CB questions from a total novice

We have a mag mount that we "plonk" in the middle of the roof when out and about. it also means if we knock it off, we simply drag it behind us rather than tear a hole in the roof.
Also, the head unit is attached though the top of the dash(above the heater vents). we use the standard bracket and, using the standard PL-259 plug and power connector, we can easily remove it from the vehicle when not in use. The mag mount also can be removed from the roof and stuck to the back of the rear seats.

Our SWR is about 0.8 - 1.2 across the 40 channels.

We were looking at those rear carrier mounts, but I would probably change the Ariel for a modulator as its a bit stiffer at the base.

As for radiation of the transmission, yes, the center of the roof is the optimum, but you have to understand how the signal radiates from a non central location to work out where the most power is being transmitted if you go for a non central location.

kirkynut wrote:

Mick C wrote: Wow! thanks K-nut and all the others that contributed!

I'm guessing that swapping a CB unit between vehicles (both equipped with antennas and wiring etc) is probably going to be a bit of a pain.

Are handhelds too much of a compromise?

Swopping a CB over to another vehicle that has all the wiring does not need to be a faff but why do it when you can buy a starter pack with everything in so cheaply - just buy 2!

Kirkynut

Very true, but (especially in the current economic climate), saying to SWMBO (and keeper of the purse) 'I'm going to buy a CB, but don't worry - we can use it in both vehicles' has a huge psychological advantage over saying 'not only am I going to purchase a CB, I'm going to buy two of them'