Comet UHV4 Mobile Atenna

[ve9jjc]

I'm looking at purchasing one of the Comet UHV4 Mobile Antennas to go along with a new FT8900. There doesn't seem to be much info out there on mounting options and installation. My questions are what mounts should I be looking at to mount the antenna to the top of my Kia Sportage (either magnetic, lip at the top of the hatch back or on the Luggage Racks). Is a duplexer needed? Does it need to be grounded?

Any other considerations would be appreciated.

Joe

 

[jhooten]

I have the Opek copy of this antenna. It is mounted on a L-bracket on the drivers side of the trunk. The mount is an MNO with the MNO-UHF adapter. The bracket is strong enough BUT the side to side swaying of the antenna causes the screws to work loose. So, I would suggest a different mount.

Yes it needs a good ground, no it does not need a duplexer with the 8900.

Be patient with the tuning and make changes in small steps.

 

[ve9jjc]

You say there is no need for the duplexer with the 8900? The antenna specs suggest the duplexer? Are you sure?

I'm a newbie and want to do this right.... or my wife will shoot me.

Also there are optional HF coils available for the antenna. What are the benefit of these and should I consider them now or perhaps even later?

 

[ve9jjc]

Also, I ordered the K400C (http://www.rfparts.com/diamond/k400c.html), does anyone know how well this mount will work on a Kia Sportage (lift gate)? I opted for the Diamond Antenna, wondering if there is that much of a difference between the 2? Anyone know?

Joe

 

[jhooten]

My 8900 only has one antenna connector. Unless they have changed that in since I bought mine a duplexer is not needed. Now it I was going to use this antenna on the 857 in the truck, then I would need a duplexer.

 

[ve9jjc]

Thanks, I guess I was thinking backwards for the duplexer, again I'm pretty green. I've been licensed for 2 years noe but until now only had a 2M handheld.

I want ahead and ordered the radio with the Diamond antenna and no duplexer. When I looked at the radio docs online it also says that the radio has a duplexer internally.

Now I have to figure out where I'm going to mount it. I got a hitchgate lip mount with it so that part should be easy.

Thanks for your help.

Joe