On Fri, 4 Jan 2008 17:08:10 -0500, "James" <jnipperxxx@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
wrote:
>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).
Whatever one you want...
>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 ?
For a softtop, no. For a (metal) hardtop yes. For a glass hardtop no.
>
>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 ?
If the spring is part of the antenna, yes. But only use a spring
designed for that particular antenna. Otherwise just make a spring
assembly for the entire mount instead.
>
>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 ?
Whatever matches your antenna?
>
>5. After choosing the antenna type ( 1/4 wave, 5/8 wave / etc) what
is
>the best antenna ? Larsen, Diamond. Other ?
Didn't you ask that in question 1?
You are a Ham, you should know all about antennas. <g>
>
>---------------------------------
>
>Thanks for any comments and advice, based on actual experience.
>
>73 de Jim K4PYT
>
>
>
>
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