Question on mount types and strength

[OLLIE]

You might consider a beam antenna for net nights.

[DaveK]

You might consider a beam antenna for net nights.

An excellent suggestion. We have been using an Elk log-periodic dual band (2m and 440)antenna to do the nets for about 2 -3 months now. I am about 80 miles from the repeater and with the vehicle antenna, it was always a bit of a stretch to make the trip. There was usually a varying amount of scratch and noise that accompanied my signal and anyone with a better signal could take me out without much effort. The Elk antenna has improved things so I can now compete with just about anyone, including those who are camped out right under the repeater. See: http://www.elkantennas.com/2m4405element.htm.

It is easy to assemble and mount and when disassembled, it can be put into a small pouch that is very easy to store in the vehicle. For those who are into SSB, reversing the polarity is a snap.

From their website:

Features:

* 2M Gain 6.6 dbd (8.7 dBi)
* 440 Gain 7 dBd (9 dBi)
* 20 +dB Front to Back Ratio
* 24 Inch Boom Length
* 1:1 SWR 144-148 Mhz, 430-450 Mhz
* 200W Max Power 2M, 100W 440
* Weighs 1.5 lbs.
* Corrosion resistant aluminum alloy boom
* Anodized aluminum elements
* Stainless steel hardware
* Designed for long life
* Super fast and easy assembly/disassembly (three minutes).
* Color-coded elements screw onto studs on the color-coded boom- just match the colors!
* Two bands with one coax fitting. Use your dual band HT for satellite contacts.
* No duplexer required, no duplexer loss, no duplexer power limit, no duplexer cost!
* Use all portions of the band without retuning.
* Change polarity easily, just twist the mounting assembly to change from vertical to horizontal polarity.
* Designed with the latest synthesis software to achieve highest gain and highest front to back ratio for its size.
* Now with "soft touch" handle for satellite and foxhunting applications

[Chazz Layne]

I'll have to give that Elk a try, looks like something I should have on-board anyhow.

I think Copper Mountain might be in the way now, reception was better before I moved (on my HT). All I was able to pick up was loud static... I could tell it was people talking, but it was bad enough I couldn't make out words.

The new mount worked perfectly, so much I get the feeling I may have just had a defective one last time. I had the truck out for a test drive today (to pick up trim fasteners I broke during the install) and the antenna/mount is nice and quiet at highway speeds. Everything is installed now, just need to hook up to the battery tomorrow.