Ramco mirrors & CB antennas

[ritch hwang]

Paul, I had no inkling that a normal radio antenna can be utilized for all
those functions! Are there additional components required other than
splitters?

Something else to consider, I guess. I *do* like the idea of utilizing
just a single antenna provided there is no, or limited downside... hmmm,
the waters surrounding this subject muddying somewhat....>G<

>Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 14:41:01 -0500
>From: "Bartz, Paul" Subject: RE: GMC: Ramco mirrors & CB antennas
>
>Rich:
>
>I use another alternative. With the original radio antenna and two
>splitters, I operate three radio's. An AM/FM, CB, and Beartracker. Makes
>for a very "clean looking" coach. No garbage on the mirror brackets, no
>exterior wires, and no additional holes through the body. In fact, from the
>exterior, no one even knows you have a CB, etc.
>
> Paul Bartz

As always, best regards.

~ Ritch & Betty Hwang ~ Clarkston, MI ~ mailto:rhwang
Visit our home page ~ http://www.concentric.net/~rhwang/
~ =^..^= Trinket ~ the shy Persian kitty ~
~ 76 GMC Birchaven ~ FMCA F249339 ~ RVClub 00930 ~ ICQ# 6408591~
(B}>

 

[bartz paul]

Rich:

No other components. All you do is pull the antenna wire male plug (called
a Motorola type, I believe)out of its socket on the back of the AM/FM radio
and then plug it into one end of an AM/FM/CB splitter box. The splitter is
about the size of a pack of cigarettes. On the other end it has two short
pig tail wires with plugs. You merely insert the RCA type back into the
socket on the AM/FM radio radio and if your installing an AM/FM type
splitter, the other lead will have a female PL-259 fitting that goes to your
CB radio. I ganged together in series, a second splitter for the scanner
radio.

The only downside is a slight reduction in CB range (I notice no degradation
in the AM/FM signal), since your original antenna is not optimized for it.
But I don't consider it much of a compromise. I've been running it since
1994 now.

The nice thing about using a splitter is that they are cheap, G<

>Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 14:41:01 -0500
>From: "Bartz, Paul" Subject: RE: GMC: Ramco mirrors & CB antennas
>
>Rich:
>
>I use another alternative. With the original radio antenna and two
>splitters, I operate three radio's. An AM/FM, CB, and Beartracker.
Makes
>for a very "clean looking" coach. No garbage on the mirror brackets,
no
>exterior wires, and no additional holes through the body. In fact,
from the
>exterior, no one even knows you have a CB, etc.
>
> Paul Bartz

As always, best regards.

~ Ritch & Betty Hwang ~ Clarkston, MI ~ mailto:rhwang
Visit our home page ~ http://www.concentric.net/~rhwang/
~ =^..^= Trinket ~ the shy Persian kitty ~
~ 76 GMC Birchaven ~ FMCA F249339 ~ RVClub 00930 ~ ICQ# 6408591~
(B}>

 

[jim bounds1]

Paul,
Yes, a single antenna can be used for several functions-but

an antenna length is tuned by the wivelength is is to recieve. The average
length of an antenna for FM/AM reception is 31". The lenght of a CB
antenna is 108". The difference is made up with a load coil in line with
the mast.

The problem with a load coil of this type is that while it properly matches
the output of the CB to the antenna, it gobbles up precious output power
and greatly reduces the signal strength actually leaving the antenna and
radiating.

A standard AM/FM antenna uses a different impedance cable which further
degrates the signal. Now, I have set up a combo antenna made them operate
but the SWR tuning was critical and pretty tricky.

If you do not intend to use the CB very much or would only use it in a
convoy or at a rally, the combo antennas may be OK for you, but I would
recomend steering clear of them. You've got plenty of room on the roof and
a spring mounted 1/4 wave loaded CB antenna is not that ugle or in the way!

If you would like, give me a call and I'll give you the model of the
antennas I use.

Hope this helps,
Jim Bounds
- --------------------------

>Ritch
>
>I have had 2 combo antennas on 2 different vehicles. Both of them had
>a lead that went to the car radio and another that went to the CB.
>Both of them had a little box on the CB side. One came from an auto
>parts place and the other came from Radio Shack. Please believe
>me I know nothing about such things------just bought what I was told
>too.
>
>Take Care
>Arch
>
>In a message dated 2/16/99 6:47:21 PM Central Standard Time,

>
>>
>> Paul, I had no inkling that a normal radio antenna can be utilized for all
>> those functions! Are there additional components required other than
>> splitters?
>>
>> Something else to consider, I guess. I *do* like the idea of utilizing
>> just a single antenna provided there is no, or limited downside... hmmm,
>> the waters surrounding this subject muddying somewhat....>G<
>>
>
>
Jim Bounds / Co-op Motor Works Orlando www.gmccoop.com