dual band antenna on FJ40-where?

[GJCruiser]

Can anyone provide guidance as to mount/antenna locations on stock fj40 with hard top. I have a bullbar, but have seen mixed reviews regarding that location. That would be my preference but I'm looking for better ideas. The Larsen NMO2/70B has been recommended, but I haven't purchased anything yet.

Thanks,

KD0CHD

[FJ40_owner]

Originally Posted by GJCruiser

Can anyone provide guidance as to mount/antenna locations on stock fj40 with hard top. I have a bullbar, but have seen mixed reviews regarding that location. That would be my preference but I'm looking for better ideas. The Larsen NMO2/70B has been recommended, but I haven't purchased anything yet.

Thanks,

KD0CHD

I am on a different PC but do a search for my username in this section. (pics) I have a dual band ant welded to my rear tire carrier. I t works OK. As I would prefer full 5/8 on both band using a duplexer.

IH8WEAK signals

[mrlocksmith]

You can allways put a larson on-the glass antenna somewhere. I had one on a saturn for years.
Mark

[Advent]

If you don't fold the windshield down, mount it to the cowling. Sure makes wiring easy.

[Flyingdog5000]

The problem you run into with mounting an antenna on a offroad vehicle is the compromise between protecting the antenna and providing a good location for the antenna to work well.

Most vehicle antennas require a counterpoise, or ground, to work well. For that the best place is usually right in the middle of your steel roof. For protection, not to mention not wanting to drill a hole in the middle of your roof, that can be a poor location.

Mounting on a rear bumper or spare tire carrier, while protecting the antenna from tree limbs, can have a very detrimental effect on propogation, often reducing the gain of the antenna by several dB.

I use a Diamond NR770B dual band (2m/70cm) antenna on my 100 series. It's currently mounted on a fender lip mount and grounded to the body. I get excellent signal reports from most listeners whether working repeaters or simplex. Formerly, I ran the same antenna mounted on an ARB combo bar on a 2000 Landrover Discovery. It also worked great in nearly every direction.

An interesting aside; I used to frequently chase down aircraft ELTs using my ICOM 2720 radio and the setup on the Landrover. The bumper mount gave just enough directivity to the antenna that I would get about on S-unit difference depending on whether the ELT was in front of me or behind me. Since most accidental activations took place at the local airport, I could triangulate using the truck and my amateur radio tuned to 121.5 Mhz.without having to use more complex DFing gear.

I haven't tried it with the Landcruiser since we got some cool new DF gear that is much easier to use.

Doug W8PM

[Azrocks]

I can get pictures of my setup if you want. Wilson lip mount on upper right corner of right ambulance door (looking at the back of the 40) with the addition of ground strap to the frame. Does just fine for me. When I take the top off I just move the lip down to the lip of the body.

[panoramic]

I am using a Larsen through-glass dual-band antenna. It works really well.
The trick with through glass antennas is that you need to make sure the glass is NOT passivated. This means that there is no lead content in the glass. The only way I know of to determine this is to test with LOW power and have a buddy temporarily hold the antenna in place and watch the SWR. It turned out the the only OEM glass that was good were the ambulance door windows.

I ran the coax cable over the roll cage with zip ties. I left enough extra cable so that the door can open/close without interference.


I use it for APRS and voice.

The antenna is secured using a one-time adhesive tape. I bought spare adhesives for $12 each (just in case). I have never needed to replace the tape , it is very secure.

I have used many antennas and I have to say that this one is one of the least maintenance and least likely to get damaged.