Author |
Message |
Kwhubby
New member Username: Kwhubby
Post Number: 8 Registered: 12-2004
| Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2005 - 2:04 am: |
|
Hi, I have a friend who baught a 4' wilson silver load antenna. He has a radio and a 100 watt amp, but he doesn't have a coax / mount for the antenna. He keeps saying he is going to get the coax just lay it down inside his car or put it inside the bumper! This sounds like a BAD idea to me. I need to find a mount coax assembly (mount more importently) that doesnt bolt right into the metal of the car frame. He will be using it on his pickup truck or his car (maby some bumper mount solution or something that replaces the comercial band radio antenna with an adapter to get dual use). I don't know what kind of connector this antenna has or I would probobly have found a solution that would work better then his idea. Thanks for the help I don't want him getting cancer from sitting on the antenna or blowing up his equipment with HUGE SWR. |
Dx431
Senior Member Username: Dx431
Post Number: 1010 Registered: 2-2002
| Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2005 - 11:50 am: |
|
If he is going to use the ant on more than one vehicle, then a mag mount would be best. A mag mount comes with coax already installed. Screw than the ant into the mag mount set the mag on the vehicle run the coax to the transmitter and your done. |
Red_devil
Member Username: Red_devil
Post Number: 85 Registered: 10-2004
| Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2005 - 2:54 pm: |
|
Kwhubby, I mounted my 4' Wilson Silver Load on a Hood/Trunk Channel Mount made by Firestick. It is available on the web from several dealers or maybe in a local CB shop. You can go to the Firestick web site for a picture and other info. There are also some coax options there as well. If he will run that kicker you may want to go with at least RG 8 mini with GOOD shelding. I mounted mine to an existing quarter-panel bolt inside of the hood of my Chevy Silverado. Also, I mount a 102" whip to the same mount and it holds and grounds VERY well. Good Luck, let us know what you decide. CEF447 Red Devil - 392 |
Kwhubby
New member Username: Kwhubby
Post Number: 9 Registered: 12-2004
| Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2005 - 7:48 pm: |
|
Thanks for your suggestions! but one major question is: how does the antenna connect? is it just a male pl 259 connector? or somethign else? O yea, the magnet mount sounds good to me but he is afraid of people stealing it since there are some people that stole some of his stuff off his car where he parks daily; also the mag mounts ive seen are expensive. I like some of these details you have given me. Hopefully I can convince him of something decent. Thanks!
|
Dx431
Senior Member Username: Dx431
Post Number: 1011 Registered: 2-2002
| Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 1:38 am: |
|
What type of vehicle is he mounting this ant on? If we new that maybe we can give you a better seggestion of what type of mount to use. Mag mounts aren't that expensive. You can pick one up for under $20. |
Crackerjack
Intermediate Member Username: Crackerjack
Post Number: 279 Registered: 7-2004
| Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 4:09 am: |
|
I have a suggestion, mount it on a ball-mount with a 102" SS whip. LOL, Sorry, just can't help myself. The second best ant I ever had was a Wilson in the middle of my roof with a Mag mount. I ran the coax across the roof and into the door behind the driver. But you will have to labor a little bit over the SWR. Make sure that all the doors are shut first. |
Red_devil
Member Username: Red_devil
Post Number: 86 Registered: 10-2004
| Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 10:55 am: |
|
Kwhubby, Coax options are quite wide. You will need a PL259 connector for the radio end (obviously). As for the antenna end, if you want to split the coax and run the center lead to the antenna lead and the shield to the grounding lug on a channel mount just remember to at least tin all of the connections prior to running them to the bolts. I’ve found it better to loop the ends and create a soldered loop just large enough to fit the bolt through. Also, seal the connections once complete (after all SWR adjustments etc.) with RTV to eliminate any water infiltration into the connections or the coax. If you go for the magnetic mount option, there are several different options, some of which come pre-sired into the mount. Hunt around on the web, the options are nearly endless. The best mag-mounts I have seen (strongest magnets) are the K40 (which is designed for the K40 antenna) and a triple magnet in a triangular pattern. Theft is always a possibility with ANY antenna system. My channel mount will at least save me from buying a new mount. As you can tell, I’m a guy who prefers a bolt on mount that does not require you to drill into the vehicle. Whatever you decide, double check your continuity BEFORE you attach the radio. You should have fun! The planning and installation are sometimes as fun as talking. Crackerjack<<< I am 102” whip fan as well. I DO get some odd looks with my 102 in the channel mount of the hood of my truck. NO SWR problems and a bit cleaner transmit than the Wilson. Low overhangs are also fun when I forget about the antenna. CEF447 Red Devil - 392
|
Red_devil
Member Username: Red_devil
Post Number: 87 Registered: 10-2004
| Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 11:25 am: |
|
I have tried to attach a picture of the triangle mag mount available at ************** and other web sites. It goes for $50 at *********. hunt around for the best price. popjpeg{79355,} Good Luck, Have FUN! CEF447 Red Devil - 392\ |
Tech808
Moderator Username: Tech808
Post Number: 5519 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 12:05 pm: |
|
How about here on the Copper Web Site. The 3 Mag Mount. V10-06044 Valor MM 3401 Maxi-Magnet Mount Kit $ 37.99 3 Mag Mount or the 4 Mag Mount. V10-06064 VALOR MEGA MAGNET MT $ 49.99 4 Mag Mount Hope this helps, Lon Tech808 CEF808 N9OSN
|
Red_devil
Member Username: Red_devil
Post Number: 88 Registered: 10-2004
| Posted on Monday, April 18, 2005 - 10:04 pm: |
|
DOH!!!!!!!!!!! Lesson Learned…the HARD WAY. Always check the Copper site before you suggest any others. Sorry Lon CEF 447 Red Devil - 392
|