Anyone installed a CB in your Mini? Just wondering where did you place the antennae? Greatbear...did I recall that you did this over some weekend?

 

LOL, yes I did.

Currently I am using a magnetic mount antenna sitting next to the Nav sharkfin antenna. I dont have this attached often, only when I think I will need it on a longer trip. I am going to bite the bullet and install a glass-mount antenna towards the rear on the side glass.

I wish I had a better permanent solution, because I like the smooth look of the Nav equipped MINI with nothing sticking out. Unlike my truck, which is bristling with all sorts of antennae, I was trying to keep the MINI clean. The advantage of the glass-mount is the mast can be easily removed, leaving only the pad.

The CB I anstalled was a Cobra 75 WX ST:
Cobra 75 WX ST
This setup has all the controls (and actually most of the unit) contained in the handset, with a small connection box which I mounted under the dash. It also comes with a very handy NOAA weather receiver built in. I am currently fabricating a clip to hold the mic in a handy position on the dash without having to drill holes in the dash. I also plan on changing the green illumination LEDs to orange to match the MINI instrument illumination.
_________________
"Earl Grey" - '03 MCS, DS over DS, 17" R85s, NAV, DSC (often turned off!), Packs #1 and #3, Rally lights, etc, etc. Perf Mods by the boatload, on the way! Fulton, MD. FRS 7-21
Let's Get Small!

 

hey breatbear,

what are you using the CB for? Just wondering

thanks


tony

 

Running moonshine?

 

I use the CB mostly for reports of traffic conditions. Nothing I found works better than a CB for finding out what exactly is going on in a traffic backup than to hear the truckers relaying information back and forth. Also a good source of info regarding the whereabouts of speed traps, etc. The CBs I have also have the NOAA weather radio built in, which is perfect for finding out weather forecasts and conditions. Of course the CB can be used in caravan situations with others which have them. I mostly use FRS radios during drives to talk between those driving together.

 

Hey Greatbear, do you have any links to this window antennae mount?

Thanks,
Sid

 

Maybe we should all read this regarding glass mount CB antennas:

http://www.firestik.com/Tech_Docs/on-glass.htm

 

I realize that on-glass antennas are the worst of the bunch when it comes to performance, but in the close-in usage that I tend to use these setups in, I find them to be adequate. In the case of the MINI, I am willing to trade up some performance for the convenience. A larger magnetic mount antenna wont work in my case, since the small, curvy area of the roof around the glass sunroof does not offer a decent enough surface to keep a 'high performance' (approximately 3-4 foot long) antenna from detaching at highway speeds, so I had been using a smaller, approximately 2 foot mid-loaded mag mount. Those without sunroofs wont have this issue for mag mounts.

I recently picked up a Radio Shack on-glass antenna which I have used on other vehicles with reasonable success. It's far from being a perfect stick, but works well enough for traveling in groups, picking up traffic chatter and the weather bands. The mast is easily unscrewed and stashed in the car if necessary.

 

Your probably right. Sure would be nice if I dared to drill a hole for one of these:

http://www.firestik.com/CatalogFrame.htm

 

hahahahha,
I put a CB in my car too. Looked cool, and It was fun talking to truckers on route 95. I recently took it out, because the dash looked crowded.

neat little thing to have in your car.

=Danny=