Hey experienced operators I am looking for some advice on some antennas. I am new to HAM radio and have been researching what radio I want to buy and have pretty much settled on the FT-857D because I can take it from truck to house and back again. Like most people I'm working on a budget and think that I can get the most bang for my buck with this radio.
So a little background the area I live in has the HOA from HELL!!!! However, I have a 2 story house and with the size of my lot I think that I can "hide" a full size G5RV antenna for the house in a sloping V configuration (the future shack is a spare bedroom on the second floor in the back of the house). There is no way that a tower of any kind is going to fly here. What I'm trying to figure out is the antenna for the truck (99 Tacoma king cab 4x4 with fiberglass camper shell). I really want something that can do all bands BUT it has to be able to go into the garage with only a 6.5' opening. I was thinking the mini Tarheel on the rear bumper but I'm not sure if I can do that and still get the tailgate down or how secure it would be. Since it has to be able to get in and out of the garage a roof mount is pretty much out unless I can go horizontal (?) or 45 degree angle (if so what am I losing/gaining).
Any better ideas? Especially with mounting and squeezing the most performance out of a bad mounting location.
Thanks
So a little background the area I live in has the HOA from HELL!!!! However, I have a 2 story house and with the size of my lot I think that I can "hide" a full size G5RV antenna for the house in a sloping V configuration (the future shack is a spare bedroom on the second floor in the back of the house). There is no way that a tower of any kind is going to fly here. What I'm trying to figure out is the antenna for the truck (99 Tacoma king cab 4x4 with fiberglass camper shell). I really want something that can do all bands BUT it has to be able to go into the garage with only a 6.5' opening. I was thinking the mini Tarheel on the rear bumper but I'm not sure if I can do that and still get the tailgate down or how secure it would be. Since it has to be able to get in and out of the garage a roof mount is pretty much out unless I can go horizontal (?) or 45 degree angle (if so what am I losing/gaining).
Any better ideas? Especially with mounting and squeezing the most performance out of a bad mounting location.
Thanks
