the metal (aluminum because its lighter and does not rust) is connected to the vehicle ground. technology is nice when it works! --- Engineers SOLVE PROBLEMS..Unix: Solaris AIX HP-HPUx Linux

By installing the antenna mount on the roof, or fender of the vehicle, the "ground plane" is the roof or fender (metal). Even a magnetic mount, to the metal object, acts as the ground plane.

Only to the sides. The front/rear performance will be reduced. Of course, depending on the strength of the signals this may not be an issue. Joe M.

Doesn't the metal bar the antennas are mounted to provide a ground plane? Craig

I was thinking more along the lines of: ... and people wonder how road rage incidents get started... Joe M.

Not only obnoxious, but y'all may get a painful and unfortunate lesson, besides illegal, in some locations. K5LCM

Obviously you know nothing about antenna design. Each "bar" (element) is part of the antenna design. The antenna was designed for a specific frequency, generally in the middle of the band.

Not really a very good install since there isn't any of the required ground plane for the antennas. If you really wanted a good antenna to work, you would need the ground plane which would

I must admit, I find your use of a PA system very obnoxious.

I do, in fact (I'm a pilot). Sensitivity has gotten so good in modern scanners and receivers that other than in marginal situations, most any outside mounted vehicle antenna with decent feedline will

Nice install! Much nicer than to drill holes in the cab roof! Craig

I bought the antennas I have on my truck from TALLEY COMMUNICATIONS they have many different antennas and gadgets in their online catalog. You can get multiband antennas or use several in an

I bought this magnetic antenna through Amazon, works well. I would, however, the the BNC connector end. I somehow ordered the PL-259 end, but a PL-259 to BNC converter took care of that. Eightwood

Very interesting antenna, Bernie. I was wondering if you monitor airbands with it? Thanks, Craig Watervliet NY

If there is a specific system you want to listen to, it makes sense to look for an antenna tuned to the appropriate band of frequencies. On the other hand, if you are interested in general scanning

I bought the Compactenna scanner antenna and a mag-mount for it. Only 8 inches tall so never has to come off for parking garages. Very rugged and seems to receive well. I bought an extension cable

Thanks Craig, I will give it a try

Assuming you are looking for a scanner antenna. Try scannermaster.com....also Amazon

Can anyone direct me where to get antenna for my minivan?

Thanks Joe and everyone else that answered, I did my rechargeable batteries and charger. It works great now. I tested the old batteries out of the radio and they did test bad (imagine that...3 years