UHF - Stubby antenna on D1

[Cap]

Anyone here use one of those little stubby flexible antenna mounted on the gutter (D1)? I went out 4wd and found that branches etc were hitting the antenna (stainless steel cheap one) and flexing it. I have no spring base, so I am thinking of these stubby ones. My question is, how do they operate with the high roof Discos? The antenna would be about the same height as the hump, so they would really be clearing the roof.

Should I get a stubby or just a spring base that screws onto the PL245 base and then the whip onto the spring?

[simon_arch1]

Stooge - I'm sure you'll get much better performance from a bigger/longer aerial, but I've used a stubby on my gutter mount, and now on an aerial post on my spare wheel carrier that takes it to about roof height, for many years now - and for most purposes, the range is fine - in fact, haven't found a trip yet where I was disadvantaged at all.

cheers,

Simon

[isuzu110]

I'd expect that in hillly/close range convoy work, the stubby one would work better than a long one.

If you want maximum range over a flat plain, the longer one will work better.

The GME website has some extra info on this. Download their Land Radio Brochure.

[Cap]

Thanks for your replies. I have read their sites and understand the db theory, I was more wanting to know if anyone had any issues with the stubby antenna itself. Most of my driving is hilly terrain in convoy so no probs there with range (not required). Obviouslly I will change the antenna to a suitable one when I do require range.

Cheers,

[mcrover]

A mate of mine runs one on hi 80 series and it is great.

We nick named it Junior when we fitted it but in the bush it works far better (no surprise) than my 4.5 Db aerial on my bull bar.

It is a different story on the flats but a couple of Kms is fine, we could still comunicate but not much more than that.

[sschmez]

I keep a stubby ant. in the glovebox incase the whip breaks...

The stubby used to be on a magnetic base on the rear parcel shelf in the company Commodore I drove (couldn't/shouldn't mount it properly). Was perfect for listening to the highway channel on the long runs out of town .... all worked well, even from inside the car.

Stevo

[streaky]

I have to agree with sschemz....I also have my UHF stubby inside the Discovery and still get great performance.
It won't get broken or stolen if it's indoors either.

For convoy use it's a great solution.....but if you are going to crank up the reciever to get some serious range then perhaps you should look at putting it outside.

[Cap]

The guys up the road that sell these things recon that the ant. only costs about $15. For that price its worth having it, then I can also carry the longer whip for when I need more coverage.

Thanks all for your comments ;)