Just installed low-band..need better antenna mount

mikerabbit · Post by **mikerabbit** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 5:39 pm

So, I just finished installing a Low Band 110W Maratrac in 00 chevy Blazer S-10 I have a temp whip antenna mounted on homemade aluminum L bracket on tailgate. Now heres the situation... Moon Roof & Ribs on roof so roof hole is a no-no and I go into parking garages often so that is why I have antenna mounted so low. I only have 2W reflected so this will probably be where the antenna is staying...I just need a better mount.
Thanks for the help
MIKE

NodrogCop · Post by **NodrogCop** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 6:34 pm

Have you tried the NMO L brackets that are commonly used for fender/hood mounts?

I don't know if that fits your situation, but that's all I can think of ...unless you want to put the antenna up on the hood/fender mount.

Gordon

KitN1MCC · Post by **KitN1MCC** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 7:13 pm

Well i always vote for the Ball Spring Whip

mikerabbit · Post by **mikerabbit** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 7:25 pm

Well not a fan of the ball& spring I have looked at those "hatchback/SUV" clamp-on mounts...not sure if they would do the trick though...any feedback on those?
MIKE

jim · Post by **jim** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 8:12 pm

Yuo can put a hole in the roof with ribs and a moonroof.

nmfire10 · Post by **nmfire10** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 8:31 pm

Yea but a Low Band antenna on the roof of an SUV or Truck does not usually work well in combination with a parking garage.

007 · Post by **007** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:47 pm

Ball mount...then people know you're serious!

Post by Pj » Mon Dec 23, 2002 11:13 pm

nmfire10 Posted: 23 Dec 2002 23:31 Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yea but a Low Band antenna on the roof of an SUV or Truck does not usually work well in combination with a parking garage.

What? Don't like the "bing, bing, bing...."?

wa2zdy · Post by **wa2zdy** » Tue Dec 24, 2002 6:04 am

There's a piece of info missing here. A couple actually.

What frequency are you using? That's important as the size of a quarter wave whip is 55 inches at 50MHz, but closer to 96 inches at 30 Mhz.

You also don't tell us what antenna you're using (unless I missed it.) Are you using a quarter wave whip or a base loaded?

The quarter wave on the ball mount is really best overall. But if you're at the lower end of the band it may in fact be impractical. Of course the base loaded antenna will be less effective on the lower frequencies. Low band really is tricky.

I suggest you scroll down a bit and see what other threads have been posted on this very subject. Low band antennas have been prominent the past couple of weeks in this forum.

Good luck,