Larsen Kulglass antennas

[jellotor]

I like the look/idea of a through the glass antenna for my vehicle. I hear, however, that they are less than efficient antennas and don't work with tinted windows.

Does anyone have experience with Kulglass antennas?

 

[SCPD]

I've tried Larsen's dual band and half wave glass mount antennas. The dual band antenna actually damaged my ham radio gear by developing high S.W.R. The coupling box that attaches to the outside of the glass accumulated moisture inside causing the high S.W.R.

I've also tried the Radio Shack glass mount antenna. All of them performed poorly. They worked fine for local repeater work but were useless for anything serious. They also had a tendency to pick up noise more so than any other antenna I've tried.

I eventually drilled holes in the roof of my truck and haven't regretted it. The signal quality is so much better for my scanner and my ham radio gear.

 

[fourwd1]

Properly installed they work OK for their intended application - a small antenna easily mounted and no hole drilling reqiured.

Their performance will not approach that of a larger antenna mounted on a vehicle roof.

As always , it's a trade off.

 

[jellotor]

Could you qualify your statement about "properly installed?" An example of the right/wrong way to do it?

 

[n4yek]

I had a dual band on the rear window of my Saturn and I thoght
it performed pretty good. I have always mounted to the roof on all
my vehicles decided to try the window mount. I still prefer body
mounts but if someone doesn't like the idea of drilling a hole through
the car then the glass mount isn't a bad choice. But after about 7
years of use, it came flying off the window while going 70 on the
interstate. I never did replace it but those 7 years of use were just
fine. Never had any problems with swr, but like it stated you can't
put it on a window with tint. The glass mount capacitivly couple the
signal through the window and tint contains tiny metal fragements
that would make the antenna not be able to be tuned.
Just thought this might help you...
Danny
N4YEK

 

[jellotor]

Thanks to everyone who have replied. Good info, food for thought.

 

[n9wni]

I have used Larsen Kulglass, Antenna Specialist, and some generic on-glass antennas and like Larsen the best. Mainly because of Larsen's construction, durability, and ease of installation.

fourwd1 is absolutely correct, they must be properly installed (ie trim away tint, avoid defroster wires, glass prep, etc) and they will not perform as well as a good ole' rooftop.