ATAS-120 mobile HF antenna mount question
 

Okay, one more question about the Yaesu ATAS-120 before I order the FT-857
and ATAS-120.

How do I mount the ATAS-120? As I understand it, the antenna has a type M
connector built into the base so it will screw into a standard SO-239
connector. The antenna is 53-plus inches high so I'll need a fairly sturdy
mount.

I drive a small pickup with an aluminum cap on the bed. There is a ladder
rack attached to the cap -- the ladder rack consists of 3/4-inch square
aluminum tubing -- I can clamp a mount to the ladder rack but I really need
an adjustable mount so I can lay the antenna down when need be. I have
figured out how to tie everything together with ground straps to ensure good
grounding to the frame but now I need suggestions on which mobile mount to
use.

I was looking at some Diamond mounts but they all say not recommended for
antennas over 45 inches high.

I could fabricate something out of thick sheet aluminum and galvanized
corner brackets but a commercial mount would look a lot better.

Thanks.

--

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Joe S.

On Sun, 27 Feb 2005 20:41:31 -0600, Joe S. wrote:

Okay, one more question about the Yaesu ATAS-120 before I order the FT-857
and ATAS-120.

How do I mount the ATAS-120? As I understand it, the antenna has a type M
connector built into the base so it will screw into a standard SO-239
connector. The antenna is 53-plus inches high so I'll need a fairly sturdy
mount.

I drive a small pickup with an aluminum cap on the bed. There is a ladder
rack attached to the cap -- the ladder rack consists of 3/4-inch square
aluminum tubing -- I can clamp a mount to the ladder rack but I really need
an adjustable mount so I can lay the antenna down when need be. I have
figured out how to tie everything together with ground straps to ensure good
grounding to the frame but now I need suggestions on which mobile mount to
use.

I was looking at some Diamond mounts but they all say not recommended for
antennas over 45 inches high.

I could fabricate something out of thick sheet aluminum and galvanized
corner brackets but a commercial mount would look a lot better.

Thanks.

I built my ATAS bracket out of aluminum. It was the only why I could find
to get something that would hold up. I broke a couple of Diamond antenna
brackets on my Motorcycle trying to hold up dual band antennas until I
built on from scratch.