has anyone used a vhf window mount antenna

[NFD-102]

I know a lot of you are going to say just use the whip but I don't like it. I don't want an ugly antenna mounted on the car. Has anyone ever used a vhf window mount antenna. I checked out antennafarm and they have a six inch one made by larsen for $100. It's the Larsen KGFFREQUDPL3. What do you think. I just want a hidden vhf antenna.

 

[twodogs603]

They work. But no where near as good as a hole mounted antenna. For simplex (non repeater) transmissions, distance will be very limited.

 

[NFD-102]

They work. But no where near as good as a hole mounted antenna. For simplex (non repeater) transmissions, distance will be very limited.

Thanks...we have a repeater in our town on top of a big hill. So I'm hoping it will be enough to help it.

 

[rongstad]

I've used Stico antennas, both on glass cellular look-a-like and replacement am/fm/sat antennas with no issues. Stico Antenna Products, Antenna Accessories, in Buffalo NY | Sti-Co

 

[dodgefan99]

Friends don't let friends use glass-mounted antennas...

 

[PC Comms]

Friends don't let friends use glass-mounted antennas...

LOL Funny!! Seriously though, if you can hit your repeater with a portable radio, you will certainly be able to hit it using a glass mount antenna with a 25 watt or better mobile radio. As stated though, simplex (radio to radio operation without the use of a repeater) will be very limited if compared to using a traditional vehicle mounted antenna. Have you considered using a 1/4 wave antenna with a fender mount "L" bracket or a 1/4 mount antenna with a lip mount bracket?

 

[NFD-102]

LOL Funny!! Seriously though, if you can hit your repeater with a portable radio, you will certainly be able to hit it using a glass mount antenna with a 25 watt or better mobile radio. As stated though, simplex (radio to radio operation without the use of a repeater) will be very limited if compared to using a traditional vehicle mounted antenna. Have you considered using a 1/4 wave antenna with a fender mount "L" bracket or a 1/4 mount antenna with a lip mount bracket?

I currently have a trunk lid mount...but I really dont like the look. When it all comes down to it, I want something hidden that can't really be seen. Its on my POV and I like the stealth look. I drive a charger and its hard to find a location thats good for putting the L-bracket NMO mount. I've looked at the phantom but that was huge. I've looked at black antennas instead of the silver but I just dont like the antenna on there. I don't mind the window one because it just looks like a cell phone booster. I have a motorola CDM 1250. We have frequencies from 151-156 in there. I was checking out the Larsen 6inch whip VHF window antenna.


Here's the info from the antenna


Manufacturer


Larsen


Model #


KGFFREQUDPL3


Product Description


150-160 Glass Mount


Frequency (MHz)


150-160


Product Narrative


1/4 wave unity gain glass mounted antenna. Includes 14' of dual shield coax and connector.


Gain (dB)


Unity


Maximum Power (Watts)


100


Whip Length (In.)


6"


Whip Material


17-7 Stainless Steel "Kulrod" plated finish.


Mount Type


Glass mount


Cable


14' RG58/U dual shield


Connector


UHF Male (PL-259)


Warranty


2 Years

 

[Steve0625]

If the car has tinted solar glass, an "on glass" antenna may not work very well. These antennas use the capacitance of the glass to


provide a matched coupling which is why they work at all. Solar tinted glass has metal particles imbedded in the glass which blocks some of the capacitance so that the antenna won't work very well.


Mounting the antenna too low on the window affects the radiation pattern.


See this thread over on radioreference for further discussion: Glass mount vhf antenna? - The RadioReference.com Forums


Also, you can search the batboard for more info. It's been chewed on several times.

 

[Jluke]

There should be a ground strap on the interior portion of the glass mount. Make sure you ground it to a good chassis ground. If you don't, your coverage will be limited even more...and all sorts of crazy gremlins will pop up in your lighting...like lights flashing when you key the mic.

 

[rongstad]

I currently have a trunk lid mount...but I really dont like the look. When it all comes down to it, I want something hidden that can't really be seen. Its on my POV and I like the stealth look. I drive a charger and its hard to find a location thats good for putting the L-bracket NMO mount. I've looked at the phantom but that was huge. I've looked at black antennas instead of the silver but I just dont like the antenna on there. I don't mind the window one because it just looks like a cell phone booster. I have a motorola CDM 1250. We have frequencies from 151-156 in there. I was checking out the Larsen 6inch whip VHF window antenna.

does your vehicle have the sat antenna on the roof? if so, check this site Disguised undercover covert license plate antenna,fender,cowel,bumper antennas

 

[theroofable]

Even with tuning, you will not see the full potential of the radio with a window mount antenna. Your wattage will be reflected, even with tuning and a ground strap, the last one I put in would only put out 11 watts. Still better than a portable, but defeats the purpose in a way. Do you want ugly or functionality, Id choose functionality, and they arent that visible. Plus, they occasionally fall off, and become useless.

 

[tnems7]

Sti-co makes a covert antenna that installs in the same location as the AM/FM fender mounted antenna and doubles as the two-way radio TX/RX and for broadcast radio reception. The Tennessee Bureau Of Investigation has used them with great success.


I believe Antenna Specialists used to make a matching coil for certain cars for citizen band and high band radios under 25 watts, but that was in the 1960's. You used a telescoping antenna and fixed it at a certain length, then the matching coil was adjusted for SWR. There was a similar set up for scanners.

 

[dasuriano]

Sti-co makes a covert antenna that installs in the same location as the AM/FM fender mounted antenna and doubles as the two-way radio TX/RX and for broadcast radio reception. The Tennessee Bureau Of Investigation has used them with great success.

I believe Antenna Specialists used to make a matching coil for certain cars for citizen band and high band radios under 25 watts, but that was in the 1960's. You used a telescoping antenna and fixed it at a certain length, then the matching coil was adjusted for SWR. There was a similar set up for scanners.

I am looking at either one of these or the us communications version for a high powered xtl in a gmc Sierra. Anyone know how they will work with my setup? Ease of install? Any difference between the two?

 

[rural457]

I've used the Larsen KG144UDPL for years and love it. I know it's not exactly what you're looking for as it has a longer whip. But I've never had any problems that have been listed on the thread regarding window mount antennas. My antenna gets out in more "dead" locations than other mobiles with surface mount antennas. They make a good product, IMO. So I'd say you'll be fine with the short Larsen. I don't blame you for not wanting a whip on your Charger!

 

[High_Order1]

Have you looked at the little black "knot shaped" antennas? About the size of a giant shot glass, but about disappears on a black car...

 

[cvfd1615]

Junk, avoid on VHF.


Be a man and drill a hole.

 

[SlickTop Solutions]

I have to say, I have never had any issues with glass mounts for any band on any type of glass (leaded doesn't make a difference, not enough lead to impede the transmission). The issues is prep and propper installation, if you don't take the time to properly prep and clean the glass, and then take the time to line up both halves (inner and outter), you will have issues in performance.


But as with everything, you get what you pay for, and there are a wide disparity between the low end and the high end units.