Antenna Wire and mount question.

[PyroTekRob]

Hey everyone, I am new here (I did read the rules, an wont post this in other forum areas)

I just got a new truck, and am looking to mount my Uniden BCT8 Scanner inside, I also bought a new FireStik 3' scanner antenna for it. I dont think a BNC cable will connect to the antenna. What kinda of cable should I be running? And what would the best mount, for mounting the antenna to my truck? I was thinking maybe mounting it in my bed rail on the driver side. or in the bed stake hole that is in the rail.

Thank you in advance for all help,

Rob

[Rt169Radio]

Hi Rob, welcome to RadioReference.

I take that you got the 3/8"-24 thread mount for the antenna? If so that kind of mount has a UHF (S0239) connection, so you need to get a PL-259 to PL-259 run of coax. And at the end you connect to the scanner you could get a SO-239 to BNC male adapter to have it connect.

Now it depends, did you get a mirror mount type? Or a drill type mount?

[PyroTekRob]

Originally Posted by Rt169Radio

Hi Rob, welcome to RadioReference.

I take that you got the 3/8"-24 thread mount for the antenna? If so that kind of mount has a UHF (S0239) connection, so you need to get a PL-259 to PL-259 run of coax. And at the end you connect to the scanner you could get a SO-239 to BNC male adapter to have it connect.

Now it depends, did you get a mirror mount type? Or a drill type mount?

I haven't bought a mount yet. Wasn't sure the best type to go with. Only thing my package says about mounting is: "stud mount and/or accessory must have a minimum installed thread depth of 0.550" (16mm)"

As for cable it says: "We recommend that you use 18ft coaxial cable between the radio and antenna installations. For single antenna installations use 50 ohm (RG-58A/U, RG-8X) coax. For dual or co-phase installations, use 72-75 ohm RG-59A/U coax"

Yes it is 3/8" - 24 thread. The link to the Item is MOBILE SCANNER ANTENNAS.

I do also want to run a CB, and mount the Antenna for that on the passenger side of the vehicle. Or in the future run 2 scanners, one digital and one analog.

[Rt169Radio]

Are you able to get a FireStik 3/8" - 24 thread mount? That would probably make it easy.

Check out the mounts and accessories in the link below.

http://www.firestik.com/CatalogFrame.htm

[PyroTekRob]

Originally Posted by Rt169Radio

Are you able to get a FireStik 3/8" - 24 thread mount? That would probably make it easy.

Check out the mounts and accessories in the link below.

CATALOG Main Page (Frame Setup)

Yes I think I might be ordering the stake hole mount for pickup truck bed. I think Ill run my 3' scanner on driver side, and a 4' CB on passenger side. Thanks for the help guys, now to see if RadioShack has the adaptor for pl-259 to BNC

[Rt169Radio]

Originally Posted by PyroTekRob

Yes I think I might be ordering the stake hole mount for pickup truck bed. I think Ill run my 3' scanner on driver side, and a 4' CB on passenger side. Thanks for the help guys, now to see if RadioShack has the adaptor for pl-259 to BNC

Thats cool, would you mind posting some pictures of your antenna setup when your done?

[PyroTekRob]

Originally Posted by Rt169Radio

Thats cool, would you mind posting some pictures of your antenna setup when your done?

I would love to. Ill be ordering the bed stake mount tomorrow. I just need to decide the best way to get the cable into the cab. Im considering running it under the cab an back into the firewall in the the footwell of the driver or passenger side,. Any recommendations to this? Or do's an dont's? Not sure if I would get interference with the cable under the truck.

[PyroTekRob]

No one knows if it would be ok to run under the cab up it to the firewall? Would I get interference from any wires already under there?

[PyroTekRob]

Originally Posted by PyroTekRob

No one knows if it would be ok to run under the cab up it to the firewall? Would I get interference from any wires already under there?

Guess no one knows. Ill try wiring it like this, this week, and test it on my trip to AZ.