Which Ham Antenna mount

[cwieland]

I am new to mobile ham radio and was looking for an antenna mount. I found the Rugged Ridge

https://www.ruggedradios.com/products/antenna-mount-for-jeep-jl-jk-tj-jt

or

https://topsyproducts.com/products/jl-fender-mount-nmo-antenna-bracket

I am wondering if anyone has any experience with either of these. Also if you have used the Rugged Ridge did you add an extra screw for added support. I am looking at a dual band antenna about 33"

Any info would be appreciated.

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[AK6Q]

Greetings from AK6Q.... Welcome to mobile ham radio! I have installed several vhf/uhf as well as HF radios in the mobile, in a variety of vehicles. I have done a JK last and it worked great and allowed me to change out my radio bodies (Yaesu FT857, ft8900, ft350 and now a FTM400. ) I am starting my install in the JT.

First and foremost, run quality zip line AKA red/black power cord in the 12ga flavor directly from battery to your radio and fuse both lines.

I prefer a remote headed radio, this allows me a lot of choice on just where to mount the display head, and remote mount the microphone.

As for antenna mounts. I shy away from those that mount the antenna off the hood/cowl area as I find it obstructs my view a bit and it tends to make the signal a bit skewed due to the orientation of the ground plane in some instances. I prefer mounting it centered on the front of the bed rail for the best performance. Jeeps with fiberglass roof enclosures are pretty invisible to the antenna and allow a good radiation pattern. I usually fabricate a simple L bracket from steel or aluminum and mount to the bed rail. The next item you will need to do is make sure to bond the frame to the body and bed with some braided ground strap, as the manufacture usually does not have these grounded/bonded well.

I hope this helps you out a bit!

73 Scott AK6Q

 

[MrZappo]

The topsy mount is perfect. One screw and it is rock solid.

I coated mine in black plasti dip for a very nice appearance and protection. I have some threads on this site.

Pm me if you want some antenna advice if you want.

Tom

KA9YYZ

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