mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
No, if you install the antenna with the gasket, it'll be fine.
Antenna Setup
- Thread starter ltginrage
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No, if you install the antenna with the gasket, it'll be fine.
I would tape the N connector at the bottom of the Laird Technologies MBCN. Taping from the low side to the top as that layers the tape so water does not get in. "Like roof shingles" overlap.
Right the gasket seals the top side.
Right the gasket seals the top side.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
All the Larsen antennas, except for the older "chrome nut" style, including either an O-ring or a gasket.
lu81fitter
Member
On the ground plane kits, is there a place at the bottom of the antenna base to install any type of "seal"? This is an extra I have in my stock.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Not that I've ever seen.
I'm using this to ground my antenna: Ground clamp at Menard's Link
Should I be using something like that? (Refrencing lu81fitter's picture)
Should I be using something like that? (Refrencing lu81fitter's picture)
Wait... Am I missing something? What are we using F connectors for?
Both ends of the coax I got is F connectors
Uh.... Why? I'm not being a smart ass but this is not standard practice.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
That's designed for connecting to ground rods.
For grounding the antenna, you just need to ground the mast and/or the bracket where the antenna attaches.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Ideally, you should go back and read the entire thread.
Short version if you don't want to:
He's got a long cable run to make, 75 feet or so. He's going to use RG-6 since this is for receive only. Snap-n-Seal type F connectors are easy to install, relatively water resistant, and will be a lot simpler to install than trying to buy all the tools and learn how to do N connectors onto a larger cable.
Ok. I was not expecting the antenna to be that powerfull. I'm picking up stuff I've could never receive before. Thanks everyone for the help.
Weird question but do I need to do any "maintenace" to it going on? (Like should I clear snow from it if needed)
Weird question but do I need to do any "maintenace" to it going on? (Like should I clear snow from it if needed)
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
A good external antenna that has been properly installed will make all the difference in the world. This is why so many of us preach this. Get the antenna outside your car, outside your house.
Glad to see it's working for you.
Not a weird question. Actually a very good one. If you invest this much in equipment, you should absolutely take care of it. I have permanent mount NMO antennas on all my vehicles. After I wash the vehicles, I always remove the antenna from the mount and make sure everything is clean and dry underneath. I periodically wipe down the gasket with some armor-all to keep it in good shape. If the gasket starts to get brittle (I've never had one do this) replace it. If you get high winds in your area, periodically make sure everything is tight. The antennas can vibrate a bit and can work things loose over time.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Well, magmounts suck. I won't use them except for testing. I always prefer to drill the hole and do a full install.
But, I know that's not always an option for everyone. Your best shot is to stick with the name brand stuff, Larsen, Laird, PCTEL.
I'd recommend one of these: https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/laird-technologies-gmb8bi-7520
That has a preinstalled BNC connector to match your radios.
Just be really careful how you route the cable. The issue is that running the cable through a window will result in the cable getting pinched, which will damage it. It can also damage the weather stripping on the window. Any damage to the cable can result in water intrusion into the cable, which will corrode it.
Yeah, don't go the mag mount option if at all possible. I know the though of drilling a hold through your roof at first makes you cringe, but after you try life with a mag mount for a while it just isn't worth it.
After you pass a semi and it blows your nice expensive antenna off your roof and it gets drug down the highway at 60mph+ by the coax cable scratching the paint on your car while it made its way off your roof will be enough to change your mind.
Not to mention not having to deal with the mess of wire/s in your vehicle.
After you pass a semi and it blows your nice expensive antenna off your roof and it gets drug down the highway at 60mph+ by the coax cable scratching the paint on your car while it made its way off your roof will be enough to change your mind.
Not to mention not having to deal with the mess of wire/s in your vehicle.
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