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#136010

ok ....here is my next setup.....fiberglass top.....now here is where i'll take any ideas/criticism

going to be roof mount....yep drillin the hole...so i know i'll have to run grounds..not sure which mount to do.....i want 1 and done....the ant will be a 10k or 55

i have.....
6x6 inch coily mount
the stargun mount
predator mount [small]

but i think i like the [Please login or register to view this link]

also have 4 .. 20' x 2'' braided ground strap [good stuff]
coax
etc.

i'll take any ideas
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linx · #136082

I would be serisouly concerned with any roof mount on that van. The "bubble top" on that van is most likely fiberglass. You mount something big on that fiberglass roof and when it starts to sway it's going to shatter that roof.

That is, if it's fiberglass. It may be metal, but most I've seen are not.

Just my .02 cents.

#136086

It's fiberglass alright!! I would be very concerned also,, not only for the structure of the roof but for the very poor ground plane it will make. You might need to go with a bumper or side mount with that vehicle? You could use a ball mount at 90 degrees on one of the back doors or on the side near the rear of the van? If you do go with the roof mount the long length that the ground straps will need to be, they would not make a good RF system.

#136102

If you do decide to go with a roof mount, and if you can get to the under shell of the roof, why not make a radial system under there with some copper tape from hobby lobby, or something equivalent. As many radials as you can, as long as you can, along with the ground strapping above mentioned.

BETTER IDEA ALERT: Or, as a simpler approach, a single under shell counterpoise 108 or so inches long. You'd basically be rolling around with a mobile "L" antenna, NICE. You could then claim an authentic 1/2 wave in the car, and get a little horizontal polarization out of the horizontal counterpoise wire. -drdx

#136108

linx wrote:I would be serisouly concerned with any roof mount on that van. The "bubble top" on that van is most likely fiberglass. You mount something big on that fiberglass roof and when it starts to sway it's going to shatter that roof.

That is, if it's fiberglass. It may be metal, but most I've seen are not.

Just my .02 cents.

yep ...it is fiberglass........heavy weave.......the factory stated it is just over 1/2''....and will hold 750lb on a roof rack....said it is ok for drilling

got strap and plate for ground......just curious about which mount to go with

whew

.....a 1x4 on a wire.......bet my puter wouldn't enjoy that

#136111

drdx wrote: a single under shell counterpoise 108 or so inches long. You'd basically be rolling around with a mobile "L" antenna, NICE. You could then claim an authentic 1/2 wave in the car, and get a little horizontal polarization out of the horizontal counterpoise wire. -drdx

This here is a good idea! If you run a piece of coppper tape the full length of the shell that would make a great counterpoise. Wish I thought of it!

Seabee · #136113

If you are gonna drill the hole, how bout mounting your antenna like this?

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#136116

Well, that wire would be just another radiator, just as your antenna is. In fact, the counterpoise deal would work to KEEP rf out of your computer, as it offers a nice rf outlet right at the feedpoint, as opposed to your signal looking for it via the whole vehicle. -drdx

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next setup.......e-250

next setup.......e-250