Smart Car of America Forum banner

I can officially be called a HAM... (need antenna advice)

3K views 26 replies 9 participants last post by  Richard LeBlond 
#1 ·
So over the weekend I decided to get my Amateur Radio Technician License. Passed the test Sunday, and am now waiting to be included in the FCC database and get my Callsign.

In the meantime... I'd like to install a transceiver in my 453, so I'm antenna planning. Does anyone really know what is under that non-metal roof panel? My preference is to roof mount (I'm not afraid of headliners - or drilling a hole).

Any advice or experience to share?

Jim in Hollister
 
#3 ·
It's aimed at the 451
Yeah, I read that entire thread last night (I use search)... but the 451 is a totally different beast.
I was hoping some 453 owners had tackled antenna installs. Most of the 451 owners were heading for the Tow Eye insert, and I just don't like the asymmetry of that... nor having to deal with it blocking my tailgate. I'd much rather drive around looking like a thumbtack... so roof mounting is my preference.

I guess the best thing to do is start dropping that headliner and seeing what is up there.
A thick NMO type mount should work, since there is no metal up there for mag mounts.
Then, with the NMO up there, I can have a choice of what goes on top.

Thank you though, for pointing that thread out.
Jim
 
#5 ·
I did find some helpful information on Evilutions's site, where he installed a roof mount FM antenna.
At least now I know that the roof panel appears to be about 7mm thick, so a longer threaded NMO mount is advised.
I am concerned however about there being no metal at the roof panel, so I was thinking at least a metal plate (as large as would fit) between the Nut/Washer and the bottom of the fibrous roof panel (grounded to the Tridion Cell) might help create that missing ground plane.

Just have to gather the parts, and the gumption to drill the hole.
If all else fails, I'll just drive around with a cork in my roof and call it quits.
:)

Jim
 
#8 ·
jmartinsmart makes a good point, no ground plane on a plastic roof. Something to think about if your type of antenna requires it. I did find this idea:
Speedcom Antenna Mounting Ground Plane
Yeah, that's the kind of thing I was thinking... just a piece of metal with a matching hole at the mounting point.
I assume the larger the better, but I won't know until I get inside the headliner and look.

Jim
 
#12 ·
Welcome from KA5LSU

I got an arm rest from the internet and put a small 2meter mobile with a remote head in it. the arm rest drops into the cup holder at the rear of the console. I cut about a 1 inch hole through the cup holder and arm rest to run coax and power wires through. Ran power wires directly from the twelve volt battery. There's a small cut out in the bottom front of the arm rest that allows the head wiring and microphone wires to come through. Just above the hatch is a heavy bar that will hold magnet mount on the roof with a small antenna. Works very well except at freeway speeds in a very high head wind. Radio uses the entire cage of the body structure as a ground plane through the grounded negative battery connection.

Works well and no noise in the radio receiving or transmitting.
 
#13 · (Edited)
Interesting...
I've ordered this unit:
And plan to put it up under the dash (there's tons of room there, and all the controls are on the mic, so I don't need to see the head unit). I'll design up a 3D print of a mic holder that will attach behind and extend out from the right side of the factory radio face plate... so that should look nice.

I'm still looking for the best antenna solution, but have a few ideas, and I have a trunk style clip NMO mount coming that I can slip onto the front edge of the rear hatch for now... but I think I'll eventually punch a hole just ahead of that rear bar you refer to and go with a NMR mount there. I'll probably put a metal plate under the mount, and ground it to the Tridion so there will be at least some form of ground plane.

Thank you for the welcome, and the advice.
Jim
 
#19 ·
I bought a duel band antenna that mounts on my rear window glass . The RF is connected thru a device that does not require any holes-----mounts with adhesives! Used it for years, works great. Found it at Ham Radio Outlet! Probably need a spot on the glass that does not have the window heater grid. N6ooz. Great wswr! used on both bands.
 
#25 ·
My Trans Am had a 42" base coil whip, made by Antenna Specialists. When I had it on the back of my dad's Lincoln Town Car (with a half-acre trunk lid), that ground plane would make it put out like my roof mounted 5/8 wave house antenna.

On the smart, I decided to do this:
Car Plant Vehicle Hood Tree

The little 18" antenna lets me get in and out of my garage with no problems. I also have a similar 40" antenna that screws on that mount in seconds and works a little better.
Car Automotive tire Hood Vehicle Road surface

Tram, trunk mount that just clips on and holds with a pair of set screws. Works fine for now, and I don't have to drill anything.

Jim
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top