Ham antenna mount on a 40

SteveLCetc · 04-28-07, 10:13 AM

I'm trying to figure out the best way to mount an antenna on a 40 - since the top is fiberglass, it seems the hood may be the best ground plane - although I had one guy tell me the whole car works as a ground plane anyway.

Anybody have a spring mount? Another consideration is running under low branches...

Any thoughts on that?

Cruiserdrew · 04-28-07, 10:23 AM

I have run a mag mount on the fender, and it works surprisingly well. I was able to access a repeater system from Rubicon springs, so almost be definition, that's very good, since the repeater was down in Cameron Park. You could also weld or bolt on a mounting tab to the roll bar-That would be less redneck and a clean install.

mobi-arc · 04-28-07, 01:27 PM

What about an on-glass antenna. I've got a Radial Larsen and it works like a champ.

http://www.radialllarsen.com/

PressOn · 04-29-07, 08:38 PM

I tried a Pro-Am thru glass a couple of years ago. It worked until the low branches eventually took it off the rig. (Kiss that $40 good bye).

I'm currently going with a hoaky (spelling?) mag mount wired through passenger kick vent. The magnet sits front center just outside the windshield. But... I have dreams of converting the old fashion 40 series AM antenna to a ham stick. Anyone seen this done?

SteveLCetc · 04-29-07, 08:48 PM

I just heard there are some quarter waves that will bend over at a 90 and snap back - I'll see what I can find out...

Cruiserdrew · 04-29-07, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveLCetc

I just heard there are some quarter waves that will bend over at a 90 and snap back - I'll see what I can find out...

There are bunches of antennas that fold 90 degrees, and other extremely flexible antennas. I have one of each. If you really want flexy-look at the Comet SBB1. It is only 18 inches long, is flexible and works great for this type of use.

Beowulf · 04-30-07, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruiserdrew

There are bunches of antennas that fold 90 degrees, and other extremely flexible antennas. I have one of each. If you really want flexy-look at the Comet SBB1. It is only 18 inches long, is flexible and works great for this type of use.

Steve,
I had the SBB1 on my truck when we were testing your install last weekend. I also have the SBB5 that folds 90* and is ~38" high. Both are NMMO mounts if you want to try them on your mount.

-B-

SteveLCetc · 04-30-07, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beowulf

Steve,
I had the SBB1 on my truck when we were testing your install last weekend. I also have the SBB5 that folds 90* and is ~38" high. Both are NMMO mounts if you want to try them on your mount.

-B-

Sounds good - we can try them this weekend.

Thanks
Steve

04-28-07, 10:13 AM	#1
SteveLCetc IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 10821 Posts: 1,218	Ham antenna mount on a 40 I'm trying to figure out the best way to mount an antenna on a 40 - since the top is fiberglass, it seems the hood may be the best ground plane - although I had one guy tell me the whole car works as a ground plane anyway. Anybody have a spring mount? Another consideration is running under low branches... Any thoughts on that? __________________ '78 40, 4" Skyjacked, Aussie Locker, 33" MT's, Warn 8274 '99 4Runner with Jayco Baja Pop-up '04 Corolla LE 5-Sp Yaesu FT-7800R Dual Band VP, High Desert Cruisers Drill Baby Drill

04-28-07, 10:23 AM	#2
Cruiserdrew KI6MIE Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA TLCA# 11734 Posts: 6,950	I have run a mag mount on the fender, and it works surprisingly well. I was able to access a repeater system from Rubicon springs, so almost be definition, that's very good, since the repeater was down in Cameron Park. You could also weld or bolt on a mounting tab to the roll bar-That would be less redneck and a clean install. __________________ Andrew 1971 FJ-40 Rubicon tested, 2F powered, some mods 1976 FJ40 Rusting slowly in the back yard 1984 FJ-60 H55f, 4.11, OME, Daily Driver 1989 FJ-62 117k-son's driver for now-low and slow 1997 FZJ-80 Driveway queen

04-28-07, 01:27 PM	#3
mobi-arc IH8MUD Addict Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 670	What about an on-glass antenna. I've got a Radial Larsen and it works like a champ. http://www.radialllarsen.com/ __________________ '98 Land Cruiser, MOBI-ARC Underhood Welder Equipped, POWER-GATE Dual Battery Isolator, Slee Dual Battery Tray, Long Ranger 180L Aux. Fuel Tank, TJM Nudge-bar, dual Hella HID's, BFG AT 295/75/R16's www.perfectswitch.com Last edited by mobi-arc; 04-28-07 at 01:45 PM.

04-29-07, 08:38 PM	#4
PressOn IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: UP, Michigan Posts: 75	I tried a Pro-Am thru glass a couple of years ago. It worked until the low branches eventually took it off the rig. (Kiss that $40 good bye). I'm currently going with a hoaky (spelling?) mag mount wired through passenger kick vent. The magnet sits front center just outside the windshield. But... I have dreams of converting the old fashion 40 series AM antenna to a ham stick. Anyone seen this done? __________________ 1981 BJ42/Factory smurf blue/PTO Ramsey 03 Volkswagon wagon TDI Only gassers left in my household are my Stihl chainsaws...

04-29-07, 08:48 PM	#5
SteveLCetc IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 10821 Posts: 1,218	I just heard there are some quarter waves that will bend over at a 90 and snap back - I'll see what I can find out... __________________ '78 40, 4" Skyjacked, Aussie Locker, 33" MT's, Warn 8274 '99 4Runner with Jayco Baja Pop-up '04 Corolla LE 5-Sp Yaesu FT-7800R Dual Band VP, High Desert Cruisers Drill Baby Drill

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