AT-6666 Radio Antenna Improvements

[AgentJeffy]

Okay, I've got the AT-6666 and I can hear plenty, but having a hard time TX to the people I can hear so I'm trying to see if there's any improvement to be had in the antenna system. So I have a number of potential solutions I'd like to explore with some people more seasoned in the hobby than I am.

1. Lets assume I don't change the mounting location at all. Currently I have a 4' Firestik FSII mounted on a door jamb mount just above my left rear taillight on a 2003 Xterra. Currently there's about 1' of the antenna above the roofline. Compared side by side, which will perform better, the 4' FSII I have or a 5' FSII? Is the foot really worth the difference? The ratings of both antenna's far exceed the stock output of the AT-6666.
2. Getting a base loaded magnetic roof mounted antenna.
3. Getting a center loaded antenna mounted in the same location I currently have the 4' FSII mounted (I may have to raise the mounting location to get that coil above the roofline).
4. Maybe a 102' whip mounted on my off-road bumper? I think this is probably the least desirable option as it's going to be smacking the car behind me on the highway lol.

Just figure that I've got a radio that can put down a decent signal, just want to maximize the potential it already has. I skipped from NC to OH yesterday but that was ONCE and I've been trying for days now. I'd like to at least TRY and get some skip each day. Or better the chance of it.

 

[jkp1]

Put a Wilson 1000 mag mount in the center of the roof.

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

Mag mount in center of roof and more power.

 

[AgentJeffy]

Put a Wilson 1000 mag mount in the center of the roof.

You really think the Wilson 1000 will outperform the FSII in 5'? Hmm... I may have overlooked them for no reason then... Are they somewhat durable? I do take this rig off road rather frequently in some dense mountains...

Mag mount in center of roof and more power.

I figured the power in the AT-6666 was decent, you really think I need an amp for this thing?

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

If you can hear people that can't hear you, then you need more power or more antenna or both. More power is easier to do than more antenna in a mobile environment.

 

[hotrod]

i chose the predator 10k in center of roof.. this is the best mounting location. a firestick 5ft mounted on roof maybe better idk. id change mounting location first imnho

 

[jkp1]

I use the Wilson because I hit a lot of trees and it flexes. I don't know if it transmits better or not. I'm happy with the receive.

 

[CB590]

I did 5' FSii on my pickup on my back rear quarter near my tail light so I'd be a clear 2' over my roofline and my cap that in sometimes use.

I would say unscrew the 4' FS you got (uses 3/8-24 thread) and order up both the FS5 and 102" whip (both same thread) and try each one out. Send back other to the big A company..

Try both in empty parking lot along your normal routes to check reach as well.

The 102' should be over your cab by about 5' which should work awesome imo.. It won't whip much at highway speeds like you think, it's thin.. maybe add tennis ball near your body of your suv to keep paint from possible whip back when off roading..

 

[357magnum]

I'm not a FS guy , but they work , just had to help a friend w/ a 5' mounted in the wrong place in his truck bed , only @ 2 1/2 feet sticking over his cab . Receive was awesome , bit so is my Stryker SRA-10a on my Explorer , it's got better ears than my A-99 on my Cobra 2k base ( A-99's have no ears ) His problem mounted there for some reason he picks up a lot of interference from things in his truck especially humming from his headlight switch when on .

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

I'm not a FS guy , but they work , just had to help a friend w/ a 5' mounted in the wrong place in his truck bed , only @ 2 1/2 feet sticking over his cab . Receive was awesome , bit so is my Stryker SRA-10a on my Explorer , it's got better ears than my A-99 on my Cobra 2k base ( A-99's have no ears ) His problem mounted there for some reason he picks up a lot of interference from things in his truck especially humming from his headlight switch when on .

Is the Stryker on your Explorer a mag mount? Just wondering because I have an Explorer with a Sirio 5000 mag mount seems to work well.

 

[CB590]

99 K2500.. pic of my 5' FSii.. runs my C29 and RM203 amp just fine. No SWR issues either.. and yes I need to get some SS screws to replace the duds on the mount point..

Did skip to San Antonio TX from Scranton PA last year with it and just got Wisconsin the other day in WM parking lot on lunch without the 203..

 

[FL Native]

when not on center of roof you become directional...… this is why top center of roof is best. I bet when you hear someone you cant talk to if you turn yout truck around you will then be able to talk to them.

I second the Wilson 1000 on a magmount center of roof.

 

[RT431]

I have a Wilson 1k mag mount on my Silverado Crewcab, and the antenna is about 8-10" from the rear of the cab. Tuned well there, talk all over with a stock Uniden 980SSB.

 

[743SEPA]

Sirio fighter and a Boomer 250 here. Works great with the 6666!

 

[hotrod]

99 K2500.. pic of my 5' FSii.. runs my C29 and RM203 amp just fine. No SWR issues either.. and yes I need to get some SS screws to replace the duds on the mount point..

Did skip to San Antonio TX from Scranton PA last year with it and just got Wisconsin the other day in WM parking lot on lunch without the 203..

View attachment 29949

how u mount that ??looks great i used firesticks too many yrs ago.. got me re-thinking