[AZ-Observing] Re: new hobby.

Andrew;

I have had exactly the opposite treatment with magnetic CD antenna
mounts--they work great.  I buy from a truck stop and they go on easily
and pull off when the night is done.  AJ, Dave and I have been doing it
for years.  As you know, we convoy at about 78 mph and just yack away.

Steve Coe

-----Original Message-----
From: az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
SaguaroAstro@xxxxxxx
Sent: Friday, February 18, 2005 5:18 PM
To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [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


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