My cb!

[IDIeselman]

7.3 IDI, The Cobra 29 is a classic performer that with a few upgrades makes for a simple good performing and reliable radio. Here's a little something I picked up along the way. 2 antennas for the cb will only really be beneficial if you can get them spaced at least a 1/4 wave apart (approx 9ft) less than that then the benefit is seriously minimised and any gain would be offset by radiation pattern distortion, you'd be as well using one in a central location (ideally roof mounted) for an omni directional radiation pattern, the other problem you would encounter with 2 antennas is co phasing them,as the antennas would be parallel to each other you would have to use a 75 ohm co phase harness to get them matched, using a dummy load on one as you match the other and vice versa. not for the feint hearted if you ain't sure how to do it. Diesel rig drivers can run dual antennas. But that's because the antennas are 9 ft apart! They also transmit bi-directionally. It works for them. It would look awkward to make a dual antenna system work on a pickup truck. Having one antenna on each bumper might work; but it won't work well - because the antennas are below the vehicle's sheet metal. ANY antenna besides a 102 whip with spring or riser to make resonant will be a sacrafice in performance. The top load fiberglass, Fire stick, Skip shooter antennas perform O.K. but at a compromise. If you really want two antennas run one as a dummy or sacrafice performance. The Radio shack SWR meter is a good meter as is the Vanco http://www.sparkyscbshack.com/products/Vanco-Professional-SWR{47}Meter-HF%2dVHF.html

I would not rely on the meter in your radio. If you want to learn more about how and why these things work as they do, go to http://www.worldwidedx.com/forums.php most there are very intelligent and willing to help.