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Grounding a CB antenna in composite bed

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by paintpimp, Jun 29, 2017.

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  1. Jun 29, 2017 at 7:37 PM
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    paintpimp

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    paintpimp [OP] Well-Known Member

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    im looking to install a fire stick on the bed rail but was wondering if anyone new if it was grounded or if anything on the composite bed is grounded at all or if I would have to run a ground strap.
     
    paintpimp, Jun 29, 2017
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  2. Jun 29, 2017 at 9:07 PM
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    Braves95

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    Braves95 Go Clemson Tigers

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    People have taken the ground strap to the inside of the rear tail light as a ground. Depending how close u r installing.
     
    Braves95, Jun 29, 2017
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  3. Jun 30, 2017 at 3:46 AM
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    Killowatt

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    Killowatt Well-Known Member

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    I was told to get a NGP (no ground plane) antenna, firestick makes them also. What's anyone's thoughts on this?
     
    Killowatt, Jun 30, 2017
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  4. Jun 30, 2017 at 4:19 AM
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    gpb

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    gpb Well-Known Member

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    In a conventional antenna setup the metal surface the antenna is attached to serves as the ground plane.

    Since plastic rail toppers and composite beds are non-conductive, they can't serve as the ground plane.

    So... yes to using a NGP type antenna and yes to running a ground strap. Go to the frame or substantial metal component that is well connected to the frame. There may be a good connection point inside the metal bodywork the tail light attaches to, but don't just connect to a taillight ground wire.
     
    gpb, Jun 30, 2017
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  5. Jun 30, 2017 at 4:22 AM
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    seanislegend

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    seanislegend Well-Known Member

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    I have a 2008, in the fire stick is mounted in the bed near the window. I will post a picture in a bit, but how do you run a ground strap? I am new to CB radios and my truck came with one I want to beef up the system.
     
    seanislegend, Jun 30, 2017
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    paintpimp[OP] likes this.
  6. Jun 30, 2017 at 4:42 AM
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    jowybyo

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    jowybyo Well-Known Member

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    I just mounted my to the cleat rail in the bed.
     
    jowybyo, Jun 30, 2017
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  7. Jun 30, 2017 at 4:46 AM
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    jowybyo

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    jowybyo Well-Known Member

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    I used this mount with a Firestick (I think it's NGP, but I'm not sure)

    https://www.rightchannelradios.com/...ounts/products/firestik-3-way-cb-mirror-mount

    I just used t-nuts to mount it to the metal clear rail in the bed. No ground strap. CB works really well actually.
     
    jowybyo, Jun 30, 2017
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  8. Jun 30, 2017 at 10:12 AM
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    seanislegend

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    seanislegend Well-Known Member

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    20170630_083929.jpg 20170630_083921.jpg

    Is this setup good?
     
    seanislegend, Jun 30, 2017
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  9. Jun 30, 2017 at 10:16 AM
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    TacoFister

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    TacoFister Well-Known Member

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    Chassis Ground...
     
    TacoFister, Jun 30, 2017
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  10. Jun 30, 2017 at 6:18 PM
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    paintpimp

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    paintpimp [OP] Well-Known Member

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    That's exactly how I'm mounting mine
     
    paintpimp, Jun 30, 2017
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  11. Jun 30, 2017 at 6:33 PM
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    Sandman614

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    Sandman614 Ex-Snarky TWSS elf, Travis #hotsavannahdotcom

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    This is not a sufficient ground.
     
    Sandman614, Jun 30, 2017
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  12. Jun 30, 2017 at 8:18 PM
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    seanislegend

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    seanislegend Well-Known Member

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    I posted pics of my setup, do i need a ground strap to the frame? It's mounted to the composite part
     
    seanislegend, Jun 30, 2017
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  13. Jun 30, 2017 at 8:24 PM
    #13
    Sandman614

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    Sandman614 Ex-Snarky TWSS elf, Travis #hotsavannahdotcom

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    :notsure: is it an NGP antenna, how is your SWR?
     
    Sandman614, Jun 30, 2017
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  14. Jun 30, 2017 at 8:25 PM
    #14
    Sandman614

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    Sandman614 Ex-Snarky TWSS elf, Travis #hotsavannahdotcom

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    Sandman614, Jun 30, 2017
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  15. Jun 30, 2017 at 8:47 PM
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    seanislegend

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    seanislegend Well-Known Member

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    How can i tell if it is ngp? Here is my antenna

    20170630_234230.jpg
    And here is my swr with mic held down

    20170630_234334.jpg
     
    seanislegend, Jun 30, 2017
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  16. Jun 30, 2017 at 9:48 PM
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    Sandman614

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    Sandman614 Ex-Snarky TWSS elf, Travis #hotsavannahdotcom

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    I don't think there is anything you can tell by looking at the antenna. What antenna did you buy? You're not measuring SWR in that pic.
     
    Sandman614, Jun 30, 2017
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  17. Jul 1, 2017 at 4:40 AM
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    jowybyo

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    jowybyo Well-Known Member

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    I did. It was good.
     
    jowybyo, Jul 1, 2017
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  18. Jul 5, 2017 at 4:36 PM
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    seanislegend

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    seanislegend Well-Known Member

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    20170705_192731.jpg I added this and grounded it to the frame, i checked ground first it was a good ground

    20170705_192656.jpg this is with the truck idling. CAL turned all the way up. Is this good?
     
    seanislegend, Jul 5, 2017
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  19. Jul 5, 2017 at 4:54 PM
    #19
    Braves95

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    Braves95 Go Clemson Tigers

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    It needs to come down more. 1.5 or lower.
     
    Braves95, Jul 5, 2017
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  20. Jul 5, 2017 at 4:55 PM
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    Braves95

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    Braves95 Go Clemson Tigers

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    Braves95, Jul 5, 2017
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