red3171
California
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Joined: 01/20/2005
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I've heard it not a good idea to put a glass-mounted antenna on Ford factory tinted windows due to the metallic properties with the tint. I was wondering if anyone has actually tried it and measured the SWR, and tested the TX/RX performance? My mounting options are limited on my 2006 Ford F350 tow vehicle, and the most convenient solution would be to install a glass-mount antenna on the rear window. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Red
2006 Mountaineer 319BHS
2006 Ford F350 Lariat 4x4 6.0L PSD SRW CC LB
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SCVJeff
Santa Clarita, CA.
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Joined: 07/28/2006
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Come'on over. I have a 3/4" NMO punch and extra mounts I'll never use. That'll fix it!
Jeff - WA6EQU
'06 Itasca Meridian 34H, CAT C7/350
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alexs
Westminster, MD
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Joined: 04/21/2008
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Agree! NMO in the middle of your roof is much better than anything else. Technically, you can get a tester to see if your window can transmit the signal, but that's too much investment and work. Different windows perform differently.
Crack open the HRO catalog.... better yet, pull your trailer to the nearest HRO or hamfest and see their selection of other no hole antennas. Larsen and Diamond has some lip-mount stuff you may want to get if you are not comfortable about turning your roof into swiss cheese.
* This post was
edited 08/20/08 08:55am by alexs *
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dons2346
Sioux Falls, SD, formerly of So. CA
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Joined: 11/21/2001
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I would look at the assortment of lip mounts from Comet or Diamond and install the antenna on the front fender. I think you will find a hole through the firewall hidden behind an existing rubber plug.
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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It is not a good idea to mount a "Through the glass" antenna.. PERIOD
As others have said, do it right
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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RoadXYZ
Somewhere USA
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This is the only area we have not addressed since purchasing the new Suburban. The space between the fender and the hood is narrower than in the '02. Hubby thought he could install a glass mount instead, so I will print this out for him. Maybe I can get him to a HAMFEST before he does anything.
We had a CB & HAM antenna on the other Suburban.
We are traveling down the Road "Side by Side"
2004 Alpenlite TT 28RL
2008 Suburban 2500 Lt
Home Base: Tri-Cities WA - USA
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red3171
California
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Joined: 01/20/2005
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I like the idea of a roof mount, but where I would mount it I have the factory sunroof, so it won't happen. I'll come up with something creative.
Thanks,
Red
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alexs
Westminster, MD
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I am sure some of us are drooling just thinking about the amount of real estate on that suburban's roof. A great place for an antenna farm.
73
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hotpepperkid
Chino Hills CA
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My experience with throught the glass antennas is that they arent much good.
hpk
2000 Ford F-350 SRW 4X4 PSD Jayco Super Lite 29.5RKS 5th wheel 50 gal X-ferflow in the bed tank. Banks big exhaust and Stinger kit.
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Cardiac
Valparaiso, IN USA
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Don't give the glass mount antennas such a bad rap until you try one. I always thought they were sub-par until I mounted one on the left rear window of my Excursion. I have a Larsen (2 meter only) and it works just as well as a few of the mag mounts I have used, including a Comet and a Pro-Am. No, it's not going to out-perform a Diamond SG-2000 or anthing like that, but they do work. I can cover the entire 2 meter FM band (Pretty much 145-148mhz)at around 1.7-1 or less SWR.
I have done a few tests using my Yaesu FT-2500 and a local repeater and a distant repeater, and also a few folks on simplex. I use my work location as a test spot, so it was consistant. Follow the instructions, clean the window well, and it will perform OK. It will work OK on Ford tint, but will work better without it.
Bob - K9YH
2009 Palomino Puma 26 FBSS
Blue Ox Sway Pro - Prodigy controller
2000 Ford Excursion Limited V-10
Bob, Sharon, Alex, and Sam
Professional firefighter/paramedic = 26 years
I.A.F.F. Local 1641 Treasurer
Amateur call: K9YH
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