UHF Antenna Mounting (my plan. Tell me what you think)

[InMused]

One of my first jobs when I pick up my D3, will be to transfer my UHF into the new truck. I have a GME TX3100 which was mounted in my D2 with a 6.6db whip on the bonnet. The antenna came with the head unit as a kit.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/01/234.jpg

Here is my thought about the install.

I am not sure where I'll put the head unit until I get the vehicle. The most likely location will be in the centre console where the factory nav goes.

I would like two antennae on a two pole switch.

Antenna 1 for hill country and convoy use (2.5-3.3db):

Position option 1: Glass mount high on a rear side window
Position option 2: Mounted to the roof rail

In both cases, I am worried about it being ripped off by tree branches.

Antenna 2 for highway and distance (6.6 or 12db not sure which one yet)
Position option 1: Custom bracket mounted high beside the back door.
Position option 2: Custom bracket through the grill.

In both cases, I am worried about the antenna slapping the vehicle when hit by branches.

Branches are a real issue in my local area.

I guess in both cases I am looking for locations and mounting options that will stand up to off-road use. I will not be running a bullbar.

So I am soliciting your thoughts on position and antenna type and make/model.

[Tombie]

Switch will reduce your gain.. so drop that idea [emoji6]

Mount to roof rail.

Use a stubby for around town and switch to a 4.5-6db when out and about.

[InMused]

Switch will reduce your gain.. so drop that idea [emoji6]

Mount to roof rail.

Use a stubby for around town and switch to a 4.5-6db when out and about.

Is there a good route for cabling to the roof?

[LRD414]

The a-pillar trim can be removed but make sure you buy genuine clips for putting it back on. You may be able to thread the cable behind it without removal. Then you can get into the engine bay easily and through the firewall into the cab.

I decided an antenna mount on the bonnet was easier and find the reception quite good with a 6.5dB. Side of the bonnet doesn't restrict visibility like grill.

You can also get from the roof to cab via tailgate hinge cable grommet.

Scott

[InMused]

The a-pillar trim can be removed but make sure you buy genuine clips for putting it back on. You may be able to thread the cable behind it without removal. Then you can get into the engine bay easily and through the firewall into the cab.

I decided an antenna mount on the bonnet was easier and find the reception quite good with a 6.5dB. Side of the bonnet doesn't restrict visibility like grill.

You can also get from the roof to cab via tailgate hinge cable grommet.

Scott

Thanks Scott. That's helpful.

[cjc_td5]

Is there a good route for cabling to the roof?

By gently lifting the windscreen edge of the exterior A pillar trim you can slide an aerial cable in under it. This feeds directly into the engine bay. At the top end I had to take a very small notch out of the end of the roof rail rubber trim strip and the cable will run from the A pillar trim up under the rail trim to where ever you want it. I had a simple plate fixed at the front rail bolt to attach the aerial base. The aerial base sat flush with the roof (in the rail gutter).

[oldsalt]

I ran my cable up the A trim..easy... and the aerial is mounted on an "adjustable" base (attached to my roof rack) which can be folded back out of harms way either by hand (from the drivers window) or it will be "pushed" back when it gets hit by any low hanging branches (I set the tension on the mount just right)...
seems to work pretty well.

cheers

[Russrobe]

Is it practical to run a 1.4M 6.5Dbi antenna on a roof rail?

Looking at this ANU1000 Town & Country Antenna Pack - UHF CB Accessories - Oricom UHF CB Radios (http://www.oricom.com.au/oricom-uhf-cb-radios/uhf-cb-accessories/anu1000-town-and-country-antenna-pack.html)

Really wanted to use the rwc, the 1.4M will over hang the roof about 150mm which is perfect but would the 3dbi interchangeable even work in that position?

Sounds strange to have a 1.4M antenna sticking from the roof rack.

Maybe i'll just run both, 6.5 at the rear and the 3.5 on the roof. Will mean having to buy two mounts that's all.
Plan on adding a 7.5 dbi phone antenna too https://telcoantennas.com.au/site/CD2197

[Tombie]

No need for such a tall antenna on the roof rail..

Mounting it to the RWC will greatly reduce the ability to receive/transmit forwards - almost as effective as a 1/4 wave on the roof rail

[Tombie]

Don't run a switch either - they reduce effectiveness of the antenna.

[cjc_td5]

I run a short aerial on the roof rail generally and have a longer aerial to fit up there when I want more range when touring in flat country.

[l00kin4]

I run a short aerial on the roof rail generally and have a longer aerial to fit up there when I want more range when touring in flat country.
Same for me. Mine is mounted on the rear of the rail, passenger side. Works well. Stubby antenna most of the time and a couple of longer ones for range if needed. Sorry for rubbish photo.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=119194&stc=1&d=1485837183


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=119195&stc=1&d=1485837811

It does feel vulnerable there to me too but I haven't snapped one off yet- fingers crossed- and I always have a spare on board.

