How to Ground a Magnetic CB Antenna – CB Antenna Grounding Instructions

When you think about it, the task of grounding a magnetic CB antenna can seem daunting. But that’s far from the truth. All you have to do is to keep a few things in mind and you will be able to ground it yourself without any external help.

To help you with this endeavor, we have listed out the process along with additional useful information. Please keep reading.

Where to Around a CB Antenna Mount?

The first step is to learn where to ground your mount. The location is very important and will determine the performance of your CB antenna.

The thumb rule here is to place it such that it uses the highest possible amount of metal of your car. You may need ground straps to bring the metal together. Make sure you do so in different locations instead of using the strap right from the mount to the battery. This will protect your antenna from negative power lead.

If you have problems even after connecting on what you assumed was good ground, we suggest you look at alternative locations. You can choose the one that works best.

How to Test the CB Antenna Mount Ground?

One of the easiest ways to check is to run through the continuity. It should be seamless from the mount all the way to the ground. If it is, it means that your antenna is well-grounded. Otherwise, it isn’t.

You can also use a multi-meter to test the CB antenna mount ground. This device will tell you where the electric signal is passing through without problems. The red and black probes will work in both locations. You can use either of them.

How to Ground a Magnetic CB Antenna?

Now that you have the basics covered, let’s go through the steps of grounding a CB antenna:

• Start with the first probe. This needs to lay on the antenna mount. Lay it flat on the surface such that it has no contact with the vehicle.
• Now, move to the second probe and bring it in contact with the battery’s negative terminal. Be very careful while doing this because you should not touch the positive terminal of your battery.

Note: Sometimes, you won’t be able to place the probes in the proper locations because of the distance. In this case, you should find another ground and make use of it for the second probe. 

Even though the installation process is 2 steps long, it requires time and due discretion. Ground a CB antenna cannot happen in haste. 

People Also Ask

We have been receiving questions about CB antennas in the past few weeks. We have answered them here:

1) Do Magnetic CB Antennas Need Grounding?

Yes, they do. 

2) How High Should a CB Base Antenna Be?

It has to be 60 feet high.

3) Does Coax Length Affect SWR?

No, it does not.

4) Are CB Amplifiers Illegal?

Yes, CB amplifiers are illegal. You cannot use them with your CB radio. If caught, you will be prosecuted.

5) Are CB Radios still Used in 2021?

Yes, they are still popular especially among truckers who have been using them for a couple of decades now.

6) How do you Adjust a CB Antenna?

• Tune to channel 1
• Press and hold the microphone button
• Use the SET or ADJUST knob on the SWR meter to tune the antenna
• Turn the knob until you reach the end range
• Now, with the microphone button still held down, move the SWR switch to SWR or REF

7) Is a Longer CB Antenna Better?

Yes, it is, because it increases the reach.

8) How Far Apart Should Dual CB Antennas Be?

They should at least be 5 inches away. For optimal performance, we recommend a distance of 8-9 inches.

Conclusion

What are you waiting for? Go on and ground your CB antenna without any problems! If you run into issues, though, you can always write to us and we will help you out. All the best!