3/8 stub to UHF adapter

[N9JIG]

I need an adapter to allow me to use an CR8900 antenna (with a UHF-Male connector) on a 3/8 stud mount. I searched the usual sources with no luck, any ideas on where I can find one?

For what it is worth, this will allow me to use my Outpost tripod mount in the yard with a CR8900 and other antennas that have a UHF mount.

 

[prcguy]

I would be surprised if that exists. A 3/8 stud mount has no convenient ground to attach to the ground side of an SO-239 mount. You could possibly make one and it might work ok for HF but probably not VHF or UHF due to needing a long flying ground lead.

I need an adapter to allow me to use an CR8900 antenna (with a UHF-Male connector) on a 3/8 stud mount. I searched the usual sources with no luck, any ideas on where I can find one?

For what it is worth, this will allow me to use my Outpost tripod mount in the yard with a CR8900 and other antennas that have a UHF mount.

 

[bharvey2]

I've purchased and used a number of these (different brand and source but the same thing) Remove the coupling nut and you're left with a stud.

https://www.amazon.com/SO-239-THREADED-ANTENNA-MOUNT-ADAPTER/dp/B00LND0M92

 

[N9JIG]

I've purchased and used a number of these (different brand and source but the same thing) Remove the coupling nut and you're left with a stud.

https://www.amazon.com/SO-239-THREADED-ANTENNA-MOUNT-ADAPTER/dp/B00LND0M92

This is what I already have, I am trying to find a way to use a UHF mount antenna on a device that is equipped with a 3/8 stud now.

 

[bharvey2]

Okay, I thought you were looking for one to use. I suppose you could turn another upside down and thread it on top but it would be pretty funky and you'd lose your ground. Do you have enough room to enlarge the mounting hole and use an SO239 barrel coupler like this:

83-1F Amphenol RF | Connectors, Interconnects | DigiKey

Order today, ships today. 83-1F – Adapter Coaxial Connector UHF Jack, Female Socket To UHF Jack, Female Socket Non-Constant from Amphenol RF. Pricing and Availability on millions of electronic components from Digi-Key Electronics.

www.digikey.com

I used one with a similar antenna when I made a stake-pocket mounted antenna adapter for my truck. Not quite the adapter you're looking for but maybe a working solution.

 

[N9JIG]

Okay, I thought you were looking for one to use. I suppose you could turn another upside down and thread it on top but it would be pretty funky and you'd lose your ground. Do you have enough room to enlarge the mounting hole and use an SO239 barrel coupler like this:

83-1F Amphenol RF | Connectors, Interconnects | DigiKey

Order today, ships today. 83-1F – Adapter Coaxial Connector UHF Jack, Female Socket To UHF Jack, Female Socket Non-Constant from Amphenol RF. Pricing and Availability on millions of electronic components from Digi-Key Electronics.

www.digikey.com

I used one with a similar antenna when I made a stake-pocket mounted antenna adapter for my truck. Not quite the adapter you're looking for but maybe a working solution.

Actually that might work!

If I drill out the existing hole I would not be able to use if for the 3/8 inch mount. However...

The top part of the Outpost is a angled piece of aluminum with wingnuts holding it to the rest of the device. I could drill a hole alongside on that part for a bulkhead mount like this or even get a separate angle piece with one. Heck, I could even drill a hole in the vertical portion as well as a couple mounting holes on the current horizontal and put in the SO239 bulkhead mount, then just flip it for whatever antenna I want to use.

I might have to go to Harbor Freight to get a bit in the AM but I think that will work!

Thanks!

 

[prcguy]

I would drill out the mount and install the long double female SO-239 and adjust the height so the CR-8900 just bottoms out on the mount when tightened. Then get one of these or similar when you need to use a 3/8-24 whip. Comet Original AD-35M Antenna Mount Adapter UHF Female (SO-239) to 3/8-24 702646179644 | eBay

Actually that might work!

If I drill out the existing hole I would not be able to use if for the 3/8 inch mount. However...

The top part of the Outpost is a angled piece of aluminum with wingnuts holding it to the rest of the device. I could drill a hole alongside on that part for a bulkhead mount like this or even get a separate angle piece with one. Heck, I could even drill a hole in the vertical portion as well as a couple mounting holes on the current horizontal and put in the SO239 bulkhead mount, then just flip it for whatever antenna I want to use.

I might have to go to Harbor Freight to get a bit in the AM but I think that will work!

Thanks!

 

[N9JIG]

That would work too!

 

[prcguy]

I think its the only option. I have not found a 3/8 to SO-239 adapter and I doubt they exist. If you made something it would not be much good on VHF or UHF due to unavoidable losses. Modifying the mount to have a native SO-239 will give good performance on VHF/UHF and the ability to go 3/8-24 with virtually no loss. Win win.

That would work too!

 

[bharvey2]

Two plans of attack and a scheduled trip to Harbor Freight. Sounds like a win to me!

 

[N9JIG]

Actually it gets better!

When I disassembled the existing 3/8 mount I discovered that the hole it was fitted to was already the proper size for a SO239 bulkhead connector, no drilling or other modifications (or new tools/bits) needed.

I just need to order the SO239 to 3/8 stud adapter, it is in stock at HRO so off I go!

 

[prcguy]

Don't overlook eBay for some of this stuff, it can be much cheaper than HRO.

Actually it gets better!

When I disassembled the existing 3/8 mount I discovered that the hole it was fitted to was already the proper size for a SO239 bulkhead connector, no drilling or other modifications (or new tools/bits) needed.

I just need to order the SO239 to 3/8 stud adapter, it is in stock at HRO so off I go!

 

[bharvey2]

Don't overlook eBay for some of this stuff, it can be much cheaper than HRO.

Cheaper yes. Not necessarily as enjoyable as a trip to HRO though. (If one likes that type of thing)