Show us the antennas on your D4/D3

[Lotz-A-Landies]

I am just about to buy some antennas for the UHF and phone on my D4. The car is white the bar is black but the colour for the antenna is difficult.

So the questions are: is what do a pair of antennas look like on your D4 or D3?
what brand do you have and why that brand?
which model if there is a selection? :TakeABow:

Diana :)

BTW: I am looking at RFI, Mobile One or GME antennas.

[Redback]

Doesn't the phone antenna go in the middle back of the roof, that black square thingy.

My UHF antenna is a AE4703 6.6dbI in white, this is a match for the 3540 GME UHF(4.5dB IN THE OLD SCALE) is on our Opposite Lock bar, the bracket is right at the end of the bar.

Oh if you buy the latest ARB 4x4 Action mag, the one with the Ford Ranger, this photo is in there, odd seeing we are kitted out with Opposite Lock gear, it's the High Country Hut story:cool:
ARB 4X4 ACTION - APRIL 2012 (http://arb.com.au/news/magazines/au/2012/autumn/#/32/)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/535.jpg

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Doesn't the phone antenna go in the middle back of the roof, that black square thingy.
...First thing is that current phone signals are vertically polarised so the receiver antenna should also be vertically polarised and why I was looking at a stick. (BTW with the rollout of MIMO in 4G I dont think I'll be aligning one antenna at 45 deg and the other at 135 degree on a rotator to match the polarity and direction of the signals :D )

My other thought was for one of the RFI shark fin TLA4200, which operate as both a 6dBi antenna in 4G and a 28dBi GPS antenna, but not convinced about drilling holes in the roof.

Diana

http://www.rfi.com.au/consumer/images/products/cell/TLA4200.jpg

[Tote]

Could you make the shark fin fit in the factory position on the roof just forward of the tailgate?
I've got a benelec 9db UHF aerial and a 6DB fibreglass one for touring when I dont have to worry about banging it on garages.
If you have an ARB bar the stock mounting points are worse than useless on the main bar. I made up a piece of pipe that mounts to the factory hole and lifts the base of the aerial level with the to bar on the bullbar. Made a substantial difference to reception.

Regards,
Tote

[~Rich~]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/06/177.jpg
My UHF mount.

Looks like the shortest GSM one is 240mm ( 4G)
Mobile One NextG Phone Antennas (http://www.mobileone.com.au/antennas/nextg.html)
Mobile One GSM Phone Phone Antennas (http://www.mobileone.com.au/antennas/gsm.html)

[Lotz-A-Landies]

I didn't realise there was already a hole in the roof for the phone GPS stuff. Will have to measure the actual height of the car park entry at work.

Still wondering about a white UHF against a white car and whether it would be too much. (I also have a multitap and Codan 9350 which are black but the 9323 isn't installed.)

Tending towards RFI for this car, I have Mobile one antennas on the RRc but one got damaged and I thought a little too easily am interested in reports if RFI or GME were more resistant to damage.

[discotwinturbo]

46187

I have a white gme aerial on my white bar.
I tried a black one, but did not look quite right for me.....but everyone is different.

Brett....

[WhiteD3]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/500.jpg

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Could you make the shark fin fit in the factory position on the roof just forward of the tailgate? ...<snip>
... If you have an ARB bar the stock mounting points are worse than useless on the main bar. ... <snip>
..Regards,
ToteMy bar is Oposite Lock and has the same holes as the ARB bar but also 3 antenna mounts on the upper pipework. Have no idea why ARB couldn't do the same, was a major part of the reason I went to OL.

As I said, I didn't realise there was a plastic cover on the roof, it makes a significant difference to the decision of whether to use a roofmount or end-fed vertical whip for the phone. All I need to know now is whether the wiring is in the harness or not.

[discotwinturbo]

You need a bigger shed :-)

Brett....

[discojools]

I have a lightweight Uniden aerial and mount for a D4 (withoutbullbar) for sale in the "external accessories for sale" section if anyone is interested.
Have bullbar now so not needed.

[Gords]

I don't have the model numbers on hand, however have attached a photo...

[Tombie]

My bar is Oposite Lock and has the same holes as the ARB bar but also 3 antenna mounts on the upper pipework. Have no idea why ARB couldn't do the same, was a major part of the reason I went to OL.

Hit something significant - then you'll know the answer... :cool:

The OL bar is also made of a very different metal.... Brittle by comparison, so more likely to tear in an impact.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Hit something significant - then you'll know the answer... :cool:

The OL bar is also made of a very different metal.... Brittle by comparison, so more likely to tear in an impact.Not a problem, I don't plan on hitting anything and after reviewing the fit and finish issues on the current ARB models, you can tell they're not made by Mr Brown anymore.

