2M Antenna Recommendations?

[Hedge]

I am interested in a hood channel mount short whip antennae that can be installed opposite the factory radio antennae.

Does anyone have any recomendations for a hood channel mount bracket for a Toyota Tacoma and a good antennae to insert into the bracket?

I envision mounting it above the fender on the drivers side of the hood halfway between the windsheild and the headlight in the hood/fender channel/gap.

gamiviti.com/html/products_antennamounts.html

[Rocket-scientist]

How about any special considerations for mounting dual antenna on the roof of a truck (refering to distance apart, in line (front to rear) or mounted side by side)? I am finally upgrading to 2M and need to retain the CB for most trail work (not my choice, just who I am out with) and I'm thinking of doing 2 NMO roof mounts, one for CB and one for 2M/70cm. I've found multiple recommendations about distance (24-36 inches seems the norm). Who is running dual roof mounted and what recommendations do you have on how they are mounted? Any interference issues? I figure if I am going to drill one hole, 2 won't hurt more...

[1911]

How about any special considerations for mounting dual antenna on the roof of a truck (refering to distance apart, in line (front to rear) or mounted side by side)? I am finally upgrading to 2M and need to retain the CB for most trail work (not my choice, just who I am out with) and I'm thinking of doing 2 NMO roof mounts, one for CB and one for 2M/70cm. I've found multiple recommendations about distance (24-36 inches seems the norm). Who is running dual roof mounted and what recommendations do you have on how they are mounted? Any interference issues? I figure if I am going to drill one hole, 2 won't hurt more...

Just put them far enough apart that the antennas can never touch each other, even when flexed, and you will be OK. Interference if any will depend on the radios and how well they're shielded. I have both dual-band 2M/70cm and cb radios in two different trucks; transmitting on 2M will break squelch on the Cobra 75 in one truck but not on the Uniden 78 in the other truck.

[4RunAmok]

My two Larsen NMO mounted antennas are 24 inches apart, and they have touched numerous times on trails, and it's never been an issue even once.

I also do not have the interference issues some have, and my Cobra C19DXIV is mounted piggybacked to my Yaesu 8800. So everyone's mileage will vary.

The only issue that I have, since I used NMO mounts on my roof, the position of my front antenna (HAM antenna) limits how far forward I can put my roof top tent, and I can't even use my rear NMO (CB antenna) at all with the tent mounted.

[1911]

My two Larsen NMO mounted antennas are 24 inches apart, and they have touched numerous times on trails, and it's never been an issue even once.

Fortunately, they have not touched while you were transmitting on 2M!

[4RunAmok]

For the vehicle action to make them touch, I'm surprised I'm able to hold on to the steering wheel, let alone worry about keying the mic! lol

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They do get movin'!

[foxhunter]

I just passed my test(for tech license) and will have my call sign in a week or so. I am looking at a yaesu ft 8800r radio(dual band). I am going to mount it on a unimog u500 rv(which I won't have till around August, so I have time to think about it). I am trying to decide on the best antenna and where to mount it( roof or front bumper). The antenna selections are confusing to me. Anyone have a suggestion?

[4RunAmok]

Roof mount antennas are best because you get to use the vehicle as the ground plane, but on a MOG, you have height issues to be concerned with if you plan on taking it under trees etc...

Bumper mount is "ok"... But you want to make sure you compensate for what you'll be missing from a rooftop mounting. In particular, height and ground plane.

To fix some of the ground plane issues, you can get a Comet antenna, very stout strong antennas that are "ground plane neutral", meaning they don't require some huge flat metal area to get an excellent pattern.

In HAM antennas, height is everything, so get the tallest one you can get away with. One that fits your personal preference (Don't want you feeling it looks stupid! ) and functions well. There is a sacrifice here; looks vs. function, you give up one for the other.

So, in short... if you're roof mounting, get a good NMO mount and a LARSEN antenna.
If you're bumper mounting, choose a good mount (may also be NMO if you have a nice flat plate steel bumper to drill through) and a Comet antenna.

[foxhunter]

Thanks, Mitch. Sounds like roof mount is the way to go.

[4RunAmok]

My pleasure... and remember, your install is meaningless without pics and narrative