OK, thanks guys.  Sounds like the only issue would be signal degradation if I transmitted on both at once, which isn't likely to happen.  I want to have both radios operational, so I can be a rolling relay over more distance than CB can cover.  I'll mount the antennas far enough apart that I don't have to worry about contact between them while I bump around on the trails.

The comet mobile antenna folds down at the base for garages and such, so I'm going to use a lip mount on the rear hatch (I bought a very nice mount with the rest of the gear.)  If that doesn't work, I'll fab something up to the roof rack.  My 4' CB antenna is up there on one of the cross bars with a quick disconnect.  It's TALL with the CB antenna on, but since  I only use CB for road trips and trail riding, most of the time antenna is stored inside the vehicle.  The HAM will see more use, but I can fold the antenna down when I need to, and it's significantly smaller than the CB antenna

As for the SWR, thanks for confirming I should be able to just hook it up.  This looks like it will be a relatively easy install, but we'll see how it goes.  Thanks for all the input.

Second question:  If I have the HAM and CB antennas up there at the same time, will they interfere with each other?  I can see using both while on camping/offroad trips, but I don't want to accidentally blow the CB when I transmit on the HAM, since it's got 11 times more power out.

Hello all!

After passing my Tech and General exams a couple of months ago, I just bought my first HAM rig, a Yaesu FT-7900R with a Comet SBB-5 mobile antenna to install on my XTerra.  I'm really looking forward to making first contact, and I've been told the combination of radio and antenna is a winner.  The equipment looks great on my work bench.

I do have one question; I have a SWR meter I used to tune my CB radio a while back.  Can I use this to tune the Yaesu?  Obviously it's much higher power output on much higher freqs, and I am not sure if the CB SWR meter is frequency specific.

Also, are there any recommendations for using this specific setup besides the standard stuff for starting out (local repeaters, clubs, etc.)?  I've got the wiring and all that stuff handled; this is actually a fairly easy vehicle mod compared to some that I've done in the past.  I haven't joined my local amateur radio club yet, but will probably do so in near future.

Thanks for reading,
KK6AEL AR