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The Best Nondirectonal CB/Ham Base Antennas

There are several things to consider when planning to build or purchase an antenna for your base CB or ham radio station. While these two hobbies seem quite similar at first glance, from a technical standpoint they are different. CB radio is confined to a single band, often referred to as "11 Meters." Ham radio operators have access to numerous frequencies across the spectrum as allowed by the Federal Communications Commission. The style of antenna depends on the frequency bands the operator will be using. Power and frequency limitations for CB radio make it only useful for communicating over short distances, so the typical antenna used on-the-go on tops of cars and eighteen-wheel trucks will be just as successful in a home station. In ham radio, the antenna can dictate just how and when the operator will be able to communicate certain distances.

Non-directional or Directional
- In CB radio applications, the distances signals travel is so short that there is no need for a directional antenna. Ham radio applications make the decision more difficult. Directional antennas focus the signal in one direction. The antenna can be installed facing a frequently used direction or feature a motor system so the antenna can be remotely turned as necessary. Non-directional antennas send and receive signals from all directions, but their power is more spread out. The decision revolves around what band you plan to use and how far you expect to communicate. For example, if you plan on using VHF or UHF bands predominantly, there is little need for a directional antenna as these bands are only for short-distance communications. If you want to engage in long distance communications around the world, directional may increase your odds.
Types of Non-Directional Antennas
- A non-directional antenna will be a vertical antenna. It consists of a rod that sticks straight up in the air. Because they have no targeting part to it, there is no complicated arrangement. The length of the antenna is determined by the band it is to be used on. An antenna tuner can allow a single antenna to be used on multiple bands, as long as the antenna is long enough to cover the lowest frequency band. Non-directional antennas do come in portable editions, but in the case of a base station, a standard vertical antenna is the standard solution.
Height
- More important than the type of antenna is where it is installed. The higher the antenna, the better the results will be. Many ham radio operators install non-directional vertical antennas on the roof of their home. For even better results, consider towers. A tower is a construction that exists simply to raise the elevation of the antenna. The tower can start on the ground or be built off of the roof. The antenna sits atop the tower. Towers can get the antenna up over trees and other homes that might provide interference to your signal.
Cabling
- Don't forget about cabling when installing the vertical antenna. A good tower and antenna can be wasted if the wrong cabling is used to connect it to the rig. Use RG-213 coaxial cable when running long distances. It is more expensive, but has much better shielding. Cheaper cable may be okay for small runs where interference is minimal, but don't install a permanent installation without using cabling to take advantage of the vertical antenna's maximum benefit.
Power
- CB radio is limited to one power setting per transmission type. AM (amplitude modulation) transmissions have a maximum power limit of four watts. Single sideband (SSB) transmissions are allowed a ceiling of 12 watts. Due to these limitations, power is not a critical element in a CB radio configuration. Ham radio has different power restrictions for each band. Adding an amplifier to add some extra juice to the signal can make your vertical antenna more effective.

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