Firestick II or Lil Wil?
Jay Martin
Thanks,
Jay
Ryan O'Sullivan
recommended from the local shop)
-Ryan
"Jay Martin" <jl...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:3ABAD7CC...@hotmail.com...
Scott (Unit 69)
A CB wave is about 36 feet long. To efficiently transmit this wave, you
need a minimum of a quarter wave. This can be accomplished with an antenna
that is long physically or electrically. The antenna is electrically
lengthened with coils. Loading coils reduce the current flowing through
the antenna. Since power is the product of voltage and current, loaded
antennas start with a disadvantage. You should use the longest antenna
you dare use on your vehicle. I would never use a 'Lil Wil, it's too
short. I would not use a FS II because the longest they come is 5 feet.
I use a KW-7 exclusively. I was given a KW-4 and it has no ears and
poor transmit in comparison. I was also given a Wilson 1000 mag mount
and I find that to be a minimum for decent radio communication. It works
pretty good for a base loaded unit, but I prefer the full size, properly
grounded antenna mounts. BTW, I've been CBing since 1977. Good luck.
Mad Dog
Citizens Band
varies from 34'@27.405MHz - 34.7'@26.965MHz
Otherwise i agree with you 100%, the "Lil Wil" is a base-loaded 1/4wave
compared to the
"Firestik II" as a top-loaded 5/8wave.
When current is applied to a coil it generates heat, anything left over
after the luvbugs are cooked
is used to create RF energy, loaded antennas rob signal-strength on transmit
and receive.
Any loaded antenna whether it be top, bottom or center-loaded cannot compare
to the 1/4wave
102" whip.
102" whips are not for the inexperienced tuner, they require about 3" added
to their length to
work successfully on 11meter.
If i had to choose a loaded antenna it would be a top-loader because the
antenna see's the
entire signal before it is attenuated by the loading coil, base-loaded
1/4wave's are by far
the worst choice.
If you must have a loaded antenna always choose a antenna with the longest
whip, the coil does nothing but create heat so keep it small if you must
have a loaded antenna.
A lot of drivers think if it costs more it must be better, WRONG.
Wilson's are the biggest joke i have seen on a display
rack......................
P.S., dont click the links.
--
714 Sandpile,
The Mad Dog wavin' good bye
"Scott (Unit 69)" <upp...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:3ABDBF60...@hotmail.com...
Handy Andy
Well, length is the most important part of the "deciding which antenna
to use" problem.
To keep it simple, "use the longest length acceptable to you - and
provide for it".
Lil' Wil is a base loaded, and is less that 4 feet long, in height.
Firestik, comes with various lengths, ranging from 2 feet [not
recommended] on up to 7 feet.
Considering the wide variety of lengths [in Firestik], and the overall
weight and wind drag, the mounting locations and required mounts to
hold these beasts are the hardest part of the selection - once you've
figured out what antenna and length to use.
Lil Wil has a base-loaded mag mount - pre-packaged and ready to go.
The simplest by far, but is only for limited use. Can't take a lot of
power, and with it's small coil design, works very well for local
communication, but what are your needs?
Thats the key word, needs!
Shooting skip? The Lil Wil isn't designed to work with power. But
nothing is impossible. You might be in for a disappointment though
when it comes to long distance contacts.
Firestik? Can do the job, but you need no less than 5 feet long
antennas to do any damage. Or at least have any distant contacts.
Francis is also not out of the question they are lighter in weight and
less overall wind drag, like the Lil' Wil - but you need a mount to
hold it in place and a length of 5 feet [like the Hot Rod model] or
the Amazer [heavier antenna] which is the closest thing to the 102"
whip in that line.
It's up to you, but determine your needs first, then choose and mount
accordingly.
If you don't want to drill, it further limits your options to
mag-mounts or stake mount antennas.
On Thu, 22 Mar 2001 23:57:48 -0500, while the modem was ice fishing
with the Mouse, Jay Martin <jl...@hotmail.com> dissertated the
following:
:+> Trying to decide whats better for my President JFK in a pickup truck.
:+>
:+> Thanks,
:+> Jay
Regards!
:+> Andy <+:
... _
... You know you're a VERSATILE CB'er when... / \
... Your antenna doubles as a fishing rod and / |
... you have the trophies to prove it! 0/ (^)
... |/\ /_\
Bill Eitner
--
Jay Martin
decsion.
Jay