Samsung A411 - antenna advice sort

That's a LOT of money to pay for an antenna that should cost around $30.

For a little more you can get a "broomstick" style antenna that can be permanently mounted and will give a stronger signal.

You only notice the only difference between mounting the magnetic base on steel over aluminium when you are moving. The only difference is that the antenna will blow off.

For caravan use strong wind may blow the antenna off. Whilst it is sitting there in place there will be no electrical difference. If you wish to have the peace of mind of having the antenna magnetically stuck there, just stick a piece of gal sheet steel to the top of the van. The steel should be 300 mm or bigger, round or square.

PeterD

Warstar

I think it is termed "ground plain"? Not "field" as you describe it. From what he was saying the ferrous metal helps with the signal, not just having something to stick the magnet too.

In my case I was talking about putting the aerial on an aluminium fold up table compared to the bonnet or roof of a car. He said to me the bonnet or roof of the car would be preferable to the table due to the ferrous metal thing, not due to the height of roof or bonnet over table. My situation is that I would like an aerial that can be moved around not just permanently mounted on my bullbar. A non fixed one will suit the flexibility I want. I can have it while driving or while stationary in the carseat, or can sit in a more comfy chair with laptop on table and aerial on car bonnet.

He did not say the aerial will not work if not mounted on ferrous metal (the magnet will obviously not stick on non-ferrous things) but he did say the aerial will work BETTER if mounted on the ferrous metal. He also suggested placing it in the centre of the bonnet or roof area rather than one corner or one side. That way you get a more even signal in all directions.

You could always ring or email com net and ask them about it. Tell them what you are thinking of doing and see if they think a bar mounted one or a magnetic one would be best for your situation.

I don't agree that you could get a similar suitable aerial for 30 bucks or so.

sdr00y

Apologies to "Mike did" also. I have misread your post. I thought you meant that a broomstick one could be picked up for 30 bucks, but that is not what you said.

Sorry.

sdr00y