Batboard

Hi guys,
It's time to put a UHF antenna on my ride. I've been using standard 1/4 NMO whips for decades with excellent results. I've seen a few members that are liking their Maxrad (PcTel) MPLV's as a lower profile alternative and was thinking of giving it a try. I find a SWR rating of less than 1.5:1 and the antenna is 62 MHz wide. I'm assuming the 1.5:1 is at the resonant point and not accross the bandwith ?
(Can't find any SWR curve chart on this model).

The shorter than a 1/4 wave antennas, AKA Salt Shaker style, will NOT give you any significant bandwidth. Advertisements claim wide range frequency bandwidth, BUT here is the rub... the antenna may be 'tuned' to a frequency within that range, but only works over a very small segment at an acceptable SWR.

Stick with the fat 1/4 wave VHF and UHF antennas. The ones with the large diameter rod, 1/8 inch minimum, that is where you get your broad bandwidth. Like the Comtelco A1511A.

We use some 1/4 wave mobile NMO mount antennas that have a 7/32" dia rod.