[net.ham-radio] Trying to put a 2m antenna in my car

medin@ucbvax.ARPA (Milo Medin) (12/29/84)

Well, I am still trying to decide on how to mount a 2m antenna
onto my new Celica.  I am now considering a trunk mount.  I have
talked to a few people and they say performance is ok, but almost
all the trunk mounts leak a bit.  Is there a secret to mounting these
things or is it luck?  Anyone have any recommendations as to which
2m mobile antenna they like?  I am eyeing a few 5/8 wave antennas
right now.  I know I know, a roof mount is the best, but I cringe at drilling 
holes.....



				ThMilo	anks,

louie@umd5.UUCP (12/29/84)

If you are considering a trunk mount, I assume that you have the coupe 
version of the Celica, and not the hatchback.  You may want to consider a
hole-mount type antenna on the trunk lid.  It is not as likely to leak, and
would probably work better than the trunk lid mount, having a better ground
plane.  I'd encourage you to put a quarter wave or 5/8 on the roof.  I put 
one on my 1981 Celica, and it only took about 30 minutes.  If you'd like the
gory details of how I did mine, just ask.

BTW, I'd go with Larson antennas; they may cost more, but its worth it.  I
have a Larson NMO mount on my car, with a quarter wave whip for around town. I
can swap the 5/8 on when I'm on a trip and want better performence.
-- 

Louis A. Mamakos  WA3YMH
Computer Science Center - Systems Programming
University of Maryland, College Park

Internet: louie@umd5.arpa
UUCP: ..!seismo!cvl!umd5!louie

wn9nbt@ecn-ee.UUCP (01/04/85)

Another possibility, Avanti sells some antennas that are coupled thru
the window.  The coax runs to a transformer that is epoxy'ed to
the rear window, the antenna has the other half that epoxy's to
the outside.  I don't know if they make a 2 meter version, but I
know a guy that has a CB version that works fairly well.  I'm sure
it is a compromise over most all other methods, but it is an option.

The hole mounted Larsen has always given me excellent performance
in commercial and ham uses.....Dave Chasey -- WN9NBT

louie@umd5.UUCP (01/05/85)

I originally had an AVANTI 2m thru-the-window antenna, but was not at all
satisfied with its performence.  I get better results with the Larson
quarter wave in the roof that I ever did with the Avanti.  I'm *still* trying
to get the silicon glue off my hatchback window!


-- 

Louis A. Mamakos  WA3YMH
Computer Science Center - Systems Programming
University of Maryland, College Park

Internet: louie@umd5.arpa
UUCP: ..!seismo!cvl!umd5!louie

mikey@trsvax.UUCP (01/06/85)

They make a 2 meter and 220 version, and I suspect a UHF version as well.  
A friend of mine has one.  They work suprisingly well.  They are not a 5/8,
but usually they can be mounted high up on the rear window and do better
than some normally better antennas that may be mounted lower on the trunk.

mikey at trsvax
KA5MJQ