NMO Thick bracket mobile install

[rob_d]

I'll be installing a NMO to a 3/16"-1/4" thick bracket mounted to my vehicle and wanted to know which NMO mount to use. Both sides of the NMO will be exposed to the elements as the bracket will be mounted externally. The hole through the bracket will be 3/8". I would like a good quality branded NMO mount and not a cheap off brand.

The other end of the cable will be connecting to my BCD436 Uniden scanner and this setup will be only used for receiving....no transmitting. Is a SMA Male connector placed on the end of the cable the best way to do this? Or is another end connecter preferred and then use an adapter to connect it to my 436?

Thank you for any recommendations for the NMO mount, cable, and connector.

 

[mmckenna]

https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=264_270_294&products_id=1161

You won't go wrong with Larsen brand stuff. Avoid the Cheap Chinese brands, and the ham/hobby grade stuff. For the few dollars you might save, you'll suffer with long term issues. There is a good reason we keep recommending these brands.

The NMOHF style mounts are overkill for most scanner users, but the nice thing about them for exposed mounting, like yours, is that it's easy to seal up the bottom. You are correct that the standard mounts are not sealed and will quickly corrode if exposed.
So, what you do is get the above mount, have the SMA connector installed to match your scanner. Don't use adapters as those add stress to the antenna connector, add a tiny bit of loss, and if you use cheap adapters, add a common failure point.
Then, get some marine grade heat shrink tubing just big enough to slide over the SMA connector. Slide it all the way up to the antenna base where the coax enters, then shrink it. The adhesive lining on the tubing will melt and flow sealing things up nicely.

Other option….

https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=264_270_293&products_id=1158

Then get a custom coaxial cable made with a Male N connector on one end, and a male SMA connector on the other to match your scanner. Thread the N connector onto the NMO mount, then seal it with coax sealing tape.
You can get custom made coaxial cable here: https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=344_367_373

 

[12dbsinad]

For a good NMO mount that is already sealed try looking into a PC TEL K794 thick mount. The KE794 is the same mount but with 30' of cable instead of the standard 17'. Both mounts use good quality low loss LMR195 type double shielded cable.