Would this bracket be a viable HAM antenna mounting point?

[pnwadventurer]

I came across this bracket and was open to hear from more knowledgeable members if this would also work as a ham radio antenna mount (with modifications) for my new Jeep JL Wrangler.

Thanks,

Steve

 

[Billoftt]

If the hole is 3/8" they make NMO mounts for 3/8" holes.
https://www.theantennafarm.com/cata...ent-hole-mounts-266/3-8-nmo-hole-mounts-1291/
Just make sure you get it grounded/bonded correctly.

 

[krick3tt]

I mounted mine to the roof rack and put a ground wire to the frame (existing ground bolt) of the LR to ensure proper grounding. LRs have aluminum bonnet and rear doors so a ground wire can be necessary. Yours looks to be a great mount as long as the antenna bouncing/swaying doesn't bother you.

 

[sonoronos]

Looks fine to me.

Anything in specific you're worried about?

 

[NatersXJ6]

I use a similar one meant for A pillar lights with a No Ground Plane antenna. It works reasonably well. Not as good as a good antenna in the middle of a steel roof, but well. I actually would have jumped all over something like that if I knew it was out there.

 

[PhulesAU]

X2 new Jeeps are very noisy, bong and grounds are essential. you could put a good 5/8 wave on that thing no problemo.
here's another guys story. https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/receive-interference-jeep-jk.628742/

 

[pnwadventurer]

I mounted mine to the roof rack and put a ground wire to the frame (existing ground bolt) of the LR to ensure proper grounding. LRs have aluminum bonnet and rear doors so a ground wire can be necessary. Yours looks to be a great mount as long as the antenna bouncing/swaying doesn't bother you.

I'm hoping that the A-post will block most of its view from the driver's seat. If not, it can't be worse than the two antennas I see from the seat of my land cruiser.

 

[pnwadventurer]

If the hole is 3/8" they make NMO mounts for 3/8" holes.
https://www.theantennafarm.com/cata...ent-hole-mounts-266/3-8-nmo-hole-mounts-1291/
Just make sure you get it grounded/bonded correctly.

Thank you. I'll look into that. I was just planning on drilling out the hole to make it fit.

 

[pnwadventurer]

Looks fine to me.

Anything in specific you're worried about?

My main concern is getting the most functional mounting location considering the lack of a steel roof.

 

[pnwadventurer]

X2 new Jeeps are very noisy, bong and grounds are essential. you could put a good 5/8 wave on that thing no problemo.
here's another guys story. https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/receive-interference-jeep-jk.628742/

Thank you for the link, good read for planning my install.

 

[MOguy]

My main concern is getting the most functional mounting location considering the lack of a steel roof.

Whatever you ground to becomes the rest of your antenna. Looks like your mount attaches to the body as opposed to fenders, bumpers or a rack. The body is probably the best ground.
Many people with Wranglers mount to the back fender. Your placement should be just as good. Make sure you have metal metal contact for RF ground.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Sure, ditch light brackets are viable antenna mounts. No ground plane, 1/2, would be the obvious choice but I've had 5/8 wavelength antennas work acceptably.

Nowhere near as good as getting them in the clear on the roof, even with a mag mount, but no worse really than on bull bars or bumper swing outs.

 

[sonoronos]

There's some good literature out there regarding ground planes and eletrical ground. Might be worth taking a look at, specifically for the frequencies that you're looking to operate on.

 

[PhulesAU]

http://www.k0bg.com/ Here's more info on the subject, Lots of photos too. Are you keeping the Jeep long term? I mounted my NMO style antennas in the hood just to the outside of the hinges. Easy to remove when folding hood back, and the performance is as good as a roof mount for our type vehicle.

 

[jwhutch]

What everyone else said. I mounted a Larsen 2/70 dual band antenna to a bracket on the fender on my TJ. Works fine. Just make sure you have a good ground and you should be fine.