My new VHF/UHF antenna setup

[ScoutII]

I thought would share some items I just purchased for a new antenna install.
While this is not on my expedition rig, I do travel a lot in this vehicle. i.e back and forth to work.

First I will be drilling a hole in the roof for an MNO mount.:wings:
Why? The NMO style mount can be used for a lot of applications, from HAM radios, to cell phones, to GPS antennas. So if I sell the vehicle the next owner can use it if they want. Second the roof is the best location for the antenna.

I will be mounting it dead center near the rear, but at least a 1/4 wave length in from the rear of the roof. This will give it better omni directional pattern. I have noticed a lot of the newer cars have a little antenna in this same location, so it should look almost stock too. Which is a good thing as it won't advertise my radio equipment.

I bought my USA made cables from here
http://usacoax.com/topics/times-microwave-lmr240-coaxial-cable/lmr240-ham-cb-radio-cable/
I bought my Diamond NR72BNMO antenna from here.
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamantm/1578.html
and my NMO mount from antenna world. It's not a super flush mount, as it stick down about 5/8" but I have room under the head liner

I wanted to use some LMR-240 coax in case it gets used for cell phone, but sure can't hurt for HAM radio either. They offer ultra flex LMR-400 if you have room for a .4" diameter cable

 

[DarioCarrera]

Very few times in my short duration as a HAM I have been witness to a really thought out approach to an install and this appears to be one of them. I'm looking forward to seeing pics of the install and the final product!!!

 

[ScoutII]

I removed some panels over the weekend hoping my cables would arrive anyday now. Well one cable did arrive an some how I order the wrong cable
I needed a 6P6C (RJ12) cable for the remote head, and I received a 6P4C. That's 6 positions and 4 conductors. I will stop by radio shack, but suspect they don't have this kind of stuff anymore, maybe chinamart will have one. I did re order the "right" cable. whooping .92 cents from monoprice.com. With shipping its like $3. But if I can find it local, will pick it up, so I can put some panels back in.

My Ext. speaker I order off of E-bay came in, and its real nice. Thier pictures don't do it much justice. $11 to my door, and with a 10' cable.

edit..4/29/2011 Almost everything has arrived. Antenna, NMO mount, power cable, fuse holder, remote speaker, data cable, audio extension cable, remote head unit mount. The only item that has not arrived is my coax cable, the manufacture said its on B.O. as they are waiting on some Pl-259 to LMR 240 connectors. I guess I could have bought a PL-259 to SMA adapter, then the cables would be here.

 

[ScoutII]

Ok, so what the hold up. cables. issue with the FME Female connector. I was hoping to have this all done too

Everything arrived. I ran a new power and ground to the radio. I use the low voltage lighting wire as it has an extra thick insulation. Unsure of its under the hood temperature rating, but been using it for years with good luck. I connect the ground to the same location as the battery ground connects to the body. The B+ side is connected to the main block that hangs off the battery. Thats where they put the main fuse block. Its fused right there with an automotive water tight fuse holder 20amp and the there are 2 more fuses ( 1 power and 1 ground) right at the radio. These came with the stock power cord.
The power goes into the cabin via convenient hole Toyota provided. You clip the boot end and you have access. Humm they must have known somebody would add power to the inside. The power/data/sound cable all run under the door jam trim.

 

[ScoutII]

More pictures

 

[ScoutII]

Well I never heard back from MPD on my cable issue. I ordered a crimper and some crimps for the LMR-240 cable. I'm been wanting to have a crimper as then I can make custom length cables on the fly when needed. Since I wanted to put the car back together, I got a cheapy HF coax stripper. It worked just fine, but you have to cut the outer sheath back a bit more for LMR-240 cable. Did that by hand. Drilled a hole in the roof and installed the NMO mount. I love that heavy duty version, nice solid mount. Ran the cable down the pillar to the radio and connected everything up. I put the rear seat back in along with all the panels. Will get some pic and post them. I did not take a lot of install pics as I had to work fast on Mothers day to get it all done. My flat copper braid arrived too, another e-bay fine. The plan is to bond the hood,doors and hatch to the body to create an even better environment for the Mobile radio.

 

[ScoutII]

Couple pic's for referance. The silver stuff is poor mans Dynamat. (peal & seal)

 

[ScoutII]

A few more pictures.