I wanted to be able to connect to the mag mount quickly. I came up with a spring loaded battery clip. But not just any battery clip. It had be able to withstand a strong horizontal pull without coming off of the mag mount antenna. What I came up with is shown in the photo below:
Sometimes these are called Crocodile battery Clips, or Test Clips. I picked mine up at the local NAPA auto parts store. There are a couple of different sizes. You will need to make sure that the jaws open wide enough to clamp on to the base of the mag mount you will be using.
So now its just a simple matter of attaching a wire onto this clamp. I chose to take the screw out of the back side of the clamp and slip the wire through the hole and solder the wire on to the clamp. This helps provide more strength as this joint will be under some stress.
Here is a photo of my portable NVIS antenna on top of my Jeep using the mag mount:
Great idea! One could also use an old used 11 meter mag-mount antenna with the interior modified and a bolt or eye hook as the attachment point. I’ve bought some of those at garage sales and auctions for $1.
Thanks!
I have thought about buying old CB antennas and doing as you say, I just haven’t found any.
Good call!
— Mike WB8ERJ