Mobile APRS

[W1MSG]

Ok I currently have a TM-D700A I have had for almost 9 years, its been a great radio and I have used it both Mobile and as a Base.

I am looking at the new Yeasu 350 so I can keep the Kenwood as my Base and go with the 350 mobile.

Whats the best Dual Band mobile antenna out there right now? Its been quite a while since I ran a rig mobile.

Thanks

Craig

 

[ke7vvt]

Diamond MR77 Dual Band Mobile Antenna is nice. I stuck it on the back of my outback sport and ran the coax under the seats to the front. I also got this CSB-750A Comet CSB-750A CSB-770A CSB-790A. Comet CSB-7500 CSB-7700 CSB-7900 Mobile Antenna with this K702M mount, Diamond K702M Magnet Mount, Diamond K-702 that travels with a radio in a tool box and is only used some times. I don't know if I am man enough to have a 3.5 foot antenna on my car.

What vehicle is it going on? How big of an antenna do you want to deal with? Are you going to permanent mount it (hole in roof or trunk/lip mount)?

Longer length is better for communication but can hit things and might make your car look funny. jm

 

[W1MSG]

Well its going on my 2006 Ford Explorer. I just picked up an L Bracket for NMO and a cheap base loaded Dual Band thats about 37 inches, I'll put it across the hood from the Radio antenna so it shouldnt look too bad. Probably going to mount up the TM-D700a in there for now until I decide if I want to spend the money on the FTM-350 .. My Kenwood is old but I have never had a single problem with it. Still need to wire up a GPS for it. I wish there was some way to interface the Nuvi Nav unit.

I also just dug my VX-7R out of the basement and I'm giving it a charge. It looks like hell, paint on the case is peeled off and the aluminum body has some oxidation on it, but it still works. I bought it when they were first released and I have the Baro / Alt board in it as well.

I tend to fade away from the hobby and always come back to it when I am bored. All my other hobbies keep me busy, but when I retire from the Army next year I might actually have more time to dedicate to it.

 

[ke7vvt]

Cool. Post a pic of the truck when it is ready.

 

[Moleculo]

Best? I don't know if there is such a thing. However, I use the Comet CA-2x4SR and really like it. It's broadbanded and performs well:

BROADBAND VHF/UHF Dual Band Antenna
CA-2x4SR: Designed to assist Search & Rescue Volunteers and Professionals
1.5:1 or less SWR: 140-160/435-465MHz
Gain: 3.8/6.2dBi
Max Power: 150 watts
Length: 40 inches
Connector: PL-259
Fold-over hinge included
The CA-2x4SR is a broad-band antenna designed for those needing voice communications on the ham radio, land mobile, and FRS frequency ranges.
When the amateur radio community is working together with local search and rescue and other public service agencies, the CA-2x4SR antenna allows TX and RX capability in both bands!
The coverage area and gain provided by the CA-2x4SR is remarkable. Whether used on VHF or UHF or both, it is an asset to the communications needs of amateurs and land mobile users simultaneously.

 

[W5LZ]

If that CA2x4SR is the one with the 'ring' in the middle of it, I have one and thing it's just dandy. I guess I could go check the model number on the antenna but I'm too lazy.
- 'Doc

 

[Moleculo]

If that CA2x4SR is the one with the 'ring' in the middle of it, I have one and thing it's just dandy. I guess I could go check the model number on the antenna but I'm too lazy.
- 'Doc

Yes it is...two elements vertically cophased.