Mobile Antenna for Yaseu FT-60

[Hotsauce142]

Hello,
New to the hobby and trying to learn as much as I can here.
I currently have a Yaseu FT-60 W/ Diamond MR77SMA used as a mobile rig.
I know this isn't ideal, but looking for insight on what can improve this setup now and for the future.

I made my own mount for the MR77SMA (See Below) that currently bolts to the fender/hood latch and has bare metal contact on both sides.
Also, a link is listed as to the issue I'm having while using this setup. I cant really make out more than a half of sentence more often than not.
Local repeaters are approx. 20-40 miles out. The one in the video is a little farther, and was the only one with traffic at that time for the video.
Identical situations will also happen on a more local level.

I understand there are NMO Antennas/Mounts that could offer a better solution to the Antenna I'm using now.
As well as NGP antennas given the small surface area.
I've looked at Larson and Laird antennas, but there's so many to choose from. I'm hoping someone with a similar experience or knowledge on the subject could point me in the right direction.

Here's my current requirements:
I'm not looking to drill/mount anything on the roof. My truck is lifted and clearance is already an issue.
Current antenna is 20". It looks like I could go up to as high as 38" without being too excessive. If there's shorter options that is preferred.
I would like to have dual band 2m/70cm as id like to monitor both.

I did find a Diamond NR770HNMO antenna that looks like it's compatible with a new mount.
However, some say there are better brands out there and I'm looking for a reliable solution.
I'm decent at metal fab. So, if someone has made something that works for their rig, feel free to provide insight.

I appreciate the help and thanks in advance for the feedback.

 

[adhoc]

Larsen NMO 2/70 is my choice.

 

[Hotsauce142]

Larsen NMO 2/70 is my choice.

Thanks for the recommendation. do you run the 19" or the 34.5"

 

[AK9R]

The Larsen NMO2/70B is about 34 inches long. The Larsen NMO2/70SH is about 19 inches long.

 

[adhoc]

Thanks for the recommendation. do you run the 19" or the 34.5"

It's half wave on 2 meters, collinear on 440.
34.5 sounds right.

There's 2/70b (black) I have the 2/70c (chrome) which is stainless, not chrome.

 

[mmckenna]

Mounting the antenna down below the cab is going to be a problem, no matter what you use.
Having it mounted off to one side of the truck is also going to make it directional.

I understand about not wanting to mount in the center of the roof, but you'd see a noticeable improvement, even with the current antenna.

In other words, don't expect a huge change just by changing antenna brands, however the taller NMO-2/70 might help.

 

[Hotsauce142]

Mounting the antenna down below the cab is going to be a problem, no matter what you use.
Having it mounted off to one side of the truck is also going to make it directional.

I understand about not wanting to mount in the center of the roof, but you'd see a noticeable improvement, even with the current antenna.

In other words, don't expect a huge change just by changing antenna brands, however the taller NMO-2/70 might help.

Thanks for the clarification. You answered what would have been my next question.

Have you seen any other mounting positions or mounts on the truck that would yield better results?

 

[AK9R]

There's 2/70b (black) I have the 2/70c (chrome) which is stainless, not chrome.

The NMO2/70C used to be commonly available, but I haven't seen a new one in several years.

Yes, Larsen uses stainless steel for their whips. I can remember seeing old Larsen catalogs where they described the manufacturing process. The stainless steel whips are plated with copper to provide good electrical conductivity. The black ones are then coated with a black plastic coating while the chrome ones are chrome plated. But, that's back when Larsen was still Larsen and not whoever owns them now.

 

[mmckenna]

Thanks for the clarification. You answered what would have been my next question.

Have you seen any other mounting positions or mounts on the truck that would yield better results?

Center of the cab is ideal, by far.

Since you have height limitations, moving it forward on the hood/fender would probably be of some mild benefit. Bed rail, well behind the cab would be another option.

Just for kicks, how much clearance do you have between the cab roof and whatever it is that is concerning you (garage)? There may be other options that will work. StiCo makes some very flexible antennas that would not suffer from being bent back all the way.

 

[Hotsauce142]

Center of the cab is ideal, by far.

Since you have height limitations, moving it forward on the hood/fender would probably be of some mild benefit. Bed rail, well behind the cab would be another option.

Just for kicks, how much clearance do you have between the cab roof and whatever it is that is concerning you (garage)? There may be other options that will work. StiCo makes some very flexible antennas that would not suffer from being bent back all the way.

Ok thanks.
There’s a few more fender bolts further down the front of the vehicle that would make a solid connection. I may try that with a simple L bracket out of 11ga stainless this time.

Honestly, next to none.
I have a shark fin antenna that sits on the downward radius of the roof and even that will impede clearance if my tires are at full PSI.
Parking garages/drive through/etc. are basically a no go. This truck can go over, but not under.

I was also referred a Laird 144c/144c.
I understand laird and Larson are quality antennas.

Do you think it’s just preference at that point? They appear similar.

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/te-connectivity-laird/C144-440C/3519095

 

[mmckenna]

Do you think it’s just preference at that point? They appear similar.

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/te-connectivity-laird/C144-440C/3519095

I'm partial to Larsen and they have a pretty good record. Laird has had some issues with their base coils cracking, although I have never personally experienced it. With your antenna mounted where it is, that likely won't be an issue.

 

[K6GBW]

I guess I'm not understanding your problem. The video shows a weak signal, but how far away was it coming from? What was the terrain like? Antennas are mechanical devices kind of like hammers. Changing from one 12oz hammer to another 12oz hammer usually doesn't change anything. If you are constrained to running an antenna on your fender then that may be as good as it gets. Especially using a hand held. Hand helds don't have the filtering of a true mobile radio. It's simply a matter of space. Also, many people feel compelled to put high gain antennas on cars in the belief that it will get them more range. Depending on your terrain that may not be the case. I'm in Los Angeles with lots of mountains and elevation changes. Running high gain antennas here results in frustration. Lots of picket fencing and sporatic signal drop. I run a quarterwave on purpose because most of the repeaters are well above my high.

For your set up on the fender I'd look at an NMO mount on a hood mount that's bolted to the inner fender. Something like a Comet B10NMO is good. Then run that to a dual band mobile inside the truck. That will be about the best you can do.