UHF Antenna Question

[Ned260]

G'day all,

Figured this would be the most appropriate place to ask this, but the time to buy a new antenna for my perentie has come, and Im tossing up between high or low dB antennas, I am aware of the difference in performance of the two, however I currently have my antenna mounted just rear of the passengers door, and with the antenna being 1.8 meters tall, the tip is being destroyed by carparks etc. So I am looking at a low dB GME antenna for offroad use, however at only 580mm tall, would mounting it in the current location hinder its performance? seeing as though it would not protrude above the roof? I would like to avoid mounting on my bullbar as I dont like the look of that.
Alternatively, I could run two antennas, a high dB and low, and use an antenna switch, however the general consensus on them seems to be that they are not worth it due to power loss? if someone could shed some light there it would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Ned

[AGAS 5]

Hi Ned. The low Db (short) you speak of is ideal for 4wding in hilly terrain. The high Db (tall) is ideal for flat plains etc. I carry both but mostly use the short one.

I would consider moving it however, as the passenger may very well be getting zapped by the radio waves... which is bad thing.

Cheers,

Pete

[Barefoot dave]

G'Day Ned.
As AGAS says, Short for hilly, long for open/ long range.
There are plenty of spots to lash a long whip to the roll bars of a Perentie, as many FFR purchasers have discovered 3m whips still in their new cars!
Use the shorty for general use then take 2 mins to swap the big boy over when out of town for a bit.Ensure the mount can cope with the strain of a Long antenna at highway speeds.