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cheaper mobile antenna

bluestallion

W9WDX Amateur Radio Club Member
May 13, 2008
151
8
28
Hey guys i just got me a 2000 buick century for my work car. Im going to put a radio in it, probably my 25 thats been peaked and tuned. Right now i got a little wil antenna i might put on it, but was wondering if theres a better cheaper antenna out there. I know could get a wilson 5k, but was wondering if there was something cheaper out there. has to be able to be put on a magmount base. Thanks
 

There are other antennas that can be used. But the problem would be mounting them, as they require a solid mount and aren't mag mounted. As it is, you already have an antenna that can mount on the top center of the roof and work as well as a K-40 antenna - IMO. Propagation from the center roof top is best . . .

Until you can spend ~$90 for a Wilson 5000, I would work with that. A tri-mag mounted Predator 10k will set you back almost $130, and a tri-mag mounted 1/4 steel whip will cost around $70.

Keep in mind, that where an antenna is mounted means a lot to just how well it will work.
The Little Wil isn't the worst shortie antenna I've worked with.
You can do well with it!

Pictured:
Left: The SUV mount is $15, but will mount the antenna to the side of the vehicle. Which is OK; but doesn't allow for the use of the roof surface/center - which is best.

Right: The Tram tri-mag mount is $40 and comes with its own coax. THis will mount a Predator 10K and a 1/4 wave/102 inch steel whip - and quite a few other 3/8 threaded antennas. Smack dab on the middle of the roof for best results.

Both can be had from Sparky's CB Shack in Illinois, as well as other places . . .
 

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That 'LilWil' should work. So should all the rest mentioned. I guess it depends on what you call 'cheap'. It also depends on how well you tune the antenna. Are there differences between roof mounting, or trunk/hood mounting? Sure, but they are not 'daylight/dark' differences. Pick the one that is best suited for your situation.
- 'Doc
 
Thanks guys for the info. I was planning on mounting the little wil on the trunk. I found a used trunk mount 5k on ebay, but has no whip, which i found on a different site. but if bought right, could have only around $50 in it. Thanks
 

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