$3 dual band antenna mount
04-24-2011, 05:30 PM
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$3 dual band antenna mount
I just installed an antenna mount on my 2011 JKU Sahara last week. I wanted to go center mount on the third brake light mount, but couldn't figure out how to make it clear the hardtop wiper so I came up with this alternative for $3.
I started with a 12" reinforcing plate from ACE hardware $3. That was the only cost. The plate comes with predrilled holes. I cut the plate short with just two holes. The first hole was used to bolt the plate to my spare tire carrier. The second hole I drilled out 5/8" for the antenna cable (UHF) base. I ground the edges smooth before painting it. I bolted it to the spare tire mount using stainless fasteners, then attached to antenna mount, and finally the antenna.
I started with a 12" reinforcing plate from ACE hardware $3. That was the only cost. The plate comes with predrilled holes. I cut the plate short with just two holes. The first hole was used to bolt the plate to my spare tire carrier. The second hole I drilled out 5/8" for the antenna cable (UHF) base. I ground the edges smooth before painting it. I bolted it to the spare tire mount using stainless fasteners, then attached to antenna mount, and finally the antenna.
04-24-2011, 05:37 PM
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I am using a Comet SBB-5 antenna. I found it to have a good mix of the height I wanted, the amount of gain, it had good reviews, and it is ground plane independent. I mounted it with my bracket and a Comet 3D4M cable. The wires were fed through the grommet in the tailgate, with the stock wires through the cloth strap that stops the gate from swinging out wide, then along the passenger side to under the passenger seat where I mounted the radio. I have a 2011, so the seat has this seemingly useless bracket from the factory. I