2M Antenna Recommendations?

[alvarorb]

I don't care much for CB anymore. When I run CB, I use a Wilson 5000 mag mount. I riveted a small steel plate on the center of my rack. If that space is taken, I'll stick the mag mount on top of my camping webber grill. It works great. Plus it gives me a lot of height. The coverage is great. However, more and more I find myself using just my Ham rig and no taking the CB antenna all together. Our group has almost gone 100% 2m.

As for the 2m setup. I have Comet's heavy duty K400C and a short SBB1 rubber ducky antenna for every day use (parking in my garage) and tight trails. For desert trips I have a much longer antenna (better gain). I'm not at home right now. When I get back I can post the model number.

Here's a post on my blog on my Ham radio antenna install


Regards

Alvaro

[Jacket]

Funny to hear folks talking about ditching their CB's in favor of 2m. This has been a big debate with the Rising Sun club, as many members over there have migrated completely to 2m, yet others are still running CB exclusively. But it seems like it will take a long while to completely abandon the CB, as it is still what most people on the trails use. If/when I devote the time to get licensed for 2m, I think I'll keep the CB around for a while longer...

But I'll be watching this thread to keep tabs on the popular choices for outfitting a rig for 2m

[DaveInDenver]

Another shorty option is a Larsen NMO2/70SH, which is a stubby dual band with a spring. I have one for low hanging trails.

[akraven]

Total Ham newbie question. (don't laugh too hard) I will mounting mine very similar to this on my FZJ80 rack. With an NMO mount is it relatively easy to switch between the shorty antenna and the longer with an NMO style mount? It seems carrying two antennas one for short distance trail work and theother for long range wrok is ideal. I just want to be sure that the NMO allows this. Thank you for any info anybody can offer. akraven

[AndrewP]

Total Ham newbie question. (don't laugh too hard) I will mounting very similar to this on my FZJ80 rack. With an NMO mount is it relatively easy to switch between the shorty antenna and the longer with an NMO style mount? It seems carrying two antennas one for short distance trail work and theother for long range wrok is ideal. I just want to be sure that the NMO allows this. Thank you for any info anybody can offer. akraven

Sure-you can screw antennas on and off. I have a PL259 mount on my 80 series hatch, and switch a Comet Sbb25 for road use, a Comet SBB1 for trail use, and a Larsen PO150 I've been experimenting with for all around use. You can do the same with an NMO mount.

[akraven]

Cool,thanks for the quick reply Andrew!! akraven

[1leg]

Check HERE

Larsen NMO 2/70

[4RunAmok]

Surprising how many people have mounted antennas without any consideration given to the ground plane, which dictates the entire effectiveness of any antenna.

Contact Comet Antennas @
NCG Companies Inc.
15036 Sierra Bonita Lane
Chino, CA 91710

Toll Fre: 800.962.2611
Phone: 909.393.6133
FAX: 909.393.6136

And let them know you're mounting this to a tab on an offroad roof rack.

You may also wish to check how well that rack is grounded to your vehicle, if at all, my friend mounted his to the tab on his basket, and it was secured to his roof with rubber grommets in between and was not grounded he had almost zero transmission and had to install ground straps. You don't want to spend good money on an antenna and find that it doesn't get out because you didn't investigate your ground.

[TACODOC]

Surprising how many people have mounted antennas without any consideration given to the ground plane, which dictates the entire effectiveness of any antenna.

Contact Comet Antennas @
NCG Companies Inc.
15036 Sierra Bonita Lane
Chino, CA 91710

Toll Fre: 800.962.2611
Phone: 909.393.6133
FAX: 909.393.6136

And let them know you're mounting this to a tab on an offroad roof rack.

You may also wish to check how well that rack is grounded to your vehicle, if at all, my friend mounted his to the tab on his basket, and it was secured to his roof with rubber grommets in between and was not grounded he had almost zero transmission and had to install ground straps. You don't want to spend good money on an antenna and find that it doesn't get out because you didn't investigate your ground.

Very good advice, thank you Sir!

[PhulesAU]

Surprising how many people have mounted antennas without any consideration given to the ground plane, which dictates the entire effectiveness of any antenna.

Contact Comet Antennas @
NCG Companies Inc.
15036 Sierra Bonita Lane
Chino, CA 91710

Toll Fre: 800.962.2611
Phone: 909.393.6133
FAX: 909.393.6136

And let them know you're mounting this to a tab on an offroad roof rack.

You may also wish to check how well that rack is grounded to your vehicle, if at all, my friend mounted his to the tab on his basket, and it was secured to his roof with rubber grommets in between and was not grounded he had almost zero transmission and had to install ground straps. You don't want to spend good money on an antenna and find that it doesn't get out because you didn't investigate your ground.

Put this on the should have learned while preparing for the test, list. Basic electrical theory.