Another which is better question...

[Ten7traffic]

Which is a better antenna mount for mobile 2m radio, NMO style antenna, L-bracket or mag mount? I am not to worried about it too much now but, I am about to take my amatuer license exam and I want the best performance for my radio. I am thinking more along the lines of L-bracket because of GROUNDING. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

 

[astrodanco]

Which is a better antenna mount for mobile 2m radio, NMO style antenna, L-bracket or mag mount?

I prefer NMO mount antennas by a wide margin. You can place an NMO mount on your car via all of the means you've mentioned above, but I recommend a permanent NMO mount. For both antenna and mount, I recommend either the Antenex brand or the higher end of the Radiall-Larsen brand. I recommend staying away from the low end of the Radiall-Larsen brand.

 

[Ten7traffic]

Astro thanx for the advice... Perm mount, if I am correct is the hole in the roof or what not. Thats a good idea except for the hole part. (may still consider) What about Maxrad brand antenna? I will keep an eye out for the Larsen and Antenex brands.

 

[Highlander_821]

Just buy and drive beaters like I do, and you can drill away to your hearts content! :lol:

 

[Al42]

Astro thanx for the advice... Perm mount, if I am correct is the hole in the roof or what not. Thats a good idea except for the hole part. (may still consider) What about Maxrad brand antenna?

Also good.

 

[kb2vxa]

2M mobile antenna

Hi guys,

As an experienced ham let me tell you that given all the choices an antenna mounted permanently in the center of the vehicle roof works best and is easy to install. The popular NMO will accept ASP antennas with an adapter kit. I prefer commercial antennas cut for Amateur bands, most rugged, and Larsen makes the closest thing to an ASP 5/8 wave commercial antenna and doesn't require the ASP adapter kit.

The best way to install an NMO is using a 3/4" Greeley chassis punch cut the hole directly above the dome light after you remove it of course. Scrape away the paint where the "claws" make contact with the metal on the underside to insure a proper ground. The coax may be snaked under the header and behind the forward door post after removing any plastic covers. That puts it in the best place to continue behind the dash, cable it with existing wiring and control cabling so it doesn't hang down. Replace all you removed and you can't even see the installation at all, neat and clean is the way to go.

 

[Al42]

Re: 2M mobile antenna

The best way to install an NMO is using a 3/4" Greeley chassis punch

The best way is to use a Motorola hole cutter. The easiest way is to use a hole saw. If you happen to have a 3/4" chassis punch, there's no reason to spend money on anything else.

And make absolutely certain that the o-ring (on the side of the mount that's on the roof) is in place - or you can skip your shower on rainy days.