-=H=- wrote:
Hi all,

I find myself in need of a 6 meter mobile antenna. I intend to
use it for SSB at the low end of the band. I have no interest
in 6m FM or repeaters. It must be a whip antenna rather than a
loop for aesthetic reasons (XYL would kill me if I installed a
Squalo on the truck!). I don't care about cost. I'm flexible
on what type of mount is required. I presently have a 3/8"-24
mount installed, but it's easy to change to NMO, UHF, etc. My
previous 6m antenna was a helically-wound piece of junk from
Iron Horse, which literally fell apart. I want something that
is built well and will last. My mounting location will be the
right rear corner of the aluminum toolbox on my F-150 pickup.

I'm interested in hearing about YOUR personal experiences with
6 meter mobile antennas: what worked well for you, and what did
not. I am not interested in "My buddy says..." or "I think I
read somewhere...", 'cuz that's worthless hearsay. I wanna know
what worked for YOU.

Thanks and 73,
Dean K5DH


I am using an Antenna Specialist "disguise" type cowl mount whip that I
cut for 6 meter FM. These antennas were quite popular in the 70's when
police agencies used the VHF low band frequencies. I use a Standard
tri-band (6m, 2m, 70cm) in the car which runs 45w,50w,30w out
respectively. I have a single coax connection on the back of the radio
which goes to a diplexer that sends the 6m transmit to the cowl mount
antenna and the 2meter and 70cm, signal to a dual band antenna on the
roof. The dual band antenna is a low profile cellular look-a-like
antenna, so at first glance it appears I have an AM/FM antenna and a
cell phone antenna mounted on the car. The 6 mtr antenna works fine and
the performance is what you would expect from a 1/4 wave whip.

I know you didn't want any second hand stories but I have friends who
have successfully used Larsen 2 meter 3db base loaded antennas on 6
meters. Interstingly enough they turn out to be resonant on 6 meters as
well as 2 meters. If you are looking for an NMO antenna, that would be
the way I would go. You could essentially be getting a "dual band"
antenna for the price of a 2 meter base loaded antenna.

Andy
WD4KDN