Infinite Tours And Travels Others Ham Radio Mobile Antenna Mount Considerations

Ham Radio Mobile Antenna Mount Considerations

Mobile communications antennas are available in all different dimensions and shapes. In addition they are designed for operation on various frequencies usually divided in to various communications companies. Some the communications services are the organization band, maritime portable, citizens band (CB radio), etc .. Regardless of the regularity or band of the antenna generally there are several standard considerations to believe through when contemplating equally the type and location of mobile stereo antenna mounts. This post will review the main issues and go over options to take into account.

Each type regarding antenna and build needs to possess a good floor and a good ground plane. Although the requirement of this particular will vary simply by frequency, having some sort of good ground and even ground plane will be desired for just about every frequency in sensible terms. Many foundation station antennas make use of the physical surface, enhanced through the use of surface radial wires delete word, to help kind a take-off point for radio dunes being transmitted. On a car typically the flat area of typically the top of a new car forms some sort of ground plane with regard to a mobile antenna. Location of typically the antenna on of which ground plane will become important. A center location produces the most nearly circle pattern. A location towards one course produces an pointed pattern in the particular opposite direction with less effectiveness throughout the direction on the antenna. While typically the center of the particular roof of a vehicle can be a new great location intended for a mobile antenna mount it might be hard to work the coaxial cable back to the radio. A good easier solution coming from the coaxial cable’s perspective may become the trunk. Numerous people opt with regard to a trunk lips mount. A support in the middle of the top demands drilling a hole in the car while a shoe lip mount utilizes set screws to carry the mount for the lip of the particular trunk.

Radiation regarding just as much radio rate of recurrence energy as feasible is both a good thing and even a problem. In case the antenna is usually mounted in the particular center of the top, the roof works as a safeguard and prevents the body from being radiated by the antenna to the extent sensible. When the antenna is installed on the trunk lip then it is spraying radio frequency energy right at the individuals of the car through the backside window in the auto. The amount involving radio frequency strength and potential hazard varies with regularity and amount of power used as well as amount of time utilized.

Other options are present plus a review regarding catalogs and sites on the net provides good quality pictures and assessment of the positive aspects and disadvantages of a lot of of them. Expect to find antennas mounted upon the gutters associated with the roof, different sides and centre of the start, side panels of a vehicle, front bumpers, back bumpers as well as the engine hood. Remember that generally there is no completely perfect solution along with the best solution with regard to a particular individual will depend on the type regarding antenna, type regarding vehicle, budget, tech ability, time, endurance, etc..


Regardless of location and shape of the particular ground plane, a fantastic radio frequency (RF) ground is needed. Think of this example – if negative broadcast frequency energy can’t flow to ground positive radio regularity can’t flow off of the symbolizing element of the particular antenna. I frequently tell new ham radio operators right now there are three things need to know about mobile antenna mounts – environment, grounds and reasons!

Once you figure out the location associated with the antenna mount and how to achieve a good radio frequency ground (usually with a wide tie or mesh – radio frequency flows over the OUTSIDE regarding metal unlike electricity) then consider the TYPE of mobile antenna mount. Remember of which search engines like google and web logs are wonderful things for researching types in addition to locations of antenna mounts. Any 1 catalog or site likely will not have each imaginable form of antenna mount. Remember that will every antenna support will have each advantages and disadvantages. I will review one of 2 or three supports and you may likely find the idea.

Consider the classic soccer ball and large springtime mount. For a new large whip variety of antenna this may be a good but maybe not perfect option depending on your preferences. Also consider the less sturdy yet less “springy” fixed trunk lip support. Now – when you hit a big tree branch with that whip style antenna while driving there will more than likely be different effects with these two mounts. The particular large spring upon the ball plus spring mount will have a great deal of “give” and will permit the whip to keep attached to the install using the mount being attached to the automobile while the whip slides under the particular tree branch. A fixed mount connected to the lip of the start with a few set anchoring screws likely gets cut off with the trunk area and maybe the particular trunk lip will get bent.

There are usually disadvantages to the sturdy ball in addition to spring mount which requires four good-sized holes in your body involving the vehicle in order to mount it. One particular disadvantage other as compared to potential rust in addition to reduction in trade-in value is typically the motion of typically the whip while driving a car. A mount without a spring will mean a steadier beat than one using a spring. Remember — the heavier the antenna the weightier the mount. best radio strap are taken by amateur radio providers to metal fabricating shops to become customized. Also inquire your local automobile dealer for suggestions as well like anyone that works with trailer manufacturing, etc ..

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