Camper Shell Ground Plane

[KJ4DHF]

Hello,

I am directing this to mmckenna as I see he has made several comments on the subject.

Putting an NMO on my camper topper (fiberglass) and need to add a ground plane underneath. Is there any compromise to using a mesh wire for the ground plane v using a solid flashing. I was looking at using either a 30x30 mesh per sq inch with .012 wire diameter with open area rating of 41% or either 12x12 per sq inch wire mesh .023 wire diameter with open area rating of 52%. I am guessing that the less open area will be better for ground plane as it means more metal under antenna. Or would I benefit the most if I used solid flashing.

Will be using the Laird TE Connectivity C144/440CS antenna unless I decide to try and find a VHF and UHF and run separate antenna's for VHF an UHF. If I go separate antenna's I will use the Laird B1443 w spring and B4305C w spring.

 

[mmckenna]

I wouldn't get hung up on wire mesh size. Most base 1/4 wave antennas will have 3 or 4 wire radials and work just fine.

I ran some foil backed tape in an "X" pattern under some antennas on a UTV and it worked just fine. Use a thick mount NMO and you'll be golden.

You could run a solid sheet of conductive material if that's easier. Your choice. But I don't think wire mesh size is going to make any noticeable difference.

If you use the @ symbol before the user name, it'll alert them. @KJ4DHF will get peoples attention.

 

[slowmover]

Have seen some wild installs recounted over the years re fiberglass toppers.

Thread 'Mobile Ant. Ground plane question'
Mobile Ant. Ground plane question

Mine weighs well past 200-lbs. I’d not want to do it twice as an antenna install also means R&R of 2k lbs of gear.

If I thought there was a just a chance that woven copper braid RF Bonds down to the bed jumping the weatherseal “might” improve performance, I’d do it.

Bonding

Good luck.

.

 

[KJ4DHF]

It would be easier to just fiberglass the wire mesh to the ceiling of the topper. 6ft long by 5ft wide. I was hoping to use mesh as easier to handle and put in place than roll flashing. Straps for bonding of the hood,doors cab to frame,bed to frame ,exhaust as been ordered. I been pondering on which way to install ground plane to topper. Fiberglass a couple layers of the mesh to inside ceiling or 3M adhesive roll flashing.

10 Mesh Brass .025" Wire Dia 10 per 2.54 cm​

 

[mmckenna]

It would be easier to just fiberglass the wire mesh to the ceiling of the topper. 6ft long by 5ft wide. I was hoping to use mesh as easier to handle and put in place than roll flashing. Straps for bonding of the hood,doors cab to frame,bed to frame ,exhaust as been ordered. I been pondering on which way to install ground plane to topper. Fiberglass a couple layers of the mesh to inside ceiling or 3M adhesive roll flashing.

You shouldn't need to bond the hood, doors, cab, frame, etc. for VHF/UHF. Ground plane only needs to be 19" in all directions on VHF, and only 6" in all directions on UHF. No more is necessary. Lots of police cars, and I've never had an issue where that was the solution. Just pop the NMO in the middle of the ground plane and you'll be good.

It won't hurt, but it's not going to improve performance. Over engineering isn't necessarily good engineering.

If you are good at doing fiberglass, the mesh would probably be fairly easy to attach. Or, just use 4 thin wires heading out in 90º angles from under the base.

 

[prcguy]

It would be easier to just fiberglass the wire mesh to the ceiling of the topper. 6ft long by 5ft wide. I was hoping to use mesh as easier to handle and put in place than roll flashing. Straps for bonding of the hood,doors cab to frame,bed to frame ,exhaust as been ordered. I been pondering on which way to install ground plane to topper. Fiberglass a couple layers of the mesh to inside ceiling or 3M adhesive roll flashing.
View attachment 191098

10 Mesh Brass .025" Wire Dia 10 per 2.54 cm​

I've seen a few jobs like this were various types of conductive screen were simply laid on the inside roof of a camper shell when its off and upside down and a thick layer of surfboard resin was rolled over it to make it stick to the ceiling. I would drill the roof and mount the NMO and make connection to the screen before applying the resin. I think its fine to oversize and nothing wrong with covering the entire flat inside ceiling vs a 1/4 wavelength in all directions, which would be about 3ft diameter for VHF.

 

[kayn1n32008]

Hello,

I am directing this to mmckenna as I see he has made several comments on the subject.

Putting an NMO on my camper topper (fiberglass) and need to add a ground plane underneath. Is there any compromise to using a mesh wire for the ground plane v using a solid flashing. I was looking at using either a 30x30 mesh per sq inch with .012 wire diameter with open area rating of 41% or either 12x12 per sq inch wire mesh .023 wire diameter with open area rating of 52%. I am guessing that the less open area will be better for ground plane as it means more metal under antenna. Or would I benefit the most if I used solid flashing.

Will be using the Laird TE Connectivity C144/440CS antenna unless I decide to try and find a VHF and UHF and run separate antenna's for VHF an UHF. If I go separate antenna's I will use the Laird B1443 w spring and B4305C w spring.

Or use half wave antennas and not need the ground plane...

 

[LowderK]

didn't at one time on ambulances that were Vans (TYPE 2) units if I remember right they had some soft of Foil tape on the roof in a 3'x3' square maybe..... I may just be showing my age tho been doing this awhile

 

[N4KVL]

The foil tape method works just fine. Been using it in fire apparatus and camper toppers for 20+ years.

In my previous department vehicle, I had three tri-band antennas in a straight line down the center of the camper top. A 1/4 wave cross of foil tape under each is plenty for a decent performing antenna.

Or as previously mentioned, just use a no ground plane antenna.