Re(2): Re(2): [Antennas] how to mount mobile antennas

[DavidE Benedict]

Hello again...

Minivans and such are a real problem. Don't know what I'd do for one of
those. Because for HF there is little available that is so convenient and
gets out so well as a ScrewDriver or BugCatcher antenna. One of the
reasons for that is that it is a center-loaded antenna and they seem to
work about the best for mobile.

The problem with ctr-load for a minivan is that the lower part of a
ctr-loaded antenna is the major radiator, and in a minivan installation
that means it is right next to the metal skin...not-OK.

Oops... no photo available today (blush), the computer on which are my
photos is down. Sorry about that.

If you are serious about HF mobile, a screwdriver or bugcatcher-type ant,
and its proper install are key to really getting out. Whips with tuners
are about 4x less effective in my experience (on 20 Meters for instance).

Go for a sedan installation, or a tilt-over, roof-mounted, ctr-loaded ant.
of some kind to use when stopped.

I once used a 102 inch whip, atop my station wagon roof rack, fed by an
AH-4 tuner, and it was VERY disappointing! ...either mobile or parked. SWR
was great, but it didn't get out any better than your creaky 96 year old
grandfather

David B.
W7DBH