tealvette

Has anyone installed a CB antenna, the type that mounts from license plate bracket?

Is there a location to route coaxial cable into the interior on a Roadster?

tds69tx

Didn't know anyone still used CB's! :lol: I've never seen a C5 with a CB.

tealvette

Yes they do! You need to get out more!

Ever been on a Caravan like the one comiing up in '03 or haven't you heard about that either? :lol: :rolleyes: :D :smash:

:seeya


[Modified by tealvette, 11:29 AM 9/8/2002]

tds69tx

Get out more----I'm sure I get out as much as you do. Don't get yourself bent out of shape! We use 2 way fm's in our caravans---or have you not heard of those either. :smash: :lol:

Just never saw a CB in a C5 --that's all

kenrobb

I mounted mine on a bracket made for just over the license plate. I routed the cable up inside rear end and drilled small hole into the inside compartment on driver side. Ran cable in there and then silicone sealed the hole. Coil cable up in well till ready to use it on road tours. No other real easy way to get inside. Also have set of 2-ways bought at Sears on sale. Either way works.

tealvette

Thanks for the pointer. I felt that that was the only way also but wanted to check with helpful forum members.

I have had for years the 2 way radios but also use the CB. in the '99 Caravan we ran into two major accidents on the Interstate, one closed the Interstate in Charleston, WV :smash: and the CB allows you to talk with the truckers and find an alternative route! The two ways can't help with that and hearing where the Smokeys hide :eek:

JTE

I have the kit from Eckler's. It came with a nice grommet to place in the rear fiberglass behind the inside rear panels. The coaxial cable is also a preset length for the NGP no ground plane antenna. You will also need an SWR meter to tune the antenna properly. I also painted mine to match the car.

JTE

Here's a pic.

DaWiz2000HT

Rubber Duck to C-5, GOT You Ears On!!!!!!! :jester :jester :D :D :D

SEAMOORE

I ran mine inside the car like Kenrobb said but i went a little further. I routed the coax under the carpet up to the lip behind the seats and the came over the lip and down to the cb which is mounted w/velcro on top of the console. The cb stays in the car always and is ready for immediate use.
It's come in handy many times to get around accidents, get directions, get smokey locations, etc, I also have the two-ways which is great for carvans but not worth anything when traveling alone. I have the Corvette Buddy antenna system and it works great (the license plate bracket type)

tds69tx

Tealvette---

I stand corrected----didn't that many people still used the CB's. So---truck on there "Good Buddy"! :smash:

:seeya

Arkay

I have a dual-band (VHF/UHF) ham radio that I use all the time in a C5 Coupe. I have the radio mounted on a bean-bag laptop desk that rides in the passenger seat. When I have a passenger, I just move the bean-bag desk to the rear. I use a dual-band mag mount antenn in the hatch area on a thin sheet of black steel. The following picture is not that great but it should give you an idea. You shoud be able to find a shot CB mag mount




On my previous car (96 Black C4 Coupe) I used a thru-the-glass behind the rear view mirror. Radio Shack sells a CB version of the same antenna.






[Modified by Dick Kriss, 2:23 PM 9/9/2002]

Mike Mercury

An option... although not a well performing one... you could go with a handheld CB. One that can use a cigarplug power source. RatShack has a couple small sized units.

JCR

How does the NGP (no ground plane ) antenna perform?. Any good or is it a waste of time. How much range would you think? Thanks

tealvette

tds69tx...........

I guess we got off on the wrong foot :smash:. Your initial comments seemed quite sarcastic and unnecessary :D. I appreciate your most recent reply. :cheers: Always knew Texans stood tall!

Thanks for taking the time in writing your 2nd comments.

Keep on cruising in that Vette!


[Modified by tealvette, 5:53 PM 9/9/2002]


[Modified by tealvette, 5:56 PM 9/9/2002]

tealvette

JCR.......

I had the NGP in the ’93 convertible (Corvette Buddy Unit) like SEAMORE referred to).

I am moving it to the '02, I have had very good success with the NGP antenna. Of course the reception /transmission range is not as good as a metal plane antenna, it work's quite well however. Distance is relative to geographic location, time of day congestion, interference etc.

I will say that I have tried them all and the NGP outperforms the through the windshield type and the hand held cigarette type unit Mike Mecury referred to.

In the “ideal” environment I have gotten out over 2.5 miles with excellent clarity. Hope this answers your question.
:seeya

JTE

I usually get about 5 miles of transmitting range with the NGP. The SWR is about 1.8 on channel 19. Ideal is 1.0. I have tried the through the glass on the C5 and, was lucky to get about 1 mile. In my other vehicle which has a base loaded coil type antenna, I get about 5-10+ miles. I travel quite a bit on the interstate going to work and so forth. It always helps to know where the smokies are at. :yesnod:

Mike Mercury

we were told by Antenna Specialists that on glass antennas have between 20 and 25% loss (depending on the operating frequency).

If you can't/won't drill a hole, they are great alternatives. But like everything... the convienence comes with a performance loss.