Hardware Chat

Hi Paul

I have used a W-770HB 2/70 whip and magmount for over a year. It performs very well on 2m. The magmount has been rock solid but gives the option of removal for car washing or parking in low-roofed multi-story car parks etc. One word of caution, the magmount will mark the paintwork after a while. I'm experimenting with a plastic sheet under the base but it's too early to tell if this will eliminate the problem.

73, Rob.

I'm using a Diamond SG-7500 equivalent. In my opinion its a great Antenna.

Another idea... depending on what you want to do.. the WSM-270 mini-mag antenna is pretty impressive for its size. Most of my mobile radio time is on GB3DA. 5w through the mini-mag is generally enough to access DA from Chelmsford, Witham, Maldon or the sourrounding area. I up the power to 10w if I get out towards the M25 or out towards Colchester... but really, for the size (very small) and cost (very cheap) it's a little cracker. If I go on a longer run and expect (or want) to use 75w for simplex, I just put on the W-770HB.

Dont expect a mag mount to stay on at high speed..anything much over 50mph and your risking it to get ripped off....still better to go for the drill hole methoed...if your car is not brand new then this is realy not a problem if done properly. have a look at the procom website they do a realy neat vhf/uhf dual band antenna that can be tuned for the ham bands.. its PMR quality and has interchnageable whips so u can install a tiny uhf whip when not being used...loks like a cellphone antenna very neat and all cabling is inside the car...no risk of being pulled off when parked in sainsburys etc....has a very small low profile mounting option on underside of mount easy to route under headliner without to much fuss.......WARING use proper hole punch to make perfect hole never drill or use hole saws !!......

I personaly dont like thease hatch mounts on modern cars look to bulky...diamond used to sell a very low profile dual band antenna on a very small hatch mount that was ideal but they stoped making it years ago....this would have suited many people.....ive gone for the procom option looks professional and factory fitted look....and when not in use just screw in the tiny uhf whip...looks like cellphone factory fit !!!

http://www.procom.dk/products/mobile-antennas/144-175-mhz/gain-antennas/mhu-3-x