What are good antenna characteristics and what are some good mobile antennas?
Antennas have to be designed to transmit and receive on the band that you are using. CB is located in the 11-meter band. (They call it that because the wavelength is about 11 meters.) Mobile CB antennas range in height from a little under 2 feet (24 inches) up to 108 inches. The 1/4 wave whip (108″) will offer better reception and transmission capability over a shorter, coiled or “loaded” antenna. VERY short antennas, or multiple antennas that aren’t “phased” properly will result in a very poor signal. Remember, for co-phasing antennas they must be at least 1/4 wavelength apart to gain any benefit; which, for the 11 meter band, is around 9 feet. Most cars aren’t wide enough to allow antennas to be placed 9 feet apart. The other characteristic of co-phasing is that it is much more directional than a single antenna. It will transmit and receive MUCH better along the axis of the car than sideways off the car. So, if you want an omnidirectional rediation pattern, you don’t want co-phasing
