Looking for a perfect Whip Antenna for your car or RV?
We are all bound to travel, either to meet friends, to work, or even on long vacations. Even among the fun experiences, you will have during the travel, you will still need to get updates from some of your favorite stations, be it news, entertainment, or even weather forecasts.
These updates can only be received perfectly with the help of a perfect Whip Antenna. This article on the Exclusive Firestik KW7 review discusses one of the best whip antennas for the job.
Looking for a perfect Whip Antenna for your car or RV? Check out the Firestik KW7 (Model# Balck-KW7-B, Red-KW7-R, Blue-KW7-BL, White-KW7-W, Neon Pink-KW7-P, Neon Yellow-KW7-Y) CB antenna, You will be impressed.
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Firestik Antennas have been in the market since 1975 and has proven to be one of the most reliable companies in providing whip-only antenna solutions.
Their antennas are uniquely made and have been offering outstanding service over time. Among all other Firestik antenna models, this article will discuss exclusively the Firestik KW7 antenna model. First off, let us start by pointing out its advantages and limitations.
Why do we like the Firestik KW7?
- High-quality design
- The antenna is long enough to ensure excellent signal transmission. The ‘7’ in ‘KW7’ translates to that the antenna is 7-foot long.
- This antenna spots an easy-to-install profile.
- Durable – This antenna is made from fiber-glass alloy material that is resistant to wear and tear.
- Easy to use/tune.
Why do we NOT like the Firestik KW7
- Due to its length, this antenna will sometimes experience performance-based challenges while working in extremely windy and shaky situations. This may lead to the breakage of the antenna.
This antenna is most suitable for drivers/car owners who can’t go without receiving updates on what’s going on around. The antenna is made to be easily installed on cars or RVs, where it helps in signal acquisition. It comes in four colors; Red, Black, White, Blue, Yellow, and Pick Moreover, it is easy to use so you will not have a tough time operating it while at the same time; driving.
Firestik KW7 Design and Feature
The Firestik KW7 is a 7-foot long ¾ wave CB radio Antenna from Firestik that can be used on your car, trailer, or truck for signal acquisition. It is 100% American-made; thus durable. However, to strike a balance between ruggedness and flexibility, the whip-only antenna’s shaft is custom blended with a glass-fiber reinforcement. Its base is 3/8’’ threaded to make it a common mounting option for Firestik accessories and related mounts. It has a ‘lug nut’ effect that is responsible for distressing the antenna as well as preventing vibrations from slowly loosening it from its mount.
Like all other antennas, its material is UV and waterproof, making it able to withstand the harsh outdoor climate. It is also designed to be pigment-proof and will not stain from ordinary unwanted pigments.
Firestik KW7 Performance
Regarding the quality performance of this whip-only antenna, I can confidently say that it is among the best-performing whip antennas out there.
After its manufacture, Firestik makes sure to pass all the antennas through various performance-based tests as well as tests to determine their durability.
The factory bench tests run on the antenna models are also important in checking how the antennas react to different frequencies and wavelength exposures. After all, the final product in the market will be the perfect Whip Antenna.
Frequency
The KW7 is rated at 700 watts, with a ¾ wave working wavelength. This provides the hi-performance you require and in the process maximizes the transmission of broadcasting signals.
This antenna, however, is programmed to receive NOAA-based emergency weather alerts that will be instrumental in prior travel as well as dressing plans. National Weather broadcasts among other important update notices come in handy with this Whip Antenna.
Installing this whip antenna is one of the preliminary steps toward good reception. Here is a quick way on how to get that done.
The antenna’s base is threaded to allow for effortless screwing into the mounting position. After screwing it in, connect the antenna’s coax to your transmitter. Look for the waterproof sealant to seal the connection in the aim to bar water from getting in. Later on, performance tuning on your antenna to check whether it is working perfectly. By doing that, you will have completed the antenna installation.
Important to note is that on some occasions, the installation of this antenna will require mounting brackets. This will depend on the mounting position as well as the nature of the car’s chassis. Moreover, if there was a previous coating, either by powder-based insulators or paint, it has to be removed before the installation; then put back later.
The Firestik antennas are ground-plane dependent. This means that their installation solely depends on the orientation of the ground they’re mounted on. Moreover, they will require mounting on metallic surfaces and nothing short of that. When you choose to use the antenna with a receiver, you should first test the antenna by passing it across your radio’s operating frequency. You may risk damaging your antenna transmitter’s circuitry if you opt to use the antenna before testing it.
However, if you are into shorter antenna models, you can try the other Firestik models, namely Firestik KW2, Firestik KW3, Firestik KW4, Firestik KW5, and Firestik KW6. They are 2,3,4,5 and 6 feet long respectively. They will offer the same service as the Firestik KW7.
Related: 11 Best Firestik CB Antenna Reviews
A Final Words of the Firestik KW7 Review
In light of the above, we all need a whip antenna that will help us receive important updates on our travel expeditions.
In this regard, the Firestik brought you some of the best whip-only antennas that will surely suit your needs. This article exclusively discusses the Firestik KW7 amid offering additional tips and tricks for better performance. I hope you found it helpful.
FAQs related to Firestik KW7
1. How do I tune my Firestik CB Antenna?
Tuning the Firestik CB radio Antenna is an easy operation to perform. You will require a jumper lead, a pen, and paper as well as an SWR meter.
- Locate a place away from trees and tall buildings. Moreover, you can opt to stay within the car for a more precise and accurate reading.
- Connect the SWR meter. Disconnect the antenna-car wires and connect them to the SWR meter so that you only have the antenna and meter connected.
- Connect your radio with the XMIT or Transmitter-labelled SWR meter.
- Take note of the readings on the meter.
- Turn your radio on and go to Channel 1.
- Press and hold the microphone button.
- Reach to the ADJUST button. On some stereos, it’s labeled as the Set button.
- While still holding the microphone key, switch the device to the REF or SWR button.
- Record the reading.
- Let go of the transmit key.
- Go to channel 40 and repeat the same procedure.
With the two readings recorded, you will be obliged to decide whether to lengthen the antenna or shorten it. Here’s how to make the decision. You will have to shorten the antenna if channel 40 reads over channel 1. On the opposite, lengthen the antenna.
2. Do Firestik antennas need to be grounded?
No. what is important is that you ensure a metal-to-metal contact between the antenna and your vehicle’s chassis.
3. What is the perfect height of a CB Antenna?
A perfect CB Antenna is supposed to be around 5-10 feet above your roof.
4. How do I know that my CB Antenna is faulty?
If the antenna loses its signal acquisition capability, then it is bound to a problem and needs checking.
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