help with antenna options for VHF radio!!!!

[jackrook]

so i just purchased the Icom 5021 which is wildly popular on this forum. seems solid and easy to use at a very reasonable price. i obviously went with this radio because i want it to be PERMANENTLY MOUNTED so i can get better range and quality when im riding.

so my question is this....what antennas are you guys running??? seems like all the threats about VHF install focus solely around installing the RADIO but i am interested in ANTENNAS.

this Raptor is my daily driver so i would either need a strong low profile antenna or an easy to remove whip style antenna that the opening can be covered when not in use.

basically i only want to have the antenna on when im off roading. any suggestions? this newb thanks you in advance.

 

[Fyermanbob]

PCI in Signal Hill (and I'm sure others) should be able to set you up with what you need, I've been running their stuff for years and no complaints.

 

[Kmandoske]

I have a glass mounted VHF antenna from Antenna Farm.com I like it because it is perminant and I do not have any cables outside of the truck, I ran the cable under the carpet and up behind the rear seats. When not in use, I unscrew the antenna and hid it under the floor matt in the back. I mounted the antenna low on the window and it still has good range. I mounted it low because I needed it to flex when I go into parking garages in the city. it is about 4 inches higher than the front FM antenna.

 

[BigJ]

http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f12/dual-band-ham-2-way-amateur-radio-install-frs-gmrs-mod-7519/

 

[cups]

http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f12/dual-band-ham-2-way-amateur-radio-install-frs-gmrs-mod-7519/

J, the link seems to be corrupted. It takes me to the posting rules.

 

[SwampKing]

Indubious and I just drilled an NMO base on the roof that I'll have my dual band screwed onto when in use. Comet makes a really nice antenna that has a spring loaded break away when in low areas. Simple simple to install, it taken us a whole 15 minutes to take off the third brake light, mark the hole center, drill, and I ran the wire all the way to the front. Just tucked the wire into the headliner and worked my way up front without even dropping the headliner

 

[jackrook]

So I went with the pros at Ham Radio Outlet in Burbank, Ca. Tom was very helpful and explained to me step by step. I know feel more informed.

So I went with a 17ft coax cable, a half wave antenna that I have to tune myself(pretty easy the way he explained it to me), and a Screw on cover that goes on when the whip isn't being used.

I am going to install everything Saturday

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

 

[All The Way]

Can't go wrong with the guys at HRO