What Model Number Antenna Do I Need?

[l3oss]

Im new to the hobby and uneducated as to what modle number antenna i need. I have a m923a2 and have the bracket that would mount the antenna to the fender and i have an antenna base on the way from seller. Pics below. I want a long antenna.

 

[SCSG-G4]

Im new to the hobby and uneducated as to what modle number antenna i need. I have a m923a2 and have the bracket that would mount the antenna to the fender and i have an antenna base on the way from seller. Pics below. I want a long antenna.

You have an AS-3900 antenna base, suitable for the newer types of radios (SINCGARS) which have only been released in tiny quantities. That antenna will be suitable for 30 to 88 MHZ transmission. The antenna that goes on that base is long (two piece) at about 9 to 10 feet. What radio do you plan on using it with, if any?

 

[l3oss]

Yes the guy who sold me the base also had the 2pc antenna. Im not sure what they are worth so i only bought the base. What is a fare going rate $ for the 2pc antenna. At this point im not sure what radio ide like. Maybe you can suggest a few options for me and a bit of info for each option. Thanks in advance

 

[SCSG-G4]

Yes the guy who sold me the base also had the 2pc antenna. Im not sure what they are worth so i only bought the base. What is a fare going rate $ for the 2pc antenna. At this point im not sure what radio ide like. Maybe you can suggest a few options for me and a bit of info for each option. Thanks in advance

There is a thread here that describes how to modify the antenna for use with a CB rig, probably in the radio forum. About the only thing available to civilians in the 30-88 mhz range is the six meter band (51 mhz), which would be the RT-524/RT-246 in a military radio. They are 'only' $400-500 in operable condition - SCINGARS are generally double that. If you have a dual voltage alternator (12 and 24) you could put in a civilian HAM radio that would cover 6 meter, as well as 2 M and .7 M (144 mhz and 440 mhz) for about the same bucks as the RT-524, if you shop around. A good CB rig will set you back less than $150. So, do you want to stay military, or gain the added functionality. If you are not sure, just go with the antenna for now, then set out on a learning path about radios.

 

[l3oss]

Thanks for your input SCSG-G4

 

[papakb]

BTW, the AS-3900 antenna is perfectly usable with the RT-246 and RT-524 radios without modification. The antenna that would have originally been used with these radios was the AS-1729 but if you already have the AS-3900 base you'll need a A3018230-a lower mast section to attach to it. This has a 1"-14 thread which is different than the 3/4" thread on the AS-1729 antenna base (MX-6707). The upper section is for both lower mast sections is an AT-1095.

Just as an aside, I've found that standard PVC threaded pipe caps make perfect covers for these antenna bases. 3/4" for the MX-6707 and 1" for the AS-2900. Sure wish they came in green!

Kurt
KG6KMJ

 

[NormB]

A few of you may find this interesting, amusing even, possibly depressing.

I was thinkingn about buying an antenna for my Hummvee, and the AS-3900 has very limited utility for Ham, is useless for 2M band, 70cm, (I'm a licensed ham, extra) which is what I could possibly find useful.

There IS a company which manufactures a broad-band antenna, ABP, and the ABP-ANT-30-512 looked promising.

http://www.abp.com/30-512_Broad-Band_Antennas.shtml

I called and asked about secondary/civilian sales and was told they sell mostly to military and commercial and the antenna might run about two grand.

Don't you hate when you pay all those taxes so the government can afford better toys than you?

FWIW.

Norm

 

[Jericho]

Check with Evil Dr POrk chop on this site he has , or had the antennas you need very reasonable , Yes they work fine for the RT 524 and I use it for my Ham radio as well

 

[papakb]

Yes Norm, but don't you just love it when you buy that $2K antenna from Uncle for $4.00 surplus?

 

[NormB]

Yes Norm, but don't you just love it when you buy that $2K antenna from Uncle for $4.00 surplus?

Always. And it reminds me of that (paraphrased) line from "Independence Day":

"You don't think the miltary really spends $600 for a hammer?"