I prefer a magmounted sirio hp/megawatt 4000 for that reason. But when static using a sirio so239-3/8 adaptor you can screw a 1/4 wave whip on. Not that you need too.
I ain't see a sirio mag145pl come off yet. Park up high enough you'll rip the arse out all the local base stations. At times I can work skip or extreme distance line of sight when those in the valley below hear nothing barefoot or with power.
Drilling holes works better but sirio mag 145pl is no slouch. Putting antennas anywhere but centre of roof seems crazy.
Faith in your equipment and confidence in your voice is the most important aspect of dx. People are lazy by nature. Talk to someone intetesting,clear audio and confident or someone hesitant,nervous or mediocre to poor audio. Human nature dictates the former will have success.
Lost count how many tines people told me their setup was shit for dx only for me to pick up microphone and rattle off contacts. Wasn't their equipment costing them. In most cases it was their nerves especially as it was illlegal here
where my attitude was fuck them I'll dx where I want with as much power as I want and let them worry about catching me, even when I did get busted in 83 all it done was drive me to learn how to avoid it in future by running a cleaner station and not trying to squeeze every watt out an amp like I did when I knew nothing at 16 in 83.
I see it as an occupational hazaard. Why worry about it , if shits going to happen it will. All you can do is minimise risk. That lack of worry shows as confidence and brings success even on cheap high quality 2nd hand gear.
My whole mobile setup cost £158. Only radio is a second hand uniden philippines president richard, amp kl203p antenna (hp4000) mag base (mag145pl) were all new.
Not a lot to lose and will compete on ssb audio and signal with 90% of 100w hf sets. But most important in right conditions will do whole planet easily.
You don't need custom gear to sound good,cover frequencies and scud out. Just a bit of knowledge and shrewed buying.
