Coax for CB

**KJ Willy** · 04-02-2011, 22:03

2006 TJ, looking to mount antenna on rear drivers side.

Coax cable is a 9 foot cable good or do I need 18 foot?

**warrior** · 04-03-2011, 00:00

Brother you need at least 18'...And with a tunned antenna you will be GTG.roger.
(FirestickII Tunable antenna)

**jsnruth** · 04-03-2011, 08:13

actualloy according to the latest study it is 14.4 feet. i just learned that when i redone mine and it does sound better than the 18

**Navydoc8778** · 04-04-2011, 17:19

Interesting. Do you have a link to the new info? I'd love to read through it!

**KJ Willy** · 04-04-2011, 18:46

I've heard and read things that in increments of 3ft 6/9/12/15/18 and have been able to find 9 and 18 foot lengths.

Was thinking the 9 to avoid all the extra wire but going to go with the Fire wire and can only find it in 18, so I will end up doing that as soon as I figure out how I want to mount the antenna.

**SavageSun4x4** · 04-04-2011, 19:11

Generally speaking the length is not a major factor, you will optimize in increments of 3 ft, but this is like adjusting tire pressure by 1 lb. A factor yes, but not much. What you should pay attention to is NOT coiling you cable. Lots of guys just coil up the excess cable and this can subtract from its performance by varying amounts depending upon how tight the coils are.

**jsnruth** · 04-04-2011, 19:34

i cant remember where i read it i searched again for it but couldnt find it. i did confirm it throught our local CB Shop though. he said he refuses to sell 18' now.

**TeeJ** · 04-04-2011, 22:14

Originally Posted by SavageSun4x4

What you should pay attention to is NOT coiling you cable.

x2, and put any excess cable into a loosely arranged figure 8 pattern.

**rich_1833** · 04-05-2011, 10:09

Originally Posted by SavageSun4x4

Generally speaking the length is not a major factor, you will optimize in increments of 3 ft, but this is like adjusting tire pressure by 1 lb. A factor yes, but not much. What you should pay attention to is NOT coiling you cable. Lots of guys just coil up the excess cable and this can subtract from its performance by varying amounts depending upon how tight the coils are.

I agree. I like to use the least amount I can get away with in 3 ft lengths. Then there's no reason to coil anything. People say 18ft becouse its a full wavelenght on 11 meters. As far as antenna the best mobile would be a 102inch steel whip with a large spring. (That's what all others are compared to). Its just to long for most people to use. I like the wilson antenna. My wilson silverload out did the firestick hands down.