I found a lot of discussion about CB antennas, but not much about Ham. I just received my Yaesu FT-2800 and antenna. My plan all along was to mount the antenna in the middle of the roof on my Jimmy, but did not realize how much the roof flexes. I have a cell phone antenna about 8" from the back of the metal part of the roof. Should I move the cell antenna forward on the roof and put the ham antenna where the cell antenna is? The roof is much stiffer there. My other thought was to go with my original plan, but to foam between the outer skin and inner to stiffen the roof. I would have to leave a voids in the foam to let me work on the mounts if necessary. I think that might make my truck quieter also. I don't know how well the foam would hold up to the temperature in the summer though. Any suggestions?
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.
Ham Radio antenna
- Thread starter driney
- Start date
Skigirl
1/2 ton status
I wouldn't worry much about roof flex. Mounting the ham antenna where the cell is sounds like a better idea than putting it elsewhere. I'd probably mount the cell antenna on the fender or quarter panel, though I'm not sure how having the cell antenna below the roof line would affect reception.
I assume the ham antenna is a dual band?
I assume the ham antenna is a dual band?
It is a 5/8 wave 2 meter. I'm using a NMO mount so I can change to something else pretty easily if I eventually change radios. I would have liked to have bought a Kenwood TM-D710A because of its APRS capabilities, but that can come later.
I bought a piece of 3" wide metal at Home Depot and cut it to length, then mounted it on the rear driver's side wedged between the topper and the truck bed. I cut 2 holes in the metal piece so it is held by the nub that sticks up into the topper, and the bolt closest to the rear that holds the top on. It's worked really well, although it is a little thick for my NMO mount so I had to use a small piece of metal on the center part of the lower contact for the antenna. I think the metal piece is a little thicker than what the mount is meant for.
I've got a Diamond NR770HNMO and it works great -- I was talking to a friend of mine around 18 miles away on 2M simplex. It's not nearly as high as mounting it on the roof, but is lower profile for when on the trail.
I've got a Diamond NR770HNMO and it works great -- I was talking to a friend of mine around 18 miles away on 2M simplex. It's not nearly as high as mounting it on the roof, but is lower profile for when on the trail.
