM antenna for a cb antenna . LMAO !

**JesseJamesDallas** · 06-04-2019, 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by BOOTY MONSTER

DO NOT ! ... try to use a FM antenna for a cb antenna . LMAO !

I remember back in the 70's I bought a Bran-New 77 Monte Carlo that came with a AM/FM/CB Delco radio combo in the dash, it was hooked up to the cars stereo antenna....Think maybe you could receive and talk about a quarter mile...At the time, I thought that was a heck of a deal too! Replaced that stereo with a Blaupunkt stereo, and stuck a regular CB under the dash and had a Turner Signal Kicker antenna on the trunk...

Who ever came up with that idea of using a AM/FM car stereo antenna as a CB antenna too, apparently never actually used a CB Radio...They do work however, about as good as those window stick-on-cell-phone looking CB Antennas... and you can still find them every now and then on ebay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Har...UAAOSwslJcjYtg