| Author |
Message |
    
Sharpshooter007
Junior Member
Username: Sharpshooter007
Post Number: 12
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, November 27, 2011 - 5:26 pm: | 
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I am planning on using a Wilson 5000 mag mount antenna on my 99 dodge truck. I have.a galaxy 98vhp, and I'm wondering if I should be concerned about grounding the.antenna independently. I know through induction, the antenna is grounded, but have heard about problems with mag mount antennas and running radios with high power . Am I concerned for no reason... I do tend to over think things... |
Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833
Post Number: 2066
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, November 27, 2011 - 8:06 pm: |
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Assuming you are using a CB with legal power, no problem. Assuming using a ham radio with higher power, then suggest not using a mag mount.
Some hams have complained about paint discoloration or peeling between the magnet and the car.
Besides, at HF frequencies, a good ground makes a BIG difference in the way the antenna performs. At UHF or above, so what?
Your radio 'Mythbuster' since 1998
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Moonraker
Intermediate Member
Username: Moonraker
Post Number: 301
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, November 27, 2011 - 8:59 pm: |
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I would give it a try and see what happens. There used to be a member on the forum running over a kw with a mag mount. |
Sharpshooter007
Junior Member
Username: Sharpshooter007
Post Number: 13
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Monday, November 28, 2011 - 12:06 am: |
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Excellent points. Assuming I enjoy having paint on the roof of my truck, is there a way to ground the antenna other than relying on induction, ie. A wire from the base to ground, or a isolated stainless steel plate that the antenna can be attached to that is grounded! |
Tech237
Moderator
Username: Tech237
Post Number: 1498
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Monday, November 28, 2011 - 8:49 am: |
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Personally I will not use a mag mount under any condition. Aparts from dmage to the car (Paint disclourations, scratches, and even damage to the rubber seals at the point of entry for teh coax), I have always found that a properly mounted thru-metal mount (using the same antenna) has always worked better.
Tech237
N7AUS
God made me an athiest, who are you to question his wisdom?
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Dale
Senior Member
Username: Dale
Post Number: 1786
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Monday, November 28, 2011 - 9:30 am: |
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for just the galaxy 98vhp .i wouldnt eworry
about it. magnet mount antennas DO make a circle
thru time reguardless of output power.my wifes car has a circle on roof and only uses a cobra 19
usually it canb be buffed out.if your gonna run more than the galaxy 98 then id definately go with a roof mount wilson 5k.i dont know if this would work but u could try this .using the bottom set screw wrap a very fine wire around it
then sit the other end of the wire under the magnet.not sure if this will work .but maybe worth a try
dale/a.k.a.hotrod
cef426
cvc#64
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Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833
Post Number: 2067
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, November 28, 2011 - 11:16 am: |
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The ground nearest the feedpoint (base of the antenna) is the critical one.
If we're talking ham radio with an amplifier, your best bet might be to ditch the mag mount idea and use a real mount, grounded directly to the vehicle at another location. Just inside the bed rail works pretty good on HF. It would work a lot better than a mag mount on the roof due to the poor ground of that arrangement.
Your radio 'Mythbuster' since 1998
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Scrapiron63
Advanced Member
Username: Scrapiron63
Post Number: 893
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Monday, November 28, 2011 - 10:44 am: |
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I used a Wilson Mag mount for a year or so on my pickup before I decided to cut a hole for a roof mount. I was running a lot more power then the galaxy 98vhp and the antenna really did quite well. If I had the AM/FM radio on I would come through the speakers a little but that was the only problem I noticed. I didn't use any extra grounds on the antenna but had the equipment grounded well. It did discolor a small spot in the paint but it buffed out ok.
The big difference when I went to the roof mount was that the receive was quieter.
Heck, some of these shoot out guys run the big triple mag mounts with really big watts. |
Sharpshooter007
Junior Member
Username: Sharpshooter007
Post Number: 15
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Monday, November 28, 2011 - 8:20 pm: |
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Thank you all for the input... As always, copper techs and members are hands down the best. I will let you know how it goes, and what configuration I end up with. I have.a suspicion that I will end up getting out the hole saw.. |
Tech833
Moderator
Username: Tech833
Post Number: 2070
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 - 10:45 am: |
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The hole saw is by far the best option.
Truthfully, do you really think a small hole in the roof will make that much difference in the resale value of your truck? There are nice hole plugs available to put in place if you ever remove the antenna, and the value is unchanged.
These days, most people drive their cars until they have little to no value left anyway. So, why bother keeping the roof hole-free for the next guy?
Your radio 'Mythbuster' since 1998
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Sharpshooter007
Junior Member
Username: Sharpshooter007
Post Number: 17
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - 8:19 am: |
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Just an update to my previous posting, the Wilson works like a champ! Love that I can run full power, audio reports from 20+ miles are fantastic, and have done some great sideband work as well. As always, thanks to everyone for your input. |
Dale
Senior Member
Username: Dale
Post Number: 1845
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - 8:32 pm: |
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what did u end up doing?glad ya like it.
ive used wilsons since 1993or 94??? they
work pretty good imho
dale/a.k.a.hotrod
cef426
cvc#64
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Silver_surfer
Junior Member
Username: Silver_surfer
Post Number: 26
Registered: 7-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2012 - 9:01 am: |
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I use the wilson,5000 I like over the wilson,1000 because the coax is thicker, I place my wilson on the center of the roof with 1.1 swr with the Ranger C2ssb work's great if you are going with big watt's make sure your charging system can handle the power and try the 5000 first before drilling a hole in your car, follow Jesus. |
Sharpshooter007
Junior Member
Username: Sharpshooter007
Post Number: 19
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Friday, March 02, 2012 - 8:38 am: |
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I ended up just using the mag mount base, took it apart and added a ground wire below the feed point to chassis. Brought both the coax and ground into the cab of the truck through the third brake lite with a slight mod to the plastic, then silicone to seal it up. Looks good, works great! I think one of the best features is the ability to remove the coil and whip for low clearance. Thanks again for all the help... |
