Show me your Ham Radio Mountings!

[Kardolf]

Just got my tech ticket, and while I have a couple of handhelds, I'm thinking that I might want a mobile. So, show me how you have your mobile radios mounted in your 4th gen 4Runner.

Antenna options would be good, too. I'm leaning towards a hood-gap mount, especially since I park in a garage, both at home and at work. I also live in the northwest, and there are lots of trees everywhere to catch on.

 

[ebg18t]

Depending on what you buy that will dictate how you mount. Most of the dual have detachable faces which give you more options. Here is my iCom setup. The hood mount antenna are nice, but if you don't want to look at it the flexi options with lip mounts might work fir you.

Mount the face in any easy to reach/use location. The mount here is 4runner specific and can be found on amazon for decent price.

Mount the body somewhere that has ample air flow.

Lip mount antenna is easy to adjust and low profile. The flexible antenna is durable and flex nice to allow entry into garage and around low hanging brush.

 

[txclimber]

@egb18t How do you like that mount/antenna?

Been on the fence about getting a mobile for a while and seeing this post is pushing me that way. I've been leaning towards a magnetic antenna though.

Wilson 1000 or 5000. Either of you have thoughts on this?

 

[Kardolf]

Mount the face in any easy to reach/use location. The mount here is 4runner specific and can be found on amazon for decent price.

Is that the Panavise mount? Does it interfere with the glovebox or with passenger space at all?

 

[MrTom]

Antenna options would be good, too. .

The ARRL QST magazine has had several articles on the topic.
Conclusion has always been dead center on the roof. If you have a sunroof it would be measured from the back of the sunroof to the rear hatch line.

I use a magnetic, as function is more important than looks to me and I can remove it when parked in "questionable" areas. The crossbars also make excellent mounting points as they can be adjusted if desired.

Figure 2 of the attached article shows the azimuth patterns for various two meter locations.
ARRL QST March 2012
http://w6nbc.com/articles/2012-03QST2mmounting.pdf
The author has his email at the end of the article.

Strongly suggest that you join your local club as the members will be an invaluable source if information as well as a great bunch to hang out with.

73's

 

[ebg18t]

@egb18t How do you like that mount/antenna?

Been on the fence about getting a mobile for a while and seeing this post is pushing me that way. I've been leaning towards a magnetic antenna though.

Wilson 1000 or 5000. Either of you have thoughts on this?

The Comet mount and antenna have been great.

The Wilson 1000 & 5000 antenna are for CB.

Is that the Panavise mount? Does it interfere with the glovebox or with passenger space at all?

Yes, PanaVise. Does not interfere with passenger space, glove box or the cup holder.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00020D7N0/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[svana]

FWIW, my experience with a comet mount was not so positive. I had the same comet mount with a 4' firestik (yes obviously the antenna is much larger than what was used above) and a spring/qd. The mount sheared off at the pivot point after my first or second trip out on the trails. My opinion is buy the Diamond 400 mount and save yourself the hassle. It's about 20 bucks more, but the idea "of buy once, cry once" is definitely the case here IMO. Better to spend the ~$60 now, than to spend the $40 first then spend the $60 a few weeks later...

 

[ebg18t]

FWIW, my experience with a comet mount was not so positive. I had the same comet mount with a 4' firestik (yes obviously the antenna is much larger than what was used above) and a spring/qd.

That is a much heavier & stiffer antennae than the Comet I have mounted. The Comet mount works fine with the lightweight HAM antennas. But as [MENTION=103627]svana[/MENTION] mentioned your results may vary when mounting heavier & stiff CB antennas.

 

[txclimber]

I was under the impression that the wilson 1000 and 5000 could be for both 10 and 11(CB) meter.

Am I wrong about this?

 

[ebg18t]

I was under the impression that the wilson 1000 and 5000 could be for both 10 and 11(CB) meter.

Am I wrong about this?

Maybe, I am not 100% sure. I have no experience with 10m mobile as everyone in the Off-road caravans we run with use 2m or 70cm.

Everyone I know using a Wilson 1000 is using it on traditional CB. Works excellent on that application.

I am not sure 100% of the legality of using a modded ham radio to broadcast on 11m.

 

[svana]

Maybe, I am not 100% sure. I have no experience with 10m mobile as everyone in the Off-road caravans we run with use 2m or 70cm.

Everyone I know using a Wilson 1000 is using it on traditional CB. Works excellent on that application.

I am not sure 100% of the legality of using a modded ham radio to broadcast on 11m.

The legality is that it's not. Are they out there? Yes, but if they catch you they can slap you with a pretty hefty fine, maybe take away your ticket (not sure about the ticket part). I do however think that it's a pain in the ass that one needs to have two units, HAM and CB.