Anyone on here from Kelowna??

I don't think I'd ever turn down coffee and doughnuts.

 

To anyone on last minute. I am about to leave my house in Vernon to come out to kelowna. I have to pick up the donuts and coffee from Tim Hortons on the way in. I should be there by 10am like I promised and I will be there till 2pm. Anyone is welcome. Come out and visit even if its just to talk about trails or modifications. Scenery etc. anything is allowed.

Darn these two laptops are heavy these days.

 

ill poke my head in around 11ish if you're all still around. wont be able to stay long

 

First... Lol. I'm at the second parking lot I think

 

Sorry for being a little slow. but here is the link to the pictures on Facebook. If anyone wants a copy of the images just message me and I will send originals.

 

@Foihdzas btw it was your devil horns that made me make the connection.

 

I was only a bit curious how you knew that I went to the meet. We should hit the trails when they open up in a monthish. I don't know the back roads past Vernon.

 

I mostly explore during hunting season, so my travels have taken me to Mule deer country. Trinity Valley and all the FSR off shoots. Also Harris Creek FSR area. Some cool views and scenery for sure.

Ordered my handheld Ham today. Researching antenna options. Debating hood or roof mount

 

Im going to mount mine on my ARB. My choice would be hood, due to low hanging trees. Roof mounts work in the parries

 

But signal range is SO much better on the woof!

 

Not if its snapped in half. Then it's an 1/8 wave antenna :lol:

 

Isn't that perfect for 70cm??

 

keep in mind that the gain of the antenna would determine the range in the hilly area's. roof is best for some but a 3db gain would be the type for our hills. not super high range but widest hilly range so you gain elevation. I would mount it magnetically on the roof personally. then if you need to drop it down due to overhang you can.

 

Good points, another reason for my mount is thievery. Mag mount on the bull bar is inviting to steal, threaded on with permanent loc-tite will hopefully prevent this.

Do you think the 2' of difference between the front of the truck and roof make a huge difference in range?

 

I was thinking magnetic mount as Tyler suggested. To be removed when clearance is an option. But I'm leaning more and more towards a solid mount on the hood.

If there is considerable gain to the roof, what with all the repeaters, as long as we can still call silverstar or little white......

 

Omega Communications (ask for Randy) has the underhood stainless steel Antenna bracket for our trucks, fits perfectly between the fender and the hood; attaches to fender bolts. Bracket will fit either driver/passenger side.

 

Thanks for the tip @OSR I'll look into it

 

Roof mount advantage is the large, even ground plane, with no obstructions and is always the desirable spot. If you are worried about stuff hitting it, use just a 1/4 wave antenna up there and you will good performance. The bumper is the worst spot. The fender mount is a compromise, and does not have an ideal omnidirectional response, but is the most common location for 5/8 wave more out of convenience than function. If you have no ground plane to work with, you use a 1/2 wave antenna.

 

I think the biggest thing is you dont need the antenna up there all the time. if theft is a reason why you dont want to put a magnetic mount on your truck then honestly it might be the best option. Make sure you have a screw in application so you can remove the antenna all together and remove it when you dont need it.
As stated above your bumper will give you best leave in securement for security. next best is hood or box. best for reception is the roof as no obstruction and amazing what 5' of height will do for you.

Just make sure the cables and that are secured and maybe you can find a way to make yourself happy.