Mobile antenna for 1296 MHz?

k3td · Post by **k3td** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 3:28 pm

Anybody know of a single band commercial mobile antenna for the 1296 ham band for FM use (vertical polarization, not horizontal!)? I need something with about 3 db gain that is less than 19 inches tall so it will be no bigger than my VHF 1/4 wave antenna to make it possible to drive in/out of my garage.

I don't need anything multiband as I have separate antennas for 2 meters and 440 MHz for my Spectras. Something like a 5/8 wave, or even a 5/8 wave over a 1/2 wave would be great.

Thanks in advance!

kurt meltzer · Post by **kurt meltzer** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 4:21 pm

Maxrad has one for this freq range, their model # (B)MAX-12725. Covers 1.24 -1.30 Ghz, 5dB, NMO, 17-1/8" long at lowest frequency. I've never used this particular antenna, but have used lots of other Maxrads and have been very satisfied with them. http://www.maxrad.com.

kurt meltzer · Post by **kurt meltzer** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 4:31 pm

Oops - Upon checking Maxrad's website, I don't see it anymore (I got that part # out of catalog that's a couple years old) - it looks like they may have discontinued it. If no one else here on the board has any suggestions, then perhaps you could call some Maxrad distributors to see if any of them still have stock on the (B)MAX12725.

k3td · Post by **k3td** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 4:38 pm

Thank you Kurt! I have used Maxrad stuff for years and prefer it. I'm using an MUF4303 5/8 wave antenna on 440 MHz and a 1/4 wave on VHF. I'll take your suggestion and contact some Maxrad reps and distributors to see if there are any 12725s left.

Thanks,

MSS-Dave · Post by **MSS-Dave** » Sat Mar 13, 2004 8:30 pm

Hi Tad...

Been a long time since I was on 1.2 but I used a Comet SB123. It's 24" long, mounts on a N connector. I've seen some info that says typical NMO style "button" mounts don't work well above 900 MHz. This thing worked really well. If I remember, the '123 whip even folded over at the top of the base.

Dave

k3td · Post by **k3td** » Sat Mar 13, 2004 8:43 pm

Thanks Dave! The Comet works well, but at 24" tall unfortunately will not fit in my garage so I'll need to hold out for something shorter. I'll keep looking!

techie · Post by **techie** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 9:18 am

Larsen has (or had) one, but I can't find it in their catalog, and IIRC, the only
markings on it was "SPECIAL".. NMO mount...

about the length of a hiband 1/4 wave, with a pair of single turn coils at the
about 1/3 and 2/3 up the rod.

sglass · Post by **sglass** » Wed Mar 17, 2004 9:57 pm

Tad-

drop a note what you come up with. I've been considerign putting 1.2 gig back in my pciku and blazer.

The 12gat just doesn't cut it.

Seth