Noob Help, on Antenna placement

[RedLeg0811]

Hi, all

I have been trying to research the best place to mount my antenna, but I have some veriables that through a wrench into it. I will be putting a Galaxy DX959 in a 1970 bronco. My hood is fiberglass and some times I will have the hard top (metal) on and other times it will be the softop. So I can't mount to my hard top. I am thinking that the two locations that I have to choice from are the front inner fender or when I finish my rear bumper making a mount above the 35" tire. I guess I am looking for the lessor of two evils, or if someone has a better solution.

I also need to figure out an Antenna to use. I have looked around and seen some reviews, but it is sort of over welming. I don't need the best, but I want something that will work well and can put up with wheeling out in the woods.

Thanks
Martin

 

[K7RDN]

If you can mount it to the front fender on the inside where the hood come down and as close to the front windshield, I think I would try to mount it there. If you are using it for 4 wheeling and not worried about height, I would go with the 102" whip.

 

[RedLeg0811]

I can mount it there. I was surprized you said as close to the windshield. I would have thought the windshield would have blocked the waves making a dead space? Maybe with a 102 it wouldn't be an issue as it would be above the windshield?

 

[K7RDN]

You just want to try and get the antenna as close to the center of the vehicle as possible. Of course the best place is in the center of vehicle/cab, but with a soft-top and removable hardtop that isn't possible.

 

[RedLeg0811]

Ok, I understand where you are going. I was looking at it the wrong way.

Thanks.
Martin

I'll have some more questions, but I need to do some more reading.

 

[RedLeg0811]

I will probably go with a 102" whip antenna because it is less lickly to get broke while wheeling. It looks like all the others are pretty stout and would not take a tree hitting them.

Is there a 102 whip that is better then others? I have read that people had been pretty happy with the RS stainless 102" whips.

Thanks
Martin