[CVRC] antennas

[w6hi]

Bill...

RE:   Mobile antenna mounting

This is not really a difficult task...just proceed slowly and carefully.

Locate the inside Dome Light, remove the lens and bulb...then remove the
light frame to locate first hole to be drilled.   Keep in mind that a NMO
mount
takes up some space so you may have to locate forward or to the rear of
any dome light bracket metal by at least 1-1/4".

Once the spot is located drill up from the inside with a small drill
bit...1/8".
You will have to hold the drill steady as the drill bit may want to wander.
(One can center punch to locate the spot but this may upset paint finish)

Once the small hole is drilled through go outside the vehicle and make some
measurements to ensure you have the "center" correctly.  One can "move"
the hole a bit with a small round needle file.

Next examine and measure the NMO mount to determine the smallest diameter 
hole required...usually 3/4 inch

OK...now you need a Greenlee Chassis Punch,  of the right size....say
3/4"...beg
or borrow one or purchase from Electronics Supply...Newark, etc.

Now enlarge the "Pilot 1/8" drilled hole" to accommodate the chassis punch
bolt
thread with the proper size drill bit.   Drill the hole from the inside up
through the
roof...go slow and easy...the metal is thin.   Some may choose to drill
down from
the outside with a helper holding a block of wood on the inside against the
hole...
this method OK but I fear the drill bit skipping around.

Do the chassis punch process...with the bolt head on the inside so the
resulting
hole is smooth on the outside.   Try the "fit" of the NMO mount...slight
filing may be
required.

Now that the "nasty" part is done proceeded to mount the NMO.   Scratch up
the area
around the hole on the inside to get to bare metal to ensure a good ground.


You should route the cable from the mount first...usually towards a
"pillar" by the 
windshield and door jamb...remove trim, etc. and you should find a tunnel
to pass
the cable through.   Any auto body shop should be able to help you
here...just
have them show you how to pop panels out.  (Note: end connector removed)

Finally..have a helper hold the NMO in place on the inside as you tighten
the nut on
the outside.   Don't forget the rubber O ring to seal out water.   Or, use
a spanner
wrench to keep the mount orientated.

Solder on a new connector...check for shorts ...and then hook up to the rig.

Some others may have suggestions on the process...all welcomed


Rich Arthur     W6HI   (Gilroy, CA)


> [Original Message]
> From: Bill Maher <bmaher1@earthlink.net>
> To: CVRC Reflector <cvrc@mailman.qth.net>
> Date: 1/25/2004 5:15:01 PM
> Subject: [CVRC] antennas
>
> Anybody know of a place that installs mobile antennas? I have a
> multi-band mag mount and I would like to have it permanently roof
> mounted. I'm getting tired of replacing the coax were it comes through
> the door.   Thanks, Bill Maher KD7RPC
>
> --
> If there is to be trouble, let it be
> in my time. So my children will have peace.
>
>            -Thomas Paine-
>
>
> -----
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