Open Roads Radio forum for Ham, Amateur Radio and RV camping - View Single Post - SteppIR's vertical

wa8yxm · 11-17-2011, 10:57 AM

I would hitch mount.. The biggest issue I see with vertical antennas is they need a proper "Ground Plane" that is a ground radial system.. you have one radial, (Well 2 really by they are parallel) roughly 45 feet long. You call 'em frame rails.

Beyond that you are relying on the ground itself and the power cord for grounding, Not really the best of the best.

I'm looking at that compact magnetic loop in November 2011 QST.. I'm thinking I might make a six (well almost 8) foot version of that, I can hang it on the back when driving and put it atop one of my posts when parked.

Only problem is the Vacuum Variable I'd need to tune it... Well.. BIG BUCKS by my budget.

11-17-2011, 10:57 AM	#7
wa8yxm Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Mobile, on the road Posts: 1,139	I would hitch mount.. The biggest issue I see with vertical antennas is they need a proper "Ground Plane" that is a ground radial system.. you have one radial, (Well 2 really by they are parallel) roughly 45 feet long. You call 'em frame rails. Beyond that you are relying on the ground itself and the power cord for grounding, Not really the best of the best. I'm looking at that compact magnetic loop in November 2011 QST.. I'm thinking I might make a six (well almost 8) foot version of that, I can hang it on the back when driving and put it atop one of my posts when parked. Only problem is the Vacuum Variable I'd need to tune it... Well.. BIG BUCKS by my budget.