JackstandJohnny
Member
- Joined
- Oct 10, 2016
- Messages
- 23
Good question.
UHF connectors get to be an issue as you go higher in frequency. While they are called "UHF", it's important to realize that back when they were designed technology was quite a bit different. Back in the 30's, UHF meant something different than it does now.
There's some good info here: UHF connector - Wikipedia
They were never designed to be an antenna mount, only a form of shielded connector for lower frequencies. Mechanically I'd not trust them for any large antenna.
UHF connectors are not, inherently, waterproof, so using them as an antenna mount is not the best option. Ham radio operators are the only ones that seem to like to use them as such. You won't see them used in any modern day public safety install simply because there are better and more reliable choices.
The NMO connectors, on the other hand, were designed from the ground up to be used as an antenna mount. They are good up beyond 1000MHz, and there is even a high frequency version that can be used up to 6GHz. They are waterproof. You can get them for through-hole installs. You can get magnetic mount NMO bases, and you can get bracket mounts, you can even get base station adapters. Just depends on what you want.
There is also a very wide range of antennas that will fit an NMO mount. If you use a UHF mount, you are pretty much stuck with the amateur radio antennas. If you use NMO, you can select antennas that will cover anywhere from the CB radio band well up to 6GHz, including cellular, WiFi, and satellite.
You can use whichever you want, your truck, your radio, your money. If you want the most flexibility and options for different antennas, you'll do better with the NMO mounts.
Thats really good to know, thank you for that! I guess Im back to square one for antenna shopping. Do they even make 1/4 wave 2m antennas with NMO mounts since theyre so lightweight and short? I guess Ill shop around and see.