View Full Version : Mobile antenna mounting
KD0PLC
10-31-2011, 09:27 PM
So after i get my liscence in a month i am planning on doing quite a bit of mobile operating, but im looking at my can now and im wondering where a good place would be to mount an antenna. The vehicle is a 1998 ford taurus, http://trialx.com/curetalk/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/2011/06/cars/1998_Ford_Taurus-3.jpg
As you can see the trunk is tilted, so no go there, The roof is slightly curved but im not sure if that would be a problem, and the windows have fords Solar-Tint, which it says on the larsen forums that that can prevent a window mount from being effective. So what are my options for antennas, Is there any sort of mount where i could adjust the antenna so on the trunk it would still be vertical.
Let me know,
-Jacob KD0PLC
W0LPQ
10-31-2011, 10:52 PM
Read and digest Alan's site ..
www.k0bg.com
Ah. So here we have a 1998 Taurus. Even if you own an SHO with full leather, and with less than 40,000 miles, it is still worth less than $5,000. And you don't want to drill a hole in the trunk lid?
Right in the middle of the trunk lip, an a spot effect for drilling a hole. Just fish the coax through the trunk support bracing, around the hinge, and then to where ever you need it. Who cares if it is at an angle? Trust me, you'll never notice.
HF Antenna? Well, there are lots of things you can do. Just don't get caught up in the old, I won't drill holes thingy!
KD0PLC
11-01-2011, 01:48 AM
Oh no im not afraid to drill i just didnt know because the trunk was angled i tought that it would cause the antenna to radiate differently thanks for the help
-kd0plc
M0GVZ
11-01-2011, 01:50 AM
Indeed. Just drill a hole in the middle of the roof and be done with it.
As an aside, that is one butt ugly car. The European version is the Ford Mondeo and is far more pleasant to look at..
KD0PLC
11-01-2011, 02:10 AM
Lol thats my first car your talking about
The angle of the deck isn't going to make a significant difference in the pattern. Just do it!
KF5FEI
11-01-2011, 01:43 PM
Just poke a hole in it. My wife's new car was only about a week old when I drilled a hole in the roof -- but she was the one who insisted I get a radio installed ASAP.
G7DIE
11-01-2011, 08:29 PM
Am I the only one thinking mag mount :D
KD0PLC
11-01-2011, 11:55 PM
Am I the only one thinking mag mount :D
im definantly thinking mag mount, there is a big theft problem in my area and the last thing i need is everyone knowing i have an expensive mobile transcever.
KF5FEI
11-02-2011, 12:06 AM
Back in the dark ages they used to make a hinged mount for the side of the trunk that would let you open the trunk, fold the mount over, and tuck the antenna into the trunk. Haven't seen one in forever, so they probably are no longer made.
G7DIE
11-02-2011, 09:29 AM
im definantly thinking mag mount, there is a big theft problem in my area and the last thing i need is everyone knowing i have an expensive mobile transcever.
My apologies, the comment was a little tongue in cheek with reference to an earlier thread, that said I'm not all doom and gloom when it comes to mag mounts, I know some on here don't hold stock in the mag mount, and with some solid reasons behind their argument, although I don't believe them to be the murderous tool of satan that some would have us believe ;)
KF5FEI
11-02-2011, 02:12 PM
My apologies, the comment was a little tongue in cheek with reference to an earlier thread, that said I'm not all doom and gloom when it comes to mag mounts, I know some on here don't hold stock in the mag mount, and with some solid reasons behind their argument, although I don't believe them to be the murderous tool of satan that some would have us believe ;)
Nothing wrong with a decent mag-mount antenna. I've used them until I was able to get a permanent mounted antenna, or on a vehicle that wasn't mine. However, the damage you avoid by not drilling a hole is usually offset by scratching the paint when the antenna gets knocked loose or a leaky door seal from being deformed by the coax. Either that or the coax gets pinched and you have to replace it.
W4DRH
11-21-2011, 01:03 AM
im definantly thinking mag mount, there is a big theft problem in my area and the last thing i need is everyone knowing i have an expensive mobile transcever.
I am c you on that one
