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Another Antenna Mount
Kent Powell (KD5UPA)
on
March 16, 2010
View comments about this article!
I wanted to mount a weighty antenna on the roof of my Honda Element and be able to enter the garage. Mag mounting would be a hassle and motorized units expensive and might not hold the weight in the wind. Starting with the roof I used a bolt on location normally reserved for a cargo rack. Customized a 3/16” aluminum bracket for attachment of the ratchet locking unit topped with a PVC coupling.
The ratchet mechanism is a Shakespeare Rail mount #4190 used for marine antennas up to 8'. This stainless steel unit affords two mounting screws on the back (discard the rail strap) and a ” NPT on top complete with slot for the coax. There are several models of this unit available from Shakespeare. (Approx $30+, Google it for best prices. Next, I used a ” sch 80 PVC coupling with a HF connector epoxied in the top for antenna mount.
With a 90-degree movement of the handle, the ratchet teeth allow raising of the antenna. It will definitely handle the weight and wind and in about 15 seconds you're mobile.
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Another Antenna Mount
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by W2FBS on March 16, 2010
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Great Idea! It will work for me on my Mazda. I have been trying to figure out a way to mount a heavy antenna that could be lowered easily. This looks like a great solution!
Thanks and 73
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RE: Another Antenna Mount
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by K0BG on March 16, 2010
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What's the ground braid used for?
Alan, KØBG
www.k0bg.com
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RE: Another Antenna Mount
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by KD5UPA on March 16, 2010
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The ground braid straps the antenna base passing the PVC coupling direct to the roof.
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Another Antenna Mount
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by K4IA on March 16, 2010
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Can you tell us more about the PVC coupling. How does that turn into a PL259? And how strong is it?
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RE: Another Antenna Mount
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by KD5UPA on March 16, 2010
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The PVC coupling is a standard SCH 80 threaded for 3/4"NPT available at home center. Next is a short bulkhead adapter F/F to fit my application and epoxied in the top threads of the PVC. PL259 screws on bottom and the antenna on top. Although quite strong this area may be the weakest link but then I'd rather break it here than the mount or the antenna. Good epoxy will fill the void and become stronger than expected. You may need something different for your antenna. A 3/8" bolt with a SCH 80 PVC or a steel screw cap might also work.
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Another Antenna Mount
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by KC6WGN on March 16, 2010
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Is this a water resistance? I saw an opening here that the water go into the hole...
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Another Antenna Mount
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by K5EAG on March 16, 2010
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Nice article and good replies from questions. However, pictures do more than words sometimes. How about posting more pictures from differnt angles, views and also showing where exactly the mount is located on your vehicle.
Thanks.....
Bill - KA5EAG
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RE: Another Antenna Mount
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by KD5UPA on March 16, 2010
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The mount is waterproofed with silicone around the coax. The mount is above the back edge of the driver door. I can't get pics into this reply. Email me at KD5UPA@cox.net if your need more pics.
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RE: Another Antenna Mount
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by BITBRUSH on March 16, 2010
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"...big opening where the water goes..."
If its anything like other cargo roof trim arrangements, it's all painted steel underneath with a gutter to channel the water away the front, side, and rear pillars.
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RE: Another Antenna Mount
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by KD5UPA on March 17, 2010
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RE: the big hole . . . I was thinking about the mount. The plastic trim panel had a piece that popped out for attachment of a roof rack. This exposed 3 bolt holes that I used for the mount. The trim panel was never water tight. Modifications will have to be made depending on your vehicle and or antenna.
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RE: Another Antenna Mount
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by W7WV on March 17, 2010
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Great approach to the problem.
I just wonder why I did not think of this as I had one of these mounts on my boat for the marine radio a few years back until I retired and moved away from salt water.
I put Tarheel model 75 screwdriver on my roof using my roof rack and could have used this same idea there.
I used a GQD quick disconnect instead. Almost as quick as this idea but then I have to put the screwdriver somewhere.
Keep posting the new ideas!
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Another Antenna Mount
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by KI6LXT on March 17, 2010
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I tried this a couple of years ago but it raised the reactance of my antenna and I could not get it to resonate.
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Another Antenna Mount
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by WM9V on April 8, 2010
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Ya , they also make a nylon fold down mount .
This would be a great product if it accepted 3/8 24 thread and was mountable on a flat surface instead of a railing .
It wouldn't take much to bring this concept from a marine
application to an automotive app. We've tried the bayonet adaptors with 3/8 24 mounts but our antenna systems require solid electrical connections.
HY Gain still has a foldover mast product for vehicles.
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