Good Ham Radio Antenna

374 Views 4 Replies 3 Participants Last post by paulday, 3 mo ago

samzack

Discussion Starter · 3 mo ago

Hey All! Ham radio operator here. Wondering if some others in here are as well. Ordered an Anytone AT-D578UVIII Plus. Looking for a good (2m/70cm) antenna. Taking it to a professional outfitter for installation and they'll do it as long as I'll have the antenna hardwired to the roof (not mag mount).

Thanks!

KC1SLA

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Datsa Noydb

· #2 · 3 mo ago

I looked into the radio experience many years ago, did not take the plunge. However, as one who is "antenna aware" (long-time CB user), I have to ask: are you SURE you want a hard-mount antenna on the roof? Yes, it's much better for radio use, but it automatically means that you can not drive through a car wash. Depending on the length of the antenna, you might also have to be aware of parking garage clearances or even your own garage door clearance.

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samzack

Discussion Starter · #3 · 3 mo ago

Datsa Noydb said:
I looked into the radio experience many years ago, did not take the plunge. However, as one who is "antenna aware" (long-time CB user), I have to ask: are you SURE you want a hard-mount antenna on the roof? Yes, it's much better for radio use, but it automatically means that you can not drive through a car wash. Depending on the length of the antenna, you might also have to be aware of parking garage clearances or even your own garage door clearance.

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Yes sir. I rarely go through the car wash and don’t park in the garage at home and we don’t have one at work, so I’m good on that end. Had magnet mount antennas in the past for my unidens and they always flew off on the highway and wasn’t a fan.

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Datsa Noydb

· #4 · 3 mo ago

While I have never had a problem with a mag mount for my CBs, I can see where they might be a problem on a 2m antenna. One other option would be something that will clamp on to one of the roof rack rails and fold over when needed. I had one like that on my last Sienna, it worked quite well.

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paulday

· #5 · 3 mo ago

I don't know if ham and CB use the same antenna, but I was using the K40 antenna and the magamount for it.

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120 lb pull. I had it on top of my Ford van for 3 years without an issue. Yea, my whip would hit alot of low hanging stuff, but never came off. The K40 was a 1/3 turn to remove off the mag base, but you could only pull the base off by tilting it up off the surface.

Just throwing it out there just in case it might be of help.

Have a good day.

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