102 inch on a magnet mount

[bukah]

Anyone know if it would be a good idea to mount a 102 inch whip on the top of a van with a tri or quad magnet mount? I've been told you don't need to have it on top?

['Doc]

The top/roof of a van/car/truck is a good place to mount an antenna, but sometimes isn't too practical, especially a 102" whip, and even more impractical with a mag-mount. The biggest 'problem' is getting under things, as in hitting stuff. A 102" whip is a sure bet to whack quite a few things, and can make getting into/out of a garage, etc, sort of 'fun'. A shorter antenna isn't exactly 'problem free' either!
And then that mag-mount. I don't care how big they are, or how many magnets it has, sooner or later, it's gonna get hit hard enough to get knocked off. Especially on a van, since they don't always have that much clearance under things. Guess it just depends on how careful/observant you are?
An antenna works best when it is 'above' stuff, rather than 'beside' stuff. That 'best' is sort of variable, so being practical doesn't always mean on the top of whatever you're driving. Getting as much of that antenna 'above' the vehicle as you can is a very good idea. Mounting it in such a way that it stays where you put it is also a very good idea. So, maybe another way of doing it would be 'better' for you than what you asked. What other way? Beats me, how would I know what you are willing/capable of doing?
- 'Doc

I don't mind drilling holes in things. Everyone doesn't feel that way, so... ?

[bukah]

Yeah I'm not worried about clearance at all, that will be the least of my worries around here, and I'm already limited on parking garages with my Wilson 5000 anyway, Just wanted to see if it would actually work because I've heard for some reason that 102s don't need to be mounted on top but maybe that's just because they were talking about clearance ? I'm just debating about running the 102 for around here when I'm local and using the Wilson for travel.

['Doc]

I really think the biggest reason for not using a 102" whip is because of the inconvenience of doing so. If you can do it, why not? At the very least, you'll have something to compare that '5000 with. Can it be done? Yes. Should YOU do it? Beats me, that's up to you. Not me, I'm too lazy. And around here, you can't drive a block without hitting something with dang near any antenna made. Oh well.
- 'Doc

[bukah]

Yeah it will be something to compare wit and man down here almost everyone runs the 102 inch whips, in fact it's rare to see any other antenna other than 102 inch whips around here.

[linx]

I've ran a 102" on top of a 4x4 pickup truck on a Workman Launchpad Tri-Mag. Clearance was an issue, but boy did it work sweet! Put a 6" spring under it, and the spring will give and keep from damaging the whip, lol.

[Texas Mobil 219]

I run a MFJ 1966 108'' whip on top of my Chevy 3/4 ton. As for hit and wacking stuff. Awww. Ive got used to it.

I read in some threads that some have use a mag mount. Said it work good. So it can be done.

[bukah]

awesome, yeah I think i'll end up getting the 102 and just running it, I just really want a different antenna to try out other than the wilson 5000

[Turbo-T]

The 102 will definitely get out there.

[yota167]

I'm running 102" w/ tri-mag on my 2008 Tacoma. My SWR's have some issues right now, but besides that, the clearance doesn't seem to bother me much. I've long since gotten use to the clanging and banging everywhere I go....also gotten used to the funny looks I get, and the fun comments on how my truck looks like an RC control car LOL!

I say: DO IT. Mount that 102" on top and letter bang and clang all over stuff. I do and boy oh boy do I have some ears.

[casper9]

awesome, yeah I think i'll end up getting the 102 and just running it, I just really want a different antenna to try out other than the wilson 5000

i know this is probably a stupid question. but do you just put one 102" antenna on the tri mag mount or do you put 3?

[Turbo-T]

awesome, yeah I think i'll end up getting the 102 and just running it, I just really want a different antenna to try out other than the wilson 5000

i know this is probably a stupid question. but do you just put one 102" antenna on the tri mag mount or do you put 3?

It only accepts one antenna. You don't need anymore than 1 antenna.

[casper9]

cool thanks.

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so if i got this, a whip, and what kind of coil would i need to get?

[channelcat]

i got mine mounted on the on the leftside of my truck. a magnet would be better than my drilling of a 12mm hole through my truck bed but youll need a huge magnet to support that thing and there aint much metal on the rail of a truck bed. ive seen some nasty 3 magnet bases at ham radio outlet that would definately do the job. those 102's are so flexible i wouldnt worry about hitting stuff. if you want to stick yours on a truck you can take the outer braid of your coax and screw it to your bed to make the bed a ground plane. its pretty dang omni directional and the swr is very low.