Antenna/Roof rack

[brittan]

Purchased a new HF mobile rig (Yeasu 857D) and was looking at antenna options. I came across this antenna/roof rack combo. I did a quick search of the forum but nothing showed. I like the concept but I'm curious about the antenna performance. Anyone running one of the following?
http://www.stealth.ae
http://www.barrettcommunications.com.au

 

[unseenone]

Never seen one of those installed on anything. Keep in mind it's NVIS so it would not do you a lot of good for DX. You can do quite well with an ATAS120a and only need one antenna. What vehicle are you planning on mounting it on?

 

[robgendreau]

I saw a reference to one of those somewhere else, and found this at 4x4ham:

http://www.4x4ham.com/showthread.php?1735-HF-Mobile-Magnetic-Loop-Antenna-(Part-1)

I kinda stopped reading when I saw the price ($5k) and the fellow's comment about RF exposure inside. I get the impression these are for professional use and not mere mortals. The link above does mention some DIY NVIS antennas. I was thinking of getting the same radio, but I am thinking more of a Buddipole or something. But I still use mostly just 2M in the vehicle. But I'd think even if you got a roof rack antenna you'd want something that could be used off the vehicle since in a wreck the rack might be shot. Ditto for the ATA. But if you can afford the 9400 you can afford backups galore.

 

[unseenone]

What's your budget?

 

[gary in ohio]

Have you priced that antenna? $5K and its only covers 20-10m... No 40 or 80m. Takes the entire roof and is not designed to use while in motion. Its mainly a point to point antenna. Its going to be a PIA to interface to most ham gear as its designed to be used with Barrett commercial HF radios. A high end screwdriver antenna would be a good option but is not roof mounted.

 

[Frdmskr]

Go read K0BG's web page. Then install a Breedlove mount. Then ham sticks or a 102" whip on the trail or a screwdriver elsewhere.


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[gary in ohio]

I second the breedlove mounts. ROCK solid mounts and if you dont see what you need ask. He will do custom work.
https://breedlovemounts.com/

 

[rambrush]

How bout I 3rd Breedlove Mounts? I
have one on the side of the truck with his aluminum plates and that is rock steady. Had the screwdriver mounted on it.

 

[AFBronco235]

I went with a twin fire stick combo from RS for my own setup and mounted them on gutter mount clamps. No problems so far. I pick up signals over 2 miles away in city and more in open terrain. The clamps were $4 apiece on Ebay. I did have to modify (read bend) them to get them to work with my antenna, but I can't complain with the results.

This was designed more for a big rig, but I like how it turned out.
The only downside is my clearance is now at 9' 2" which is 2 inches taller than the local drive through!

 

[Frdmskr]

Gutter mounts will rip off when fighting trees and other solid, immovable objects. Definitely for safety and security drill a hole. No reason not to.

From a pure physics standpoint that antennas stick is half an antenna. Where is the other half? It's the vehicle. Need to have a strong electrical connection which that gutter mount does not have. Might see a huge improvement at that point.


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[AFBronco235]

I agree with you about getting them ripped off by a tree. I plan on getting a better mount soon with springs.

As for grounding, it looks to me as if the setup wasdesigned to insulate the antenna from tthe rest. I do agree that the mount needs grounded, but not because my rig acts as part of the antenna.

 

[Frdmskr]

I agree with you about getting them ripped off by a tree. I plan on getting a better mount soon with springs.

As for grounding, it looks to me as if the setup wasdesigned to insulate the antenna from tthe rest. I do agree that the mount needs grounded, but not because my rig acts as part of the antenna.

Ok here is a set-up to consider looking at your truck. Looks like that Bronco has a wide spot on the front quarter panels. So put in an NMO mount on the Driver's side and then use a Larsen NMO27B. Run the coax through a grommet on the driver's side and connect to the CB. It'll be nearly invisible inside the rig.

Why this set-up?

It's a base loaded antenna. The whip can hit things and, if you install the mount correctly, that thing will never break. No need for a spring. That NMO mount is water proof and nearly indestructible if installed right. Given how low the coil is on the rig it will not get abused unless you are in a heavy brush environment or *God forbid* roll it.

That will solve the grounding issue and everything nicely. Also give you a workable ground plane. Plus if you are a ham (or become one) probably could use the same antenna for your 10m rig.

 

[AFBronco235]

Ok here is a set-up to consider looking at your truck. Looks like that Bronco has a wide spot on the front quarter panels. So put in an NMO mount on the Driver's side and then use a Larsen NMO27B. Run the coax through a grommet on the driver's side and connect to the CB. It'll be nearly invisible inside the rig.

Why this set-up?

It's a base loaded antenna. The whip can hit things and, if you install the mount correctly, that thing will never break. No need for a spring. That NMO mount is water proof and nearly indestructible if installed right. Given how low the coil is on the rig it will not get abused unless you are in a heavy brush environment or *God forbid* roll it.

That will solve the grounding issue and everything nicely. Also give you a workable ground plane. Plus if you are a ham (or become one) probably could use the same antenna for your 10m rig.

I'm not a big fan of drilling into body work. Instead I've decided to go with a set of brackets and springs that mount the antenna at the sides of the hood, between the hood and quarter panels. If that doesn't work out, I've got a few other ideas to try.

I doubt I'll be going with anything other than CB for a while so what I've got will work fine for now.