This is Adam (KC7NFF) and I am saving up to install a dual band radio (2m/70cm) mobile rig in my 99 TJ and I have a question about running duel antennas. I am looking at purchasing the spare tire dual mount from Arizona Rocky Road. If I mount the 2m on one and the 70cm on the other would they interfere with each other? Would the two antennas be mounted too close to each other? Does anyone have this mount, if so do you like it? How much does the duel mount run? Any information concerning this type of set up would be very helpful in making my decision. Below is the website and an example of the mount.

ARIZONA ROCKY ROAD ANTENNA


This is not my rig, this was posted on their website as an example of this type of setup.

Adam,

What radio are you using. I believe most dual band rigs have a single antenna connector, and you would use a single dual band antenna.

I don’t really like the mount. You need a good “ground plane” directly under the antenna to keep it efficient. Mount your antenna up on the cowl, or a ball mount on the tub.

If you aren’t familiar with Alan’s site Welcome to KØBG's Web Site take some time and read up there. Even though it’s mostly HF, a lot still applies.

Rich
AB3EO

Sparky, No radio yet, looking at an IC-7000 for my mobile rig. For now just using my hand held. Thanks for the response.

Kulrath,
I have to agree with Sparky. If you are looking into the IC-7000, you would have an HF+6m jack and a 2m-70cm jack. If you are just going to use 2m-70cm, I would just use 1 antenna. the 2 bands resonate so well together (70 falls on a harmonic of 2m) for mobile apps I don't feel it necessary for seperate plus you would need a duplexer to make it work. Just more equip to break. Stick with a good dual band and get a good ground connection. KB3MOY

Have to agree. There are way too many great dual band (2M/70cm) antennas out there. Given the IC-7000, your larger problem is going to be deciding what to do about the HF antenna. My personal opinion is you really can't run HF while mobile unless you have a specific freq, scheduled QSO, etc. When working HF, I spend a great deal of time scanning up and down the band or bands. You can't do that while tooling down the highway especially in a Jeep.

Not sure what exactly you are looking for in a mobile rig but if you are stuck on ICOM and mobile HF, the IC706MKIIG is another fine radio and $300+ less expensive as are the Yaesu FT-857D or FT-897D.

By the way I have been running one of that guy's single antenna mounts for years and have had good results with it!

73 N6ISL

FWIW, IV been running a Yaesu HT in my Jeep for a while and Iv got it connected to a Diamond mount on the hood and a Larson 2/70 antenna.
This setup works great for me.
Plans are in the works to get either a Yaesu 7800 or 7900 for the Jeep.
Hope this helps.

Yep, just spoke to a ham outfit up here this past week and my aim is for the IC706MKIIG and a 2m/70cm single antenna. It is cheaper and it pretty much has the same functions as the IC-7000. I am not stuck on just ICOM I also like YAESU. I just don't have the funds right now for either. Have to save a little here and a little there.