[Mobile-Portable] New car and considering new antenna setup!

[w3dya@juno.com]

It's interesting to hear all the comments in response to the question by
David, N4IN, and his new car antenna selection....

I profess little (maybe none) technical expertise regarding mobile
antennas; however at the county hunting meetings we are offered a dose of
really good technical knowledge.  A few weeks ago in Austin, TX, my
memory was refreshed... again....

One thing is certain:  a top loaded mobile antenna will outperform a
bottom-loaded (or center-loaded) vertical antenna by a wide margin, other
factors (mounting, for one) being equal.

I have nothing against screw-driver antennas except they are big and
clunky and have to be tuned by moving parts up and down (or is it 'round
and 'round?).

For over 15 years I've used a 54" Hustler mast (bumper mounted) with
Hustler  (rated 400W, bigger than necessary) resonators mounted for 40,
20, 15, and 10 meters.  In the PA QSO Party, I mount the 80M resonator
for late evening use; GA, IL, TX, VA, MD and other contests I've operated
mobile don't have enough activity on 80M to justify changing resonators. 
By adjusting the stinger for the CW (only) county hunter net freqs or for
the CW (only) center contest frequencies, just press the band switch to
QSY... instantly (with IC730, IC735, and now IC706).  I only operate HF
CW.

In Austin a CHing friend just removed his screwdriver antenna and
installed a setup similar to the Hustler mast/resonators after comparing
actual results, including tuning time.  I won't name the supplier, since
this is not a commercial; but I plan to replace the Hustler resonators
due to size and weight... but results are comparable!  And they are now
made strong enough that they should survive the garage-door battering
which never bothered the Hustler setup... except for a little
straightening.

Any of the antennas discussed will work... some better than others.  So
pick one that suits your car and personal taste... you probably won't
know the difference.

I'm somewhat embarrassed at the length of this, but the discussions about
good vs better antennas usually come down to a personal opinion... BUT
the facts are pretty clear!  Properly mounted, they all work!

73, Norm, W3DYA