Sds100 antenna mounting

[lcat06]

Yes, you can not go wrong with the Larsen. I had one but where I am now does not require multiband. Great suggestions and explanations above.

Still, the one question that I always ask which is referred to above is “exactly what do you want to listen to and where will your driving take you in relation to the sites?” Otherwise it can be overkill on an antenna or you may not have good reception no matter what you use.

I am trying to scan the AIRS system along with AHP so it would be the 850 band along with 150 as well… which rubber ducky should I het

 

[nessnet]

I still have a few of those new in the bag. Pretty sure Motorola didn't manufacture those themselves, just resold/repackaged someone else's.

Never had an issue with QC using the Larsen mounts.

Did install an NMO on my dad's truck many years ago. He didn't know and bought a Tram mount at HRO. Mount was OK, but I had to cut the UHF connector off the end to route the cable and then reinstalled a new UHF connector.

That cut off UHF connector sat on my bench for a couple of months. One day, while bored, I decided to dissect it.
I carefully cut off the over-molded plastic cover/strain relief. Under that was one of the most poorly installed connectors I've ever seen. The shield retention was accomplished by what I can only describe as someone smacking it with a center punch to hold in place long enough to do the over molding which hid the awful connection. Did it work? Probably, but no way I'd ever do a connector install like that. It was sheer laziness.

Not even crimped with the correct crimpers:

US West Cellular (and Cell 1/Craig McCaw) were both originally HQ'd out of Bellevue, WA.
Lots of 3 watt Motorola AMPS radios were installed in those early days.
Larson was just down I5 in Vancouver, WA.
Very well could be the OEM of those mounts.

And, used lots by most shops.
Even the EF Johnson shops used them.

 

[KK4JUG]

I'm retired after 32 years as a LEO and I guess I've been around hundreds of police cars with various NMO mounts for various types of antennae. I don't recall ever hearing of a leak problem.

 

[mmckenna]

I'm retired after 32 years as a LEO and I guess I've been around hundreds of police cars with various NMO mounts for various types of antennae. I don't recall ever hearing of a leak problem.

Yeah, I've been at the same employer for almost 28 years now. I'm sure someone would have let me know if water was dripping on them. And I -know- for sure, our fleet guys would have told me….

 

[W9WSS]

Listen to what the tried and true nmo expert installers are telling you, especially MMcKenna. I have been using nmo mounts on my vehicles for many years. My cvpi had TWELVE nmo mounts and I sold it to a fellow ham a few months ago. My replacement SUV has four nmo mounts and all Em Wave antennas, including a scanner-specific UHF VHF 800 whip with a spring. I have three Amateur Radio transceivers and a Uniden 436HP scanner all of which were installed a few days after I bought the SUV new. I despise magnetic mounted antennas for countless reasons. I refuse to sacrifice performance for vanity. Listen to your fellow professionals and hobbyists. If you are not comfortable installing the nmo mount and running the coax, have it done professionally. DRILL THAT MOUNT!