Member - Wayne replied:

I am no expert on radios but I have the electrophone 6.5db ground independant on my TX4400. I figure if they build a great radio, I might as well trust their aerial too % %:-) %

Member - Wayne replied:

I am no expert on radios but I have the electrophone 6.5db ground independant on my TX4400. I figure if they build a great radio, I might as well trust their aerial too.
cheers
wayne % %:-) %

Jarrod replied:

G'day Mike,

Two brands to recommend in the type of antenna you have decided on. Polar, as you have suggested is an excellent antenna, We use them on nearly all of our work cars ( marked police vehicles!!) as is RFI or RF industries. ( I think this one is available thru Dick smith) well used to be anyway. Was about $80, My advice would be to also buy a base mounting spring.
When you say Ground independant I assume you mean the 200mm (or so) "chrome tube" that a normal 5/8ths co -linear ( stainless steel or fibreglass antenna, about 500mm overall length, with a coil just under 1/2 way up) type setup ?? - these are an excellent choice, when mounted on a bullbar. Both the above antennae are very rugged, and only use quality components. I've had the RFI version, and it's been on my last 4 cars !! never had a problem with it. Ive got the Stainless antenna on mine, with the spring, has bounced straight back following a roo strike at 80Kph. ( can't say the same for the TJM bar) 100 series now has ARB!!! If youre' going to terminate the co-ax yourself, pay particular attention to the instructions, with regard to lengths of braid, inner insulation/conductor etc. If youve not done this before, I would strongly reccommend you buy the antenna with the co-ax already fitted. Remember, when fitting, heaps of silicone around the bottom of the antenna, where the coax runs up inside the shaft of the chrome tube. - I've had a few apart, and found that water had "wicked" up into the internals, causing corrosion and internal problems. Not good for comms at all, and cable ties to keep the co-ax from slapping around or rubbing through any barwork or body metal.

Hope this helps,

Jarrod.

Bob replied:

Mike,

Polar are pretty hard to beat, for their size. You can always unscrew the whip, and put on a 6" unity gain, for clearance etc. Hooroo...