That's simple.
1) As high as possible above the ground to reduce ground (as in the planet earth) losses. Doubling the height can give you as much as 6dB gain.
2) With as much horizontal metal as possible directly under the antenna so we maximise as much of the vehicle as we can and have current flowing through an efficient conductor rather than the lossy ground (as in the earth) below it so we can have more RF flowing through the antenna which means a stronger signal.
3) As near to the middle of 2 as possible to make it as omnidirectional as you can.
Slowmover,
In between contractors coming into the job site I was looking at the bed of my truck. My company got hired to provide covid screeners and safety people for some new Amazon warehouses. But anyways back to the point......
I'll be honest I've always loved the big whip antennas but never could justify one. So ever since you suggested it I've been thinking about how to get one mounted and working properly. So this morning I was looking at the bed to see where an eight foot antenna would mount and I saw this,
View attachment 38733
The four threaded holes on the inside of the bed. I have them at each corner on each side of the bed. I could easily install a steel plate with standoffs, a ball mount from breedlove and make sure its grounded. It has that access plate right next to it so running coax would be easy.
What are your thoughts about a mount like that?
I referenced the earlier post as it’s so well-said. The X and the Y.
1). I haven’t used a ball-Mount in 20-years. Didn’t test past SWR, but it sure worked on the port rear fender of a now ancient Chrysler.
2). If we look at “inside” versus “outside” the fender you’ve proposed, it’s closer to vehicle center and over the bed.
3). Didn’t you make mention of a bed cover? Related is using the bed for gear & supplies. That’d be my concern for long-term, that I’d wind up with something crowding the antenna.
4). Frankly, I’d consider using the place indicated to make an entry cover plate for a ball mount to the outside. Id want to be able to install a CMC choke/ RF balun. Make easy any long-term inspections or tests.
A). The X-Y coordinates of ideal versus practical make it seem okay.
B). My rule of thumb for my pickup is that any changes from stock condition made NOT affect its ability to do work. That’s a very long list of potential conflicts.
Thus
As something in the truck bed could damage the antenna & mount — as well as affect its performance — I wouldn’t. I’d go outside with interior access plate.
Stake-pocket Mount is sure a lot easier. Make you comfortable with a more difficult & expensive mount if it works as you want (practicality).
See thread adventures on similar by contributor
Nick hatz who just finished a 102 install on a pickup.
You two are a couple months apart in age and started the same thread (almost) a few days orcweeks apart Must be in the water for being 42.
So I’ll claim that I did my 102” whip
when I was 42.
.
