HAM Antennas

[RBBailey]

So I've got the Yaesu 2900; simple, rugged, powerful, and I need to finally get around to hooking it up.

I had it on the Disco years ago, and just went with a whip antenna because it was super cheap. Mounted on the rear tire carrier, and extending about 12" above the roof rack, it really did a good job back there. However, I want something... less like a 1970s CB.

So, what affordable, compact options are you using on the 110? And where are you putting it?

 

[Overlander]

Right smack in middle of your roof is optimal. every SME says that. Of course, that's a problem for parking garages and off pavement driving. I prefer front bull bar. That's where it's put in Oz and Africa where comms means life.

I don't like the back because half the antennae can have interference to the front due to the back of the vehicle. Soft top, no issue though.

 

[pmatusov]

It is worth mentioning that FFR Series and Defender trucks had antennae mounted on the front fenders. They must have known something.

 

[javelinadave]

Diamond brand antenna on the roll cage light tab.

 

[RBBailey]

Diamond has always been top of the list. What lengths are people happy with?

EDIT: I just realized that if I do go with a bumper mount, getting a magnetic base would make sense. Easy to remove to keep from thieves when not using it.

 

[javelinadave]

A bumper mount would call for a much taller antenna due to the truck shadowing the signal. For a magnetic mount on a roof rack you could go with this:
https://www.dxengineering.com/searc...sh:black+mobile-antenna-power-rating:70-watts

 

[rocky]

I use Midland GMRS-but would love a permanently mounted externally antennae rather than the dinky mag mount unit it came with. Not seeing anything whenever I've looked. suggestions?

 

[Adam]

I use Midland GMRS-but would love a permanently mounted externally antennae rather than the dinky mag mount unit it came with. Not seeing anything whenever I've looked. suggestions?

GMRS - Base & Mobile Antennas

DPD Poductions offers four antenna models for GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service). These antennas will work with any licensed GMRS radio that offers a way to connect an external antenna, including numerous Midland models, such as the: MXT100, MXT105, MXT115, MXT275 and MXT400. The list of GMRS...

dpdproductions.com

 

[chris snell]

I have the 2900. I use a Diamond NR770HB antenna and would never buy anything else. They are incredibly, laughably strong. I ran my through a cedar tree and it bent the wing of the truck but didn't bend the antenna. < 1.1 SWR out of the box with a Diamond cable and mount.

 

[chris snell]

It is worth mentioning that FFR Series and Defender trucks had antennae mounted on the front fenders. They must have known something.

Yep.

 

[RBBailey]

The unused radio antenna spot on the wing, near the windshield maybe?

One guy I know put a short antenna on the upper rear quarter because, "it's as far away from the alternator as I can get it."

 

[javelinadave]

Anywhere on the wing is fine and I wouldn't worry about the alternator.
This may muddy the water a bit for you but it does offer a bit of insight.
http://kv5r.com/ham-radio/mobile-antenna-placement/

 

[chris snell]

Put it on the wing and stop worrying about it.

 

[RBBailey]

Well, the question is how. The existing hole for the radio antenna could work if the diameter is good. Any other spot would require new holes.

 

[javelinadave]

Well, the question is how.

https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/dmn-c101

 

[chris snell]

Ding ding ding ding

 

[pmatusov]

The dual-band antenna on my LWB is mounted on the right side of the front cowl using one 1/4-20 bolt.

 

[RBBailey]

I've got a straight end version of that cable. Might be for sale soon.

Going to have to go to Ham Radio Outlet to make this happen. This is the type of thing I want to see IRL.