I assume you are putting an antenna on the OUTSIDE of the van. If this
is the case, there is no such thing as too big a groundplane. If you
are putting the antenna inside, then it is probably more easily
understood that all that metal will be a shield to RF. I would
recommend getting a 1/4 wavelength VHF antenna used for either amateur
radio (144 MHz band) or a commercial highband antenna (150-174 MHz).
You can get ones that require a 3/4" hole in the roof or go with a
magnet mount type. Both antennas mentioned above will be a little short
for airband, but will work infinitely better than an inside antenna of
any kind.

Scott "Ham radio guy" L.



karel adams wrote:
I want an airband receiver in my car (well, a van actually)
and wonder what antenna to use best.
just the normal car antenna perhaps?
i even wondered about jim weir's J-antenna
but am afraid the van's body will be too big a grond plane

TIA,
Karel Adams