NMO magmount with REMOVABLE coax

[LIScanner101]

Does anybody make an NMO magmount with a removable cable, like with a weatherproof FME? Seems everybody uses rg-58 for the cable (molded in) and I'd like to be able to change it to something premium like LMR-240 or RG-11
..THX

 

[Rt169Radio]

I haven't seen anything like that.

 

[LIScanner101]

Me neither...

 

[mmckenna]

https://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=451189&eventGroup=4&eventPage=4

Other options:
https://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=23538&eventGroup=4&eventPage=4

https://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=85449&eventGroup=4&eventPage=4

https://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=96021&eventGroup=4&eventPage=4

https://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=321190&eventGroup=4&eventPage=4

https://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=57726&eventGroup=4&eventPage=4

A slightly easier option would be to take a standard NMO mount with cable, and cut the cable near the base. Install a connector there.

 

[mmckenna]

Or, just buy the mount with the LMR240 already on it:

https://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=392285&eventPage=1

 

[LtDoc]

You can change the cable on most NMO mounts if you know how those mounts are assembled. At least, I've found that to be true for the NMO mounts that I use. It isn't a super simple process but it's far from being impossible.
- 'Doc

 

[jeepsandradios]

RG11 is 75 ohm cable btw

 

[LIScanner101]

https://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=451189&eventGroup=4&eventPage=4

Other options:
https://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=23538&eventGroup=4&eventPage=4

https://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=85449&eventGroup=4&eventPage=4

https://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=96021&eventGroup=4&eventPage=4

https://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=321190&eventGroup=4&eventPage=4

https://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=57726&eventGroup=4&eventPage=4

A slightly easier option would be to take a standard NMO mount with cable, and cut the cable near the base. Install a connector there.

Thanks, but I'm not sure if you understood my OP. I'm aware of NMO mounts that have removable cables (via SMA, FME etc) but I was specifically looking for one that is already attached to a magmount. THAT'S the problem

I DID take a magmount NMO apart once. I had to peel the entire bottom metal tape layer off, then "carve" out this epoxy material to get to the wiring. I eventually did replace the wire and repotted it, but it was hell. I did also notice an increase in S/N ratio and trunking got better. That was a while ago and the mount is MIA, but I don't want to go through that mess again...!!

 

[LIScanner101]

RG11 is 75 ohm cable btw

I know, that's OK. For a scanner I have learned that it's not that big a deal.

 

[mmckenna]

Larsen MM34 is a "roll your own" mag mount. Basically it's their rectangular mag mount housing with the magnet, 3/4" hole, etc, but no mount or cable. You'd install your NMO mount with the LMR240 cable and assemble the unit. Or, install your own connector directly on the mount.
Hutton Communications: Larsen Antennas MM34

Other option would be to buy a standard mag mount and either disassemble it and put on the cable you want, install a jack, or just hack off the cable and install a connector. A few inches of RG-58 isn't going to be the end of the world.

 

[LIScanner101]

Larsen MM34 is a "roll your own" mag mount. Basically it's their rectangular mag mount housing with the magnet, 3/4" hole, etc, but no mount or cable. You'd install your NMO mount with the LMR240 cable and assemble the unit. Or, install your own connector directly on the mount.
Hutton Communications: Larsen Antennas MM34

Other option would be to buy a standard mag mount and either disassemble it and put on the cable you want, install a jack, or just hack off the cable and install a connector. A few inches of RG-58 isn't going to be the end of the world.

Hmmmm, thanks, that's a very interesting link! So you can actually make your own NMO mag mount with this stuff - that's a great idea. I'll check that out. Thanks again.

 

[mmckenna]

As much as I dislike magmounts, that is the only version I ever bought. The Larsen rectangular one with the NMO mount.

The LMR240 will save you about 0.3dB over the RG58 at 18 feet of cable at 150MHz. Likely you won't notice 0.3dB. Permanent mount will give you another 0.1dB. But, magnetic mounts have their place, sometimes. Adding additional connectors will add additional losses, but usually no more than about 0.1dB on their own. If you really want to do the best you can, and absolutely cannot do a permanent mount, then get the Larsen MM34 and the NMO mount with the LMR240. Get a connector professionally installed if you don't know how to do it yourself. If you do, get a good connector, none of this "twist-on" crap that Radio Schmuck sells. Solder on connectors are nice, but a properly installed crimp on connector is just as good. Stick the antenna up on the center of the vehicle roof. That should squeeze about all you can out of the set up.

Good luck.

 

[LIScanner101]

As much as I dislike magmounts, that is the only version I ever bought. The Larsen rectangular one with the NMO mount.

The LMR240 will save you about 0.3dB over the RG58 at 18 feet of cable at 150MHz. Likely you won't notice 0.3dB. Permanent mount will give you another 0.1dB. But, magnetic mounts have their place, sometimes. Adding additional connectors will add additional losses, but usually no more than about 0.1dB on their own. If you really want to do the best you can, and absolutely cannot do a permanent mount, then get the Larsen MM34 and the NMO mount with the LMR240. Get a connector professionally installed if you don't know how to do it yourself. If you do, get a good connector, none of this "twist-on" crap that Radio Schmuck sells. Solder on connectors are nice, but a properly installed crimp on connector is just as good. Stick the antenna up on the center of the vehicle roof. That should squeeze about all you can out of the set up.

Good luck.

Thanks much, I appreciate the advice.