HAM radio antenna ideas?

[Mercuric Mind]

hearing of fox hunts makes me wish I hadnt let my License expire.. I remember some fun times on 2 meter fox hunts.. .. I lost interest in the hobby so never renewed my call sign.. I should go get it again. the bus would be a fun place to set up from

I almost got my license but just couldn't wrap my head around Morse code part and then life happened.

 

[Mercuric Mind]

I should go get it again. the bus would be a fun place to set up from

Skoolie fox hunt would be a fun gathering method. I suppose the hunt range would be North America? BBQ /party / hangout at the fox location.

 

[HamSkoolie]

I almost got my license but just couldn't wrap my head around Morse code part and then life happened.

No morse requirement at all now days. Just a 35 question test from a question pool and you have access to the question pool, every correct answer, AND every wrong answer.

 

[ism minerals]

Has anyone used the space above the driver side window for a vhf/uhf fold over antenna? I am looking to be able to easily fold over the antenna when needed while driving on back roads. If i put it on the roof it will add around 3 ft to the top of the bus which I do not want while driving back roads. I am worried about shadowing as there will be 8-12 inches of curved roof right next to the antenna if I use a 90° NMO mount

 

[HamSkoolie]

Has anyone used the space above the driver side window for a vhf/uhf fold over antenna? I am looking to be able to easily fold over the antenna when needed while driving on back roads. If i put it on the roof it will add around 3 ft to the top of the bus which I do not want while driving back roads. I am worried about shadowing as there will be 8-12 inches of curved roof right next to the antenna if I use a 90° NMO mount

I would just go with an NMO mount 1/4 wave dual band. 2m/70cm 1/4 wave is only 18" or 19".
I have used an existing NMO mount in the location you describe for a small 2/70 radio and it seemed to work but I only had it in the driveway to tie in to local repeaters and 2m calling so I couldn't address any directional issues.

 

[ism minerals]

Ham,


Thank you the feedback, I think I will try it there, I want to stick with the same antenna I have on my truck a diamond NMO 2m/1.25m/70cm combo so 32'' or so. Seems to work great and I can play on 220mhz if i feel the need . When I am parked I can move it up to the future roof deck.