New Antenna needed?

[KD8TZC]

So I will be purchasing an FT8900 radio today that has 4 bands (10m, 6M, 2M, and 44mHz) and primarily, I will be listening and conversing on the 2M and 440 bands. My license doesn't allow me to use 10M FM and I have not heard much traffic on the 6M, but I really haven't listened to it either. I plan to expand to those bands in time.

I currently have a Diamond NR770HBNMO antenna with the Diamond K412SNMO hatch back mount. I know diamond makes the CR8900A, which is a 4 band antenna, but I believe it only come in the UHF mount (and I have a NMO mount currently). I hate the thought of having to pitch the mount I currently have, but since I would only be using the 2M and 70cm for the time being, should I hold off on that antenna and keep what I have, or should I bit the bullet and get the designed antenna? Or another option I guess would be to get a duplexer when I am ready to transmit on 6m & 10m with a second antenna? It also looks like the CR8900A antenna needs to be tuned once it is installed, so I would have to purchase a SWR meter as well... so added expense (but I'm sure I will get good use from it, but I was hoping to hold off on that for a little bit of time).

Thanks,

 

[LtDoc]

Another option is to just add a second antenna and a switch. It amounts to which is easiest and most convenient for you.
- 'Doc

 

[KD8TZC]

Very true... I'm not a big fan of multiple antenna's on the car, but I also know that trying to find one that does then all really good might be hard too.

What about a UHF to NMO adapter? I see there are these available and this would allow me to continue to use the current NMO base. Would I lose much signal introducing this into the mix?

 

[LtDoc]

An adapter? Ought'a work. There will always be ~some~ loss with an adapter but typically not a lot. I won't make any guesses about how much there may be, too many variables to it. If it makes a noticeable difference I'd be surprised. I've used one before, not big deal with it. YMMV, naturally.
- 'Doc

 

[oneoclock]

I would use the NMO to UHF adapter.