Here is a multi-band mobile antenna for 75, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6 and 2 meters. It is lightweight with low wind resistance. It is modest in size and attractive in appearance. There are no switches or bulky coils. Band change is by selecting taps. The dark green fiberglass base is 4 feet tall with a spring-supported 3-foot whip on top. A spiral loading coil is wound on the fiberglass base, then given several polyurethane weatherproof coatings. Taps for the various bands are brought out to chrome plated attachment points fitted with "banana" sockets.

A 53" long insulated wire with banana plugs on each end (the "Wander" lead) plugs into a tap at the base of the coil, winds around the antenna, and plugs into the tap for the desired band.

The base has threads to accept a standard 3/8-24 screw. A threaded stud is also provided so the antenna will fit either male or female mounts. This antenna was developed by Antronic, a major South African manufacturer of amateur and commercial mobile antennas. It has been in use in the African bush country and other foreign lands for many years and is a proven rugged performer. It is now available in the U.S. for the first time.

In addition to mobile operation it also makes an inconspicuous multi-band antenna for restricted areas. Of course, as with any shortened loaded antenna, a good ground screen is essential to efficient operation.

SPECIFICATIONS: Base Section: Diameter: 25 mm. (1/2 in) Length: 1.2 m (4 ft.) Fiberglass core. Dark green polyurethane coating. Taps for 75, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meter bands. Top spring for whip. 3/8-24 female threaded mounting. Threaded stud also provided. Top Section: Diameter: 2.5 mm (.1 in.) Length: 1 m (3 ft.). Two supplied plus 6 & 2 meter band whips. Wander Lead: Length: 1340 mm (53 in.). Two supplied. Weight: 900 g (2 lb).


APPLICATION NOTE—USING THE AN-7 AS A "STEALTH" ANTENNA
The small size and sleek look of the AN-7 "Multi-Whip" make it a good multi-band antenna for restricted locations. It will work well in this application but ONLY if it has an adequate ground.

This does not mean it has to be connected to ground. As a matter of fact, a simple ground connection such as a ground rod usually won't work. What is needed is a ground screen or radials. How much and how long? Four 25' radials will work pretty well.

But if you need something more compact, try a ground screen. Hardware stores sell something called "Hardware Cloth." It's not cloth at all but galvanized wire mesh. Get the 1/4" mesh if you can. We've found it in 3-ft wide x 10-ft long rolls. That size makes a good ground screen. Set the antenna in the middle of the screen using a magnetic mount or other insulated coupling for the antenna's 3/8-24 threading. Connect the coaxial cable shield to the screen directly. The antenna connects to the center conductor. You may find antenna resonance to be different than the marked frequencies because of the difference in capacitance between this and an automobile installation. An easy way to change the resonant frequency is with alligator clips. Use the 2" long or larger size. Just clip one on at the top of the whip so it sticks out at right angle to the whip. For example, on the 40 meter band one alligator clip at the top of the antenna's whip will lower the resonant frequency by about 170 kHz. The same clip used about half way down the antenna whip will lower the frequency by about 75 kHz. If one clip isn't enough, use two. This works on all bands. Inexpensive and easy. Typical bandwidths at 2:1 SWR of the AN-7 on the hardware cloth ground screen are 35 kHz"on 75 meters, 125 kHz on 40 meters, and full band coverage on the higher frequency bands.

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antenneX is an authorized distributor of the above product manufactured by Palomar®