Tuning my Predator 10k

**Fogdog** · 05-10-2013, 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by JesseJamesDallas

Short answer is "No" on the Amp question...NO you don't have to have the Amp turned ON all the time, the radio will work just fine whether the amp is ON or Not.

As for the Cobra's ant. warning light go's, sometimes those lights are set too sensitive and will do that, you can check on CB Tricks.com's Forum section for Cobra radios and find out how to adjust the light...I did know what to adjust, but forgot now and too tired to look it up!

However, before doing any adjustments, I would first wait till I got my SWR set below 1.5, which the antenna should tune around 1.1 to 1.2 with the 17" shaft. (assuming you have good grounds)

By the way...it sounds like your on the right track, by moving the antenna to the middle of the rack and adding some ground straps...I think once you get the 17" shaft you'll see a big improvement.

10-4 JJD, I'm trying. The 2 extra grond wires I used are pretty small, I will get some heavy duty stuff soon. I'm waiting on Kale to call me and give me the 411 on shaft size. I'll probably get the 17''. Just waiting on him. I did get the antenna mounted good and tight though, so thats cool.

**JesseJamesDallas** · 05-10-2013, 08:56 PM

Originally Posted by Fogdog

10-4 JJD, I'm trying. The 2 extra grond wires I used are pretty small, I will get some heavy duty stuff soon. I'm waiting on Kale to call me and give me the 411 on shaft size. I'll probably get the 17''. Just waiting on him. I did get the antenna mounted good and tight though, so thats cool.

Ground straps don't have to be "Heavy Duty" although 1/2" to 1" flat ground braid would be best, I have used old coax ground braid before and it works just fine...Just take some old coax, strip off the outer plastic jacket, then pull out the center conductor wire and it's jacket...That will leave you with just the ground braid...Flatten it out, and "wa-la!" Ground strap!

Just try and keep ground runs as short as possible. Way I usually do it, is once I get my ground braid cut to length, I take my propane torch and heat the ends and stick some solder on...Then using self-tapping screws attach the ground braid to where ever I need it...Just be sure to clean off any paint, dirt, or rust first so you get a good connection.

**Silverado 996** · 05-10-2013, 09:45 PM

Originally Posted by Fogdog

I've run the Firestick brand since 1987 myself. The newest one I bought is the 3' FS II. It tunes pretty low, and is supposed to handle 650 watts. It works good on the 29. Since I've been getting into Cb a bit more lately, I got to reading about these Predator's and had to give it a try. I sure hope I can get it dialed in soon. It's working, but I know it has a lot more to offer.

I've been running the FS-5's rated for 1,000 watts, I figured I wouldn't burn it up since I'm only running a 2 pill. I would run a predator if they had a 30" shaft. No doubt it they are good antenna's.The hobby of CB's to me is like hot rods. You always on the hunt for the prefect setup... Cams, heads and fuel delivery setups. After a while you end up having a pair of heads and a couple of cam shafts collecting dust where in the shop. Haha! Once you get your SwR's down I'm sure you'll be very happy with it.

**Fogdog** · 05-11-2013, 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by Silverado 996

I've been running the FS-5's rated for 1,000 watts, I figured I wouldn't burn it up since I'm only running a 2 pill. I would run a predator if they had a 30" shaft. No doubt it they are good antenna's.The hobby of CB's to me is like hot rods. You always on the hunt for the prefect setup... Cams, heads and fuel delivery setups. After a while you end up having a pair of heads and a couple of cam shafts collecting dust where in the shop. Haha! Once you get your SwR's down I'm sure you'll be very happy with it.

Ha Ha, Yes you right my Brother. If you get into Radio's your gonna end up with a bunch of stuff. My work bench looks like an electronics shop now. I just slid all my truck stuff, and re-loading stuff over to one side. Looks like a mad scientists lab now, what with the meters ,radios,antenna's and parts, wires, a computer,solder gun,tools and whatnot. Jeez!

**619 NJ** · 05-11-2013, 11:17 AM

That's what happens!

619 the Chef choppin' lips and deep-frying Mud Ducks in the Yellin' Yukon and I'm gone...

**Fogdog** · 05-11-2013, 11:18 AM

Kale from Cowtown Antenna's called me today and is sending me out a longer shaft. He also said that sometimes the sprayed in bed liners like I have can screw up the SWR's. We talked about grounding also. The rack is grounded, but I'm going to find some good flat strap braided stuff from the local Battery place hopefully, and do what JJD says he's done. It can't hurt.

Kale suggested grounds from the rack to the bed, and the bed to the frame. Thats pretty much what I have. Could be better though. Gotta spend some time with Mama this weekend, buut come Monday I'm all over it.

**Silverado 996** · 05-11-2013, 11:19 AM

Lol! I have my on room for reloading stuff, thats another of my hobbies.

**619 NJ** · 05-11-2013, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by Fogdog

Kale from Cowtown Antenna's called me today and is sending me out a longer shaft. He also said that sometimes the sprayed in bed liners like I have can screw up the SWR's. We talked about grounding also. The rack is grounded, but I'm going to find some good flat strap braided stuff from the local Battery place hopefully, and do what JJD says he's done. It can't hurt.

Kale suggested grounds from the rack to the bed, and the bed to the frame. Thats pretty much what I have. Could be better though. Gotta spend some time with Mama this weekend, buut come Monday I'm all over it.

That's awesome

I'm glad you are narrowing it down. I think once this annoying mess is out of the way, you'll really like the predator.

619 the Chef choppin' lips and deep-frying Mud Ducks in the Yellin' Yukon and I'm gone...

**Silverado 996** · 05-11-2013, 11:24 AM

Man that's great! Keep us posted.

**JesseJamesDallas** · 05-11-2013, 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by Silverado 996

I've been running the FS-5's rated for 1,000 watts, I figured I wouldn't burn it up since I'm only running a 2 pill. I would run a predator if they had a 30" shaft. No doubt it they are good antenna's.The hobby of CB's to me is like hot rods. You always on the hunt for the prefect setup... Cams, heads and fuel delivery setups. After a while you end up having a pair of heads and a couple of cam shafts collecting dust where in the shop. Haha! Once you get your SwR's down I'm sure you'll be very happy with it.

You can contact Kale and have a 30" shaft custom built...He has made shafts up to 48" for people...He won't warranty them tho because the longer the shaft, the easier it is to whack something which will snap the shaft at the base.