New guy here. I have been reading here for a while but this is my first post.
I got my licence in early 2012 and picked up a Kenwood TH-D72A handheld with a Comet M-24M mag mount antenna. My primary purpose was to have APRS capability and for communicating with other 4x4 drivers in the BC backcountry. I also use the radio on my dual sport motorcycle for the same purpose. I had a CB for a few weeks but they aren't very popular anymore.
Of course, I am now getting more interested in expanding my range and making more distant contacts. I plan to get a Kenwood TM-D710A for the truck in the near future and I would like to get better antennas for the truck and to set up a decent base station.
For the truck, I am looking at the Comet CA-2X4SR and the CSB-750A.
My first question, is, does it matter if these are mounted in the mddle of the hood, on the edge of the hood or on the front bumper? I would prefer to use the bumper as it is the most secure from tree damage from a height and rigidity perspective. However, I thought the antenna would work better mounted on a good ground plane, like the hood. The roof is not an option due to potential tree damage.
My second question relates to power capability. Both antennas are rated at 150 W and the TM-D710A has a 50 W rating, but are the ratings comparable?
I also plan to set up simple base station using the handled for now. I am looking at a Comet GP-3, 6 or 9. I planned to mount the antenna from the facia of the house, about 30 ft. Above ground. Our neighbourhood is about 100 ft above sea level and is generally higher than anything around for several miles. I plan to run coax to my station and just connect the radio when needed. Is there anything special I should consider when mounting and grounding the antenna?
Thanks,
I got my licence in early 2012 and picked up a Kenwood TH-D72A handheld with a Comet M-24M mag mount antenna. My primary purpose was to have APRS capability and for communicating with other 4x4 drivers in the BC backcountry. I also use the radio on my dual sport motorcycle for the same purpose. I had a CB for a few weeks but they aren't very popular anymore.
Of course, I am now getting more interested in expanding my range and making more distant contacts. I plan to get a Kenwood TM-D710A for the truck in the near future and I would like to get better antennas for the truck and to set up a decent base station.
For the truck, I am looking at the Comet CA-2X4SR and the CSB-750A.
My first question, is, does it matter if these are mounted in the mddle of the hood, on the edge of the hood or on the front bumper? I would prefer to use the bumper as it is the most secure from tree damage from a height and rigidity perspective. However, I thought the antenna would work better mounted on a good ground plane, like the hood. The roof is not an option due to potential tree damage.
My second question relates to power capability. Both antennas are rated at 150 W and the TM-D710A has a 50 W rating, but are the ratings comparable?
I also plan to set up simple base station using the handled for now. I am looking at a Comet GP-3, 6 or 9. I planned to mount the antenna from the facia of the house, about 30 ft. Above ground. Our neighbourhood is about 100 ft above sea level and is generally higher than anything around for several miles. I plan to run coax to my station and just connect the radio when needed. Is there anything special I should consider when mounting and grounding the antenna?
Thanks,
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