No ground plane cb antenna range

[southernhummerguy]

I recently installed the Firestik 4' NGP antenna on the front driver's side fender (actually it's exactly where the pointless "GM" emblem used to be located), and I was wondering how much of a range I can expect? The antenna stands just around the preferred 2/3's above the roof and given that it's a NGP setup, I expect to lose a little performance. Also, since it's on the front fender, will that affect the strength of the incoming signal based on direction, i.e. will I receive a better signal from people in front of me or behind me? If anyone could satisfy my curiosity I would greatly appreciate it ! Thanks!

 

[alrock]

Have you tuned your antenna yet with an SWR meter? That's the first step before anything else, including using the radio.

 

[Hunner]

It has always been my understanding that only with an antenna that uses the metal on the vehicle for a ground plane that the longest plane across the vehicle is the strongest signal. With a NGP like used in marine applications on fiberglass boats it is considered to radiate in a circle around the ant. Non directional. I have also found that on boats placing a SS plate at the base helps radiation. I have even placed a plate at the top of a sailboat mast to help the CB performance but generally use VHF in that application. Placed at the top of a 30 foot + mast gets you to the line of sight horizon at about 25 miles.
I can remember when it was"the thing", to mount a 102 inch whip on the rear pass side of a metal vehicle so you could radiate towards the front driver's side across the longest part of the vehicle so you could reach out to on coming traffic, good buddy!:giggle:

 

[f5moab]

I had a good range with my old TJ with a NGP on the back center, mounted to the tire carrier.

 

[southernhummerguy]

Yea, I've set the SWR around 1.1 for my low channels and about 1.3 for my high channels (mainly since I rarely use the high ones). I always keep a little portable meter in the glove compartment to check it every now and then. Here's a site that can explain all the parts a little more in depth. http://www.truckers-store.com/store...Kit-Featuring-Molded-Side-Mount_40491594.html.

There isn't anything wrong with the system or anything. I was just curious as to how far I could expect to receive and transmit a signal

 

[f5moab]

Just remember, with a CB line of sight means a heck of a lot...