[CVRC] antennas

[James Washer]

Yep, that's about all there is to it.. One note.. I've had resonably good luck using a 'step drill' in place of the panel punch. They're not a not cheaper, but you can pick them up locally (lowes/homedepot/etc).

 - jim

On Mon, 26 Jan 2004 09:43:31 -0800
"w6hi" <w6hi@earthlink.net> wrote:

> 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-
> >
> >
> > -----
> > Visit the CVRC Web Site at http://www.cvrc.net
> 
> 
> 
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