Charlotte, NC area: hate on OP, houses, boats & hoes

That's not how gain works.

 

Basically the same on HAM repeaters just not the same colorful rhetorik, HAMs get more creative because there are enforced rules. Granted those enforcing the rules and hunting people down are that same teachers pet in school. Lots of "toolbelt/flashlight in bed" references on K4ITL while I was in URE this weekend.

 

@jlemmond from Ronny Dahls website, "3dB works better in hill terrain and sand dunes, 6dB and higher gain works better on the flat landscape. The idea is when 4 wheeling in hilly country or sand dunes switch to the 3dB antenna and when on the highway use the 6dB for better coverage."

Thats why I have a 3 and a 2.5

 

Just figured a 6db gain antenna would be better than an antenna without any gain. Thats about as far as my thought process went if you want me to be honest.

 

Gotcha, yeah its kind of confusing but that graphic should explain it well. Basically a high gain is flatter and has longer range, but only when theres line of sight, lower is better offroad(which is really the only time I use mine). Prob makes sense to have a higher gain and a lower one though

 

I should be all set for Bonneville then

 

Dammit @Bannerman .... your gonna make me have to order another antenna.

 

Haha, like I said, probably good to have both.

 

I should look at what gain my HAM antenna is. I just ordered one and didn't think about it.

Edit: looks good to me
Gain & Wave:

• 2M: 3.0dBi 1/2 wave
• 70cm: 5.5dBi 5/8 wave x2

 

I want to mount it up high on the roof rack, I could use those holes to mount it on the crossbars with some t-slot nuts....I'll have to measure to see if I can still get in the garage or not, before I buy anything.

Not sure about that lip mount, seems like it would scratch the hood or fender if there isn't enough clearance.

Need to research all this shit when I have time, of course today is busy af at work.

 

How would you route the coax off the roof rack matt?

 

Down the backside of the cab between the bed and cab, then bring it in through the rubber grommet under the passenger side seat.

 

10-4

 

@Sandman614 may correct me here (and please do!) but the roof rack is not a great option. I don't remember the details but I think for a good location it's less about it being high up and more about being on a "flat plain", thus the hood is a better option. I know I specifically didn't mount it to my Prinsu for that reason. The lip mount (that I linked at least) has a thick rubber pad, will not scratch.

 

Did you run a separate ground strap to this mount? If not, how does it get grounded? I see that most low profile antennas require a ground plane.

 

Not that I recall. It may ground using the radio. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

hmm, what shorty antenna are you using? No issues with it?

Looking at this one now, it's a 3dB
https://www.arcantenna.com/products/trab4503-m2m-400-490-mhz-black-low-profile-omni-antenna

 

Youmei Dual Band NMO Antenna Small Cannon Style Antenna UHF/VHF 400-470/136-174MHz 50W for Car Mobile Radio

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B077YPRCPX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

good enough for LLOD, good enough for me.