[discotwinturbo]

Not a problem, I don't plan on hitting anything and after reviewing the fit and finish issues on the current ARB models, you can tell they're not made by Mr Brown anymore.

When I was choosing between arb and ol, the local arb store told me that they we made in Taiwan....they also said the arb wheel carrier was also made there, unlike the kaymar which is still made in oz.

Brett.....

[Tombie]

Not a problem, I don't plan on hitting anything and after reviewing the fit and finish issues on the current ARB models, you can tell they're not made by Mr Brown anymore.

But you *do* plan on hitting something.
Hence the bullbar fitment.

Fit issues with the OL unit have been far worse!

The ARB fit issues have been dud installers with poor training.

[Plane Fixer]

I have just had an ARB bull bar fitted and I am very happy with the fitting tolerances. All is even with the min gap everywhere. I will take some pics of the detail and post them when I can.
I also hope I never hit an animal with it, but a couple of years ago I hit a roo with our VW Golf and have never forgotten the experience. My wife would not let me travel any distance when we got the D4 until a bar was fitted.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

But you *do* plan on hitting something.
Hence the bullbar fitment.
...This thread is about Antenna fitting not bars, however I have found threads on the issues with fit of ARB bars but this is the first mention of OL bars.

But on your first comment, how myopic can one be, the bar is to fit the winch and have solid mounting locations for my antennae, including the Codan 9350. On this point the ARB bar for the D4 gets a test score of a resounding "F".

[Tombie]

Lucky you live over east then.
Because in SA the HF on the front is illegal ;)

Never understood why people fit them up front where a head on/ tree collision/ animal strike can render the very device required for getting help - damaged....

Far better off the back where it's less likely to be hit.

[Tombie]

And how myopic to assume that "3 tabs a better bar make..."

2 tabs are so close they will interfere with one another and none are substantial for a Codan mast.

In the application you mention... A winch cradle and a rear wheel carrier with HF mount would do a better job!

But again, to each their own...

Never let facts or info conflict with anyone else on this site... A balanced debate seems unlikely.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

And how myopic to assume that "3 tabs a better bar make..."

2 tabs are so close they will interfere with one another and none are substantial for a Codan mast.

In the application you mention... A winch cradle and a rear wheel carrier with HF mount would do a better job!

But again, to each their own...

Never let facts or info conflict with anyone else on this site... A balanced debate seems unlikely.I don't why we're in this debate, I'm glad you are happy with your ARB equipment, I am still happy with the ARB (Mr Brown's ARB ) on my RRc for almost 30 years and still am.

I investigated the winch tray and they did not suit my needs particularly for antennae mounts, I did investigate the ARB bar and they didn't suit my needs for antennae mounts.

I personally don't like antennae mounts mounted off the side of the bonnet but for those who have them and are happy them that's great.

The Oposite Lock bar did suit my needs for antennae mounts, plus for the winch mount and I may still mount the Codan off a rear wheel carrier, but I always carry a multi-tap just in case the autotune fails, so that needs a mounting location too.

NO WAY WILL I BE MOUNTING 4 ANTENNAE OFF A WHEEL CARRIER.

[Tombie]

Not a debate... Just info to add to data.

Like the legal mounting info. Its there to inform the others who read these posts.

If you're happy with your D4 setup then power to you.

I have a function then form policy too.

But coming from a technical Background I look into the engineering side of the components too.

There's can be an amazing difference in parts quality in certain items.

Peace
Skuilnaam

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Not a debate... Just info to add to data.

...Actually, we are having a debate. You have a premise about ARB bars I have a premise about OL, the very discussion (or sharing of information)
is a debate, but not in the formal setting of two teams each member taking a turn. ;)

If you have a search from a number of years ago, you will find that I don't like fitting autotunes on the bullbar, from a purely pedestrian v vehicle issue.

You will also find that the other Codan 9350 is mounted on the rear ARB bar of my RRc.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/141.jpg

However all the above accepted I do like the ability to mount various antenna CB, VKS737 and amateur radio on the bullbar (and mix and match them for the activity I doing at the time).

Piece :BigThumb:
Diana

[Tombie]

Be sure to share your results with the forum as all ideas are valuable to the collective.

All the best
Skuilnaam

[pohm66]

I run 2 UHF antennas

A 3 Db from the bullbar

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/105.jpg

and then for the open road run a RFI 6 Db fron the roof rail. I have set a hinge system bolted through the standard thread section under the strip and then running the cable down the windscreen trim on the A pillar.

