Motorhome antenna questions
 

Just acquired a new motorhome . . . our first. I'll be planning on
installing a two meter radio in the cab area ( it a Class C motorhome ),
and would also like to put an HF antenna somewhere on the rig.

I have very little idea what the norm is for mobile operation antenna
installations on these fibreglass body rigs, no do I have any idea at
present where coax lines are run and routed into these rigs. I can
probably figure out something for fixed operation, but not sure on mobile.
Any suggestions?


Ed

Motorhome antenna questions
 

As to 2 meters, Ed, IF on a fiberglass body,
Larson makes their "OS" series of antennas,
which are essentially a base loaded 1/2
wavelength,and work well on non-metalic
bodies. These are also suitable for
marine use, as well as in the fiberglass
canopies of Blazers, and Broncos! Might
check their web-site. For HF, I would expect
that a screwdriver. mounted low on the body,
in close proxsimity of the frame (for a
good counterpoise), and towards the back
of the vehicle would be the best, tho
if there is a generator, that might
provide noise interference. Also, be
sure to check ALL of these before makeing
permanent, for RF interference TO the
Electronic Ignition ! When working, remember
installing a radio in a truck, that was
converted to Electronic Ignition, WHEN the rig
was keyed, the truck shut down (killed the
new system) Obviously, NOT a good situation,
talking while driveing 70 MPH , during
rush hour! You will have to explore the
vehicle for wireing ducts, and also, IF
it has a catalytic converter, keep wires,
includeing coax away from it, even if inside the
vehicle (above it on top of the floorboards).
Obviously, this doesn't cover all applications
but, should be a good starting point-- Jim NN7K

Ed wrote:
Just acquired a new motorhome . . . our first. I'll be planning on
installing a two meter radio in the cab area ( it a Class C motorhome ),
and would also like to put an HF antenna somewhere on the rig.

I have very little idea what the norm is for mobile operation antenna
installations on these fibreglass body rigs, no do I have any idea at
present where coax lines are run and routed into these rigs. I can
probably figure out something for fixed operation, but not sure on mobile.
Any suggestions?


Ed

Motorhome antenna questions
 

"Ed" wrote in message
. 192.196...


Just acquired a new motorhome . . . our first. I'll be planning on
installing a two meter radio in the cab area ( it a Class C motorhome ),
and would also like to put an HF antenna somewhere on the rig.

I have very little idea what the norm is for mobile operation antenna
installations on these fibreglass body rigs, no do I have any idea at
present where coax lines are run and routed into these rigs. I can
probably figure out something for fixed operation, but not sure on mobile.
Any suggestions?

A small dual-band magmount will get out nicely. Mounting and counterpoise
can come both-at-once. Get some fixture adhesive from the hardware store
and lay down a glob on the roof. I guess you can use RTV or caulk, but I
never tried them. Then, take a steel TV tray or some other piece of sheet
steel about two feet across and push it into the glob of fixture adhesive.
Presto! Mag mount sticks to its counterpoise. If I were you, I'd check for
magnetic properties and VSWR before even opening the fixture adhesive. What
worked for me might not work for you. Aluminum is no good -- nonmagnetic --
and some variants of stainless steel are also non-magnetic.

Motorhome antenna questions
 

A small dual-band magmount will get out nicely. Mounting and
counterpoise can come both-at-once. Get some fixture adhesive from
the hardware store and lay down a glob on the roof. I guess you can
use RTV or caulk, but I never tried them. Then, take a steel TV tray
or some other piece of sheet steel about two feet across and push it
into the glob of fixture adhesive. Presto! Mag mount sticks to its
counterpoise. If I were you, I'd check for magnetic properties and
VSWR before even opening the fixture adhesive. What worked for me
might not work for you. Aluminum is no good -- nonmagnetic -- and
some variants of stainless steel are also non-magnetic.




Thanks for the above suggestion. It certainly would work but for the
fact that I am a "neat-nick" and a former professional in Public Safety
radio maintenance..... thus I tend to shy away from this type of
installation ( not that there's anything wrong with it). However, I
will certainly keep it in mind should it become necessary. Tnx agn.


Ed K7AAT