Hood Antenna Mount, now available.

It's set-up for 3/8" NMO mounts, but they have to be able to handle .190 thickness. The Liard part number I linked includes a bushing to work with either 3/8 or 3/4, the PCTEL is 3/8 only. Either should be good to go. The antenna I linked would be great for that radio.

It's pretty damn solid, I would say comparable to a thick mirror mount if you have any experience with those. Haven't done any long term testing on an antenna that big though.

 

awesome, thats the PCTEL im trying to get off Amazon.

 

subbed

 

I have that same radio, how do you have the head mounted up above the mirror like that?

 

How well do the antennas clear the windshield and roof edge while the hood is up? Can someone post a side view showing it with their hood fully open?

 

The only reason I'm shying away from this mount is the possible exposure risks. Any one else have thoughts on this?

 

It depends on antenna design and transmit power. With my setup exposure exceeds recommended levels at 15 watts on 2m and 10 watts on 70cm with a hood mount.

 

Cool!

 

Yeah, it's looking like 2.15dBi gain and 50W at 70cm is no bueno for this location.

 

Dang I wish you had posted this a few weeks sooner. I’m using a relentless fab ditch light mount. But this is a much cleaner option.

 

Do you have a cellphone?

 

Some quick research shows that most cellphones transmit at below 2 watts and typically less than 1 watt.

 

Dang on that low power, how much gain?

Yeah depending on cable losses 50w can put you over.

 

Exposure risks will depend on antenna design and power. Also, one has to remember that exposure risks were calculated for stations with a much higher duty cycle than we see in a mobile rig, and the FCC recommendations reflect that. Because of that, I am comfortable with my setup (50w max, 2.5Dbd gain antenna) as I don't transmit much at full power, and even if I need to it's not often.

 

3.5dbi on 2m, 6.0dbi on 70cm.

Like you said though, all personal preference for how much you care about exposure and highly dependent on usage and duty cycle.

 

Yeah, but I don’t hold my whip next to my head when I transmit. Just pointing out that its a lot closer than the antenna and higher frequencies do have more bio affects.

 

So just installed my set up today (d710g with the same antenna you used). But ive got 20w forward and 10w reflected. So comes out to 6:1. Im sure its something i did. I was not able to get the white plastic piece to fit on the connector though when i installed it on the plate. Would that be the issue? I check resistance on the cable on its all good.

 

@monkeyevil will this work with either Rago or caliraised ditch light brackets?

 

I think that white plastic isolator not being installed is an issue. Also check resistance between your mount and a ground lug on the fender or battery. You may just need a better ground

 

Probably not since they occupy the same place.