[AZ-Observing] Re: new hobby.

 
 
Andrew,
 
I agree with Paul & Rick. I've never had a magnet mounted antenna that  would 
stay on above 50 MPH. Had one rated to 100 MPH, GUARANTEED, Fell off a 45.  
Manufacturer said I the surface had to be PERECTLY flat. Since I've Never seen 
a  perfectly flat car roof, this effectively voided their GUARANTEE & My ever  
buying a product of theirs again> ( Now if I can only remember who it was I  
won't do business with.....)
 
I use a trunk mount which works fine and is not very obtrusive into the  
trunk space. Since you have an SUV, you may consider a gutter mount. Not  the 
ideal placement but not a showstopper, either. Should be easy to install.  
Check 
radio shack as they always seemed to have the widest selection of various  
mounts. I'd look to see if there was one that may be adaptable (or designed 
for)  
the luggage rack. 
 
As for mounting, I prefer to mount it under the dash. I find having it on  
the seat kinda muffles the sound a the speaker is right on the seat (unless you 
 
turn it upside down). Makes for a nicer looking installation and the power 
wires  can be routed over the steering column to the console and thus to the 
power  outlet. Radio Shack makes a set of quick disconnects ( I forget the part 
#, I'll  try to find out for you) that makes the installation removable with no 
effort. 
 
You'd also be wise to invest in (or borrow) an SWR meter to ensure the  
antenna is properly tuned to your radio & car. An improperly tuned antenna  can 
make a big difference. Before tuning my antenna, I had a measure range  of 
about 
3/4 mile. Now I can receive  to about 5 miles and transmit to  about 5 1/2. 
The quality of the signal also improves quite a bit.
 
My 3.67000  Slovenian Tolars Worth
 
Rick Tejera



Editor  SACnews
Saguaro Astronomy Club
Phoenix,  AZ
SaguaroAstro@xxxxxxx
www.saguaroastro.org 


In a message dated 2/18/2005 3:54:24 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,  
paul@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:

Magnetic  mounting can be pretty hit-or-miss.  I visited TRW about 5 years
ago  and they tried to magnetically mount a visitors sign on my  Ford
Ranger.  They had difficulty finding a location it would  stick.

-Paul



Rick Tejera

Editor  SACnews
Saguaro Astronomy Club
Phoenix,  AZ
SaguaroAstro@xxxxxxx
www.saguaroastro.org


--
See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please 
send personal replies to the author, not the list.

Other related posts: