New radio install

[tarnold]

Wish to add a second radio. Antenna install is the question. This is for a Chinook, all fiberglass except the cab. Don't want to tap into the existing antenna. Is there an antenna I can use that does not need to be mounted to a metal base. Spent some time on YouTube, but every example is mounted to a metal part of the chassis, those shark fins just mount to existing antenna. Ideas?

[tarnold]

What gauge wire would I need for the inside with a ring terminal linked to the antenna base?

[wa8yxm]

Short answer is yes there is. However the longer answer Is I do not know what antenna it is

Some notes. for FM you are in the 3 meter band so about 3/4 Meter long is the ideal length for an antenna with a ground plane or counterpoise (more on that 8in a second) There are other antennas that need no ground plane. Several differnt lengths but starting at about 1.5 meters long.

AM is the 300 meter band. you are not going to have an antenna matching that so the LONGER the BETTER is the general rule.

Counterpoise....

If you have access INSIDE the RV you can put one or more wires also 3/4 Meter (abour 19-21 inches) long and attach them to the antenna BASE. let them hang down from the base of the antenna. (one) or fan out below it) More than one)

THey need not be "Grounded" just connexted to the base of the antenna so they are part of it. thqt's the "Shield" side or the clamp thqt holds the thing to the body. You may just use a big ring terminal as a washer INSIDE the RV to do this if you wish

[tarnold]

Looking for something better than that.

[donn0128]

Get a piece of sheet metal, paint it and using Dicor glue it in place. Now, go buy a mag base antenna and stick it up there. Should work just fine.