As mentioned from a previous post…
If you’ve ever worked a large public service event (Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour or the Canadian Ski Marathon as examples) that are in areas that are not always “Radio Friendly” where you have to reach the repeater then here is a suggestion for you.
And here’s how I put it together… with next to no tools and with parts that mostly would be found in your radio equipment junk box
Parts list:
Hurricane style 3 or 4 magnet mount
Length of threaded rod- I used a 3 foot long 3/8 inch threaded rod that I picked up at Princess Auto here in Kingston along with 3 nuts and washers
Home made copper J Pole antenna from my junk box that I built about 25 years ago as part of a club build project
Couple of small hose clamps
10 foot (or so ) run of coax
Step 1– Remove whatever antenna mounting hardware is currently on the Mag mount
Step 2– Using Nuts and washers attach treaded rod where the antenna mount used to be
Step 3– Attach J Pole to the threaded rod using hose clamps if needed at a length that you feel comfortable with or come up with a suitable way to secure the antenna to the rod (your choice) In my case I just inserted the threaded rod inside the end of JPole
Step 4 – Attach coax
In my case this gave me a copper J pole 2 feet above the 6 foot high roof of the truck then you add in the length of the J Pole itself and I have a the top of a 1/2 wave antenna approx 14 feet above ground (6(truck)+2(rod)+6(length of Jpole) firmly attached by 3 large magnets to the rood of the truck. According to Ontario Law its too tall to have on the roof while driving but if you are stationary (at a checkpoint) it will do you fine…
WARNING
Whenever you are doing any sort of antenna work watch for and avoid all overhead wires.
You follow the above directions and use the information at your own risk. The fact that it worked for me does not mean it will work for you.
If you have any doubts about the safe use of the information do not attempt this..
Check your SWR before transmitting. Finals can be expensive
I hope you have fun with this setup but please be careful…. Don’t be “THAT” Ham…
Hopefully this setup should (could, might) give your the extra oomph to your signal to get into the repeaters when needed.
73bob
VA3QV and his Amateur Radio Hobby 