Trunk vs. Roof?

[fmulder13]

Hey all,

Just writing to see if there's an appreciable difference between mounting a 5/8 wave VHF on the roof or on the trunk. I drive a honda civic, and would prefer not to have the thing on the roof, as that would make drive-thrus, etc. a real hassle. If I mount the antenna in the center of the trunk, would I see an appreciable difference in performance? Would a 1/4 wave mounted on the roof be better?

 

[kf4pep]

Roof mount, assuming you mean drilling and mounting an NMO mount, is always better. Don't sweat the 5/8 in drive-throughs, it may scrape but it won't get hurt or hurt anything.

If you mean mag mount, mag mount is a compromise anyway but even then the closer to dead center and the higher the better.

But I would take a real NMO mounted 1/4w over a 5/8w on a mag mount any day.

 

[fmulder13]

Either way I'll be drilling the hole. I've dealt with mag mounts up until now, and I'd say it's time to strap on the brass buns and start some real scanning. The only question is would the hole be better drilled to mount the 5/8th on the trunk or on the roof, and how much better?

 

[djeplett]

If your mag mount accepts your 5/8 wave then run your car with it on the roof for a while and then on the trunk for a while and see which you prefer. It's hard to say for sure how much better the roof mount will be as cars differ so much.

I mounted my 1/2 wave in the center of my trunk and I'm happy with it as is.

 

[k4njk]

For metro or suburban use I would go with a 1/4" on the roof. For rural areas 5/8" on the trunk.