Roof mounted Larsen 2M antenna *PICS*

[Johnnie]

Last week I posted, seeking assistance to roof mount my antenna (for some reason that post was deleted). After getting suggestions from this forum along with others, I decided to do it myself. It was much easier than expected. The most time consuming thing was routing the cable. I ran into a few dead ends but finally got it all worked out. I was slow to remove the headliner and took my time but it was easier than I expected. I placed a small plastic bowl above the headliner to prevent drilling into the headliner. It was definitely helpful. I used a hole saw after practing on sheet metal. I decided I was better off drilling 3 pilot holes from small to big. The bit within the hole saw wasn't spinning perfectly that's why I drilled 3 different pilot holes. The actual hole saw did much better than I expected.

I went with a Larsen NMO150-BK.

 

[cletaco]

Looks good. Are you getting a good ground? If I'm not mistaken, a hole saw made for antennas scrapes away the paint around the hole so you get a good metal to metal contact. Just curious if your SWR is low and if there is any QRN/static.

 

[angusdevil]

Looks great, good work man!

 

[gary in ohio]

looks nice..

 

[Johnnie]

Looks good. Are you getting a good ground? If I'm not mistaken, a hole saw made for antennas scrapes away the paint around the hole so you get a good metal to metal contact. Just curious if your SWR is low and if there is any QRN/static.

Thanks guys.

I just used a standard hole saw and did a little filing to expose more metal. I haven't checked the SWR yet. I should have everything hooked up this week.

 

[Johnnie]

a 2m SWR meter? I have one and I seem to recall you're located in SoCal somewhere? If you need to use one, I'll try to make it available for you.

I live in Pasadena, will be working on a commercial up in Palmdale all this week, lucky me.

Antenna install looks good. I just bought one for the roof of my new-to-me van.

John E

Thanks for the offer. I live in the IE and I work in downtown but I don't drive to work.

 

[xtatik]

Thanks guys.

I just used a standard hole saw and did a little filing to expose more metal. I haven't checked the SWR yet. I should have everything hooked up this week.

Looks good. What kind of radio are you driving through it?

 

[Johnnie]

I'll be using an Icom V8000. Claremont is fairly close to me. Once I get everything done I'll let you know.

 

[sargeek]

Great Job - The only suggestion I have would be to get the Larson spring mount for the antenna. The spring will reduce the pressure on the roof of the truck when the antenna strikes trees. I don't think its necessary for fendor mounts, but well worth it for roof mounts.

 

[Johnnie]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll definitely take a look at getting a spring. The only issue I have with the roof mount if the height of the antenna. I have to keep an eye for anything lower than 10'.

 

[sargeek]

With a spring on it you should be OK hitting things at 10'. The antennas are pretty tough!

 

[Borrego60]

Nice job I have 3 on my tundra,Just make sure you paint the bare metal where you filed,will save ya on the rust issue. Under the mount does not need to be painted inside the roof. Once you tighten up the brass nut the bottom of the mount will dig into the bottom of the roof and give a good ground also.