This suited me where I put my radio (in the rear compartment) but I do like the idea of the folding bracket I can reach out the window and fold down...

David

[ATH]

I'm just doing this and installing my GME with remote head. Using the roof channel and bolting the aerial bracket onto the front bolt hole, then cable down through under the A pillar.
The DBS installer provided a power outlet on the drivers side so no problems there but now the problem starts..... I really can't see on the drivers side anywhere to poke the aerial through so it comes out under the steering wheel.
I must be missing something as someone reckoned it was easy once under the bonnet!
Any suggestions?
Cheers.
AlanH.

[l00kin4]

Hi Alan,

These pics from Tim's excellent instructions for installing the Traxide DBS. Once you look in the right spot you'll see it no problem.

David

120565120566

[ATH]

Thnx David. I can see where you mean but the installers of my DBS seems to have used that grommet and sealed it up with silicone. So what I've now done is come out beneath the A pillar cover and through by the front door and under the cover beneath the steering wheel. Doesn't foul anything, can hardly be seen and seems OK.
Cheers.
Alan.

PS. Got great reception when I turned the radio on so that's it for me.... no more hunting under that bonnet. [bigsmile]

[mrJdiddy]

Same for me. Mine is mounted on the rear of the rail, passenger side. Works well. Stubby antenna most of the time and a couple of longer ones for range if needed. Sorry for rubbish photo.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/l319-discovery-3-and-4-a/119194d1485837183-uhf-antenna-mounting-my-plan-tell-me-what-you-think-img_7880.jpg


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/l319-discovery-3-and-4-a/119195d1485837811-uhf-antenna-mounting-my-plan-tell-me-what-you-think-img_9442a.jpg

It does feel vulnerable there to me too but I haven't snapped one off yet- fingers crossed- and I always have a spare on board.

This suited me where I put my radio (in the rear compartment) but I do like the idea of the folding bracket I can reach out the window and fold down...

David

Hi David,
I'm interested to see if you're still running this antenna set up in the roof?
I was considering adding a spring to the base, to avoid snapping.
cheers

[l00kin4]

Hi David,
I'm interested to see if you're still running this antenna set up in the roof?
I was considering adding a spring to the base, to avoid snapping.
cheers

Hi, I do still have this setup. The height of it works really well reception wise and I like that it is not in view. Agree re the concern of snapping antenna though, especially with it close to the side - trackside branches etc.

I've also considered adding a spring or folding bracket or both but didn't want to increase the height while around town. Generally when I'm on a trip I have the roof platform on so I've been looking at ways to change my setup so I can reconnect the antenna and shift it more to the middle on the roof platform, with a folding base like this Oricom one: BR600 Folding Bull Bar Antenna Mounting Bracket (https://www.oricom.com.au/br600-1.html) and a spring as well. I haven't yet decided the best way to do this so for now I just carry a spare antenna.

David

[ATH]

I've found since fitting my aerial to the roof that we have excellent reception. It's only about 30cm but looks OK and does the job well. Mike and speaker are installed either side of the centre console. Remote head is attached to the "coin tray" and main radio beside my left leg against the side.
Wires are a bit untidy at the mo. but I'll fix them later.....
AlanH.

[StewG]

I have recently thought it would be good to install a UHF transceiver in my 2013 D4 HSE and have read this thread with interest. I have most of the roof area covered in glass and wonder what is the best place to mount an antenna to get the best ground plane. What do you think of mounting the antenna in the front section of the roof rail over the driver's door area. And so that the car is still supermarket carpark friendly, would a folding antenna or choice of stubby and long antenna seem to be a good choice?

I've also wondered what the plug at the rear of the roof is for, but not been game to attempt to remove it to see.
146166

[p38arover]

Switch will reduce your gain.. so drop that idea [emoji6]

But maybe not significantly.

The Revex S20 coax switch I have for my amateur gear has a freq range of DC-1GHz, SWR <1:1.15, and a claimed insertion loss of 0.1dB

146167

[LRD414]

What do you think of mounting the antenna in the front section of the roof rail over the driver's door area.
It's been done successfully; see later posts in this thread > Show us the antennas on your D4/D3 (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-and-4-a/149036-show-us-antennas-your-d4-d3-4.html)

Cheers,
Scott

[letherm]

I've also wondered what the plug at the rear of the roof is for, but not been game to attempt to remove it to see.
146166

Possibly for a DAB antenna. Mine, without a glass roof, has one about 7cms further forward. With the glass roof it could be the spot where they put it.

Martin

[letherm]

Found this thread. Post #1 shows an alternative mount you may be interested in too. Not sure if it folded down but it's another option.

Aerial install for D3/D4 TailGate (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-and-4-a/104077-aerial-install-d3-d4-tailgate-5.html)

Martin