Dual antennas on a M1009 - radio & CB

[four_by_ken]

I have the military antenna mounts still on my M1009. I am keeping them and I would like to put whips on both sides.

My intention is to use one for a CB and the other for a FM radio antenna. Think this is possible? Will a CB antenna work as a FM radio antenna ok?

[Brewmenn]

It will probably work fine.
A few things to consider:

FM broadcast is around 3 meter wavelength, so the optimum antenna length, 1/2 wavelength, would be around 4ft 10 in. CB is around 11 meter wavelength so ideally you'd want a about a 16 foot antenna, but very few are as that length would be impractical in most applications, so most are a compromise of a less than optimal fraction of wavelength.

But since your FM radio is only receiving strong signal broadcasts, as opposed to the CB which is trying to both send and receive weak signals, the length of the FM antenna is much less critical. Pretty much any old length of wire will work in most situations, unless you're trying to bring in distant weak stations.

[four_by_ken]

Originally Posted by Brewmenn

It will probably work fine.
A few things to consider:

FM broadcast is around 3 meter wavelength, so the optimum antenna length, 1/2 wavelength, would be around 4ft 10 in. CB is around 11 meter wavelength so ideally you'd want a about a 16 foot antenna, but very few are as that length would be impractical in most applications, so most are a compromise of a less than optimal fraction of wavelength.

But since your FM radio is only receiving strong signal broadcasts, as opposed to the CB which is trying to both send and receive weak signals, the length of the FM antenna is much less critical. Pretty much any old length of wire will work in most situations, unless you're trying to bring in distant weak stations.

Thanks for the response. Thats about what I was hoping for with the FM antenna. Should be much less picky than the CB antenna. Time to get moving on wiring up the 12v to the inside of the truck and get all the radio and CB stuff in.