[QCWA] Mag Mount antennas

[Jeffrey D Angus]

Kevin Berlen wrote:

> I have been a user, seller, and installer of the NMO series mounts for 
> 30 years.
> They are a very flexible, reliable, time proven mount. The brand I 
> prefer is
> Maxrad. Quality just as good if not superior to Larsen, and with a more
> attractive price and apperance.

As a two-way radio shop owner, I see all kinds of weird things being called
antennas on vehicles. Personally, my favorite is the NMO mount with a plain
1/4 wave whip on it. By the way, I use a 146 MHz whip as a dual band
antenna for 144/440 and have had no problems with it for years.

Parking structures are the death of ANY solid antenna. A large base made
even larger with a UHF connector interface is just asking for trouble 
with any
low clearance item. Trees, pipes, concrete etc. The NMO mount with a chrome
ring and the rubber good allows you to get within an INCH of the mount 
without
doing an appreciable damage. (Did I mention that they work good too?)

But I'll tell you where the real problem lies with most antenna 
installations.
Including mag mounts etc..

The connector on the end of the cable. I don't understand how people expect
a standard PL-259 plug to work without attaching it properly. 99% of the
ones I see don't have the shield soldered, and about 5% of them don't even
have the center pin soldered.

I use crimp type connectors. And for personal use, I slip about 1" of 
the glue
lined stiff heat shrink over the crimp to make a VERY rugged end of the 
cable.

If you just can't bring yourself to drill a 3/4" hole in the vehicle, 
use a trunk mount
NMO.

Also, if you go with an NMO connector, invest in the correct hole saw to 
make
the hole with. It has a circular blade that protrudes about 1/8" to keep 
you from
destroying your headliner.

Jeff
wa6fwi


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