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

Originally Posted by 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.

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.





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

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.

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

Grommet.JPGGrommet 2.JPG

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.

Originally Posted by l00kin4

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.





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

Originally Posted by mrJdiddy

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 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

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.

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.
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