Batboard

I want to run a mobile setup by you guys and get some input.

I have a 99' Ford Explorer that currently has a UHF x9000 with a 1/4 wave NMO mount antenna on the roof and a BC780 scanner with a L-mount Hustler antenna on the drivers side fender/hood. I also have a yaesu FT1500 ham radio but no antenna yet. All of this is nicely mounted onto the factory cubby/console. I Know it sounds hideous but it looks sharp. I would like to continue using this approach and stay away from vehicle consoles.

Here's the problem. I want access to Low Band, VHF and UHF but I dont wants lots of goofy antennas on my car. The x9000 is not narrowband capable so it will have to go. I am in a certain part of CT where everything seems to be crossbanded.... This new setup will be mostly for public safety but I would also like to get back on the ham bands (2m/70cm).

So far I have the antenna part figured out. I want to use a Austin Spectra w/ mulitplexer where the scanner antenna was. The radio part has me stumped because I want ham bands but need the Motorola MDC1200 feature. Would Spectra's work for me or CDM1250's? I have a remote head Low Band Maxtrac in case the Spectra scenario works out.

the cdm1250 or 1550 will work best, the spectra won't do narrow band either unless it's an astro.

Great, that helps a lot. I wasnt sure if they were narrow band capable. I might be able to get my hand on a VHF astro spectra but I already have all the progamming gear and familiarity with the CDM's.

So does anyone have any experience with the Austin Spectra multiband antenna?

just remember that multi-band antenna's are usually a compromise....

they usually get the highest gain at higher frequencies, and zero,sometimes "negative" gain, on the lower frequencies(VHF)

Yes I am aware of that. But I dont want three seperate antennas on my car. The questions was does anyone have any direct experience with an Austin Spectra antenna.