I plan to install a 2 meter radio in my 1980 CJ5 Jeep (softtop). My
plan
is to construct a mount that will attach to my rear tire mount. Because
this will be a custom mount, I can have the base of the antenna even with
the top of the spare tire, or I can elevate it some for greater height. I
use this Jeep only in mountain areas. Here are some of my questions:
1. What is the "best" 2 meter antenna type for me (I don't need a dual
bander. I will only use 2 meters). I know that a 5/8 whip will
have
the best gain, but I have seen some comments that a 1/4 wave may work
better
in the mountains, because of the angles involved. Yet, I know that a
1/4
wave needs a good ground plane, which a softop probably will not do very
well. It would seem that with a 1/4 wave, I would want the base of the
antenna at or near the top of the Jeep. I am also aware of a colinear
antenna, but that would be quite tall for me !!
2. Is it best to have the antenna element fully above the top of the top
of
the Jeep ?
3. If I use a spring to offer some protection for the whip, doesn't the
spring add to the length of the antenna, and I would have to tune the whip
for resonance ?
4. What is the best (maybe strongest?) mount type ? I am accustomed
to
the 3/8" - 24 type stud mount. It seems strong to me. What are the
advantages of the NMO and other mount types for my purpose ?
5. After choosing the antenna type ( 1/4 wave, 5/8 wave / etc) what
is
the best antenna ? Larsen, Diamond. Other ?
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Thanks for any comments and advice, based on actual experience.
73 de Jim K4PYT
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