I was a tyre cap over the thread when not in use to keep it clean.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/05/288.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/106.jpg

Under the engine bay cover I have the standard screw connectors that I swap from one antenna to the other.

[Steve223]

my antenna came with the UHF (AT870 UHF RUGGED ANTENNA) and is mounted on the OS bull bar

http://4sdata.net/filechute/attena.png

[sniegy]

Diana,
Have a look here, something that suited me;)

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/104077-aerial-install-d3-d4-tailgate.html

Just another idea of what is available.

Cheers

[Brewn]

I have set a hinge system bolted through the standard thread section under the strip and then running the cable down the windscreen trim on the A pillar.

I was a tyre cap over the thread when not in use to keep it clean.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/05/288.jpg


Under the engine bay cover I have the standard screw connectors that I swap from one antenna to the other.[/QUOTE]

Hi pohm66,

Where did you get your Hinge system that you have attached to your roof rail because this would suite me perfectly as I am yet to afford a bull bar

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Just thought I'd show you the result.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/05/279.jpg
Image source: "Xtreme"

The one on the RHS is the phone and the LHS the UHF, unfortunately the spring tension of the phone antenna is less than the UHF so it wobbles around a lot. :(

[Graeme]

I did away with the riser on my RFI antenna when it was moved from the bull bar to the roof. I felt that the riser was no longer required as there were now no obstructions and it allowed either a flexible stumpy antenna or the 4.5 dB whip from the RFI to be fitted as required, it avoids having the weighty riser putting unnecessary stress on the the roof bolt and doesn't need a hinged mount.

[Steve223]

On the OL bullbar


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[jonesy63]

On the Rhino Rack crossbar, with 3dB whip and (pictured) with 6dB whip:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[Steve223]

On the Rhino Rack crossbar, with 3dB whip and (pictured) with 6dB whip:
http://users.tpg.com.au/rjones11/Kimberley/31%20Home%20again.jpg


how do you run the cable if you have it on the roof?

[jonesy63]

how do you run the cable if you have it on the roof?

Down under the A pillar trim piece and under the bonnet, through the rubber grommet in the firewall.

[connock]

This is mine, I can reach out the window and lower if needed

connock

[oldsalt]

Mounted mine on a bracket held on by the roof rack bolt, it has a "friction" swivel and I made it just tight enough so it stays upright when I need it and when I don't ... I can just reach up and fold it back into the rearward position without leaving my seat.
If I go under any low branches out in the bush it just gets "folded" back with no ill effects.... so far - fingers crossed :)
I take it off in town of course and use a plastic plug to keep the connection waterproof.
The cable runs down under the plastic trim of the A pillar - into the engine bay and then in to the cabin via the hole in the firewall.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/



https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[pohm66]

Hey Connock,

I run the same setup however found out of Club runs etc that tree branches and hilly terrain were a pain so I also run a 3Db stumpy off the bullbar and have connectors just inside firewall in the engine so I can swap the antenna cable between the 2.

Get the best of both worlds...;)

DOH!!!!!

Just realised I have already previously posted... http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/149036-show-us-antennas-your-d4-d3-3.html#post1672974

[connock]

Hey Connock,

I run the same setup however found out of Club runs etc that tree branches and hilly terrain were a pain so I also run a 3Db stumpy off the bullbar and have connectors just inside firewall in the engine so I can swap the antenna cable between the 2.

Get the best of both worlds...;)

DOH!!!!!

Just realised I have already previously posted... http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/149036-show-us-antennas-your-d4-d3-3.html#post1672974


Yer I swap from the bigger one to the one I have on in the pic which is only about 300mm long and like oldsalt its mounted on a friction thingo so the trees just push it over ;) I personly dont like stuff sticking up from the bull bar in full view. unless its my 4mt sand flag of coarse, because that meens Im there doin it:D
connock

[eddomak]

Thanks to all who have helped me out, especially Rich, whose mounting I emulated. Mine is slightly different to his as I have the Rhino track and couldn't get a cable that connects at 90 degrees to the base (under the base) without retuning an antenna.

I obtained original Rhino track mounting screws and the hexes that sit on the inside of the track for a couple of dollars, and used 3mm thick aluminium x 25mm wide. So that it is a cleaner install I will be painting the visible sides of the aluminium black so that it blends in a little more and routing the cable into the track and through the plastic end-piece.

Here are the pictures.
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members/eddomak-albums-antenna+mount-picture4252-img-20130302-181620.png

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members/eddomak-albums-antenna+mount-picture4253-img-20130302-181704.png