Mobile antenna question

[NHfirefighter]

I'm getting ready to do an install and have noticed Laird has an end feed VHF 1/4 wave antenna. Can someone help me understand how this differs from a base load 1/4 wave antenna? Would there be any advantages to this type of antenna? The model number is CW1320 I have always used A B132S in the past but was considering the CW1320 this time.
Thanks!

[Bill_G]

The CW1320 is a wideband antenna that operates from 132 to 174 without trimming the rod. You get over 40Mhz of operation without tuning the antenna. For the right guy, this could be handy. OTOH, the B132 series is a coil fed quarter wave that you trim the rod for the center freq. You get 4 or 5Mhz of operation. They are quiet antennas compared to standard quarter wave rods because the coil helps eliminate impulse noise like from your ignition system.

[NHfirefighter]

Thanks this helps. What does "end feed" mean? I have never seen this description on other antennas. I have tried searching for information but can't get a good explanation.

[Bill_G]

Most antennas are center fed. The mount in the roof is attached to the ground plane forming one half of the antenna. The rod screws on forming the other half. End fed usually applies to half wave antennas that do not require a ground plane. How the term applies for Laird's antenna would have to be answered by them.

[NHfirefighter]

Ok thanks, I was wondering if they were implying this is a no ground plane antenna... I will find out.