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Military antenna conversion to AM/FM car radio

papakb

Well-known member
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Location
San Jose, Ca
The only time antenna impedance / frequency is important is when transmitting because a bad impedance match will cause power to be reflected back to the transmitter and that can damage the output stage. A receiving antenna gathers RF energy and feeds it to the receiver so in general the longer the antenna is the better it works because it gathers more RF energy out of the air. On a vehicle you have length restrictions but almost anything will work. The VSQ antennas were designed to work on the 420-450 Mhz region but will work fine as a receiving antenna. That's why the "All American" coat hanger is so popular!
 
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kromane

New member
18
1
3
Location
Catonsville, MD
Sorry to be a year late to the party:) Did you use the base AND antenna shown at link or just the base and different antenna? I'd appreciate part#s, description/brand and where you bought base, antenna (if not the military antenna), and antenna wire/connections/information from radio. I'm radio/electronics stupid and there are no brick & mortar radio shacks anymore. Thanks.
 

juanprado

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
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Metairie/La (N'awlins)
I only have the set up as a static display on my 5 ton not hooked up or functional so I am afraid I can not help.....

I bought on ebay from an electronics liquidator several years ago that were in installations kits with wiring & radio mounts. I flipped some but no longer have any extra.
 

JEB

Active member
130
144
43
Location
Colbert, WA
Here is a wild idea...
Perhaps you could try the avionics shop at a local general aviation airport? They should know about antennas...at least more than the kid at a car audio shop.

Also, don't some CB radios use long, thick antennas that look like military units? I think I have seen some in 18-wheelers.
 
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aconway

Member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
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56
18
Location
Kansas
Here is a web-based idea...
Perhaps you could try the avionics shop at a local general aviation airport? They should know about antennas...at least more than the kid at a car audio shop.

Also, don't some CB radios use long, thick antennas that look like military units? I think I have seen some in 18-wheelers.
Looks like a good ole boy... ( your basset Hound ) Lol.....
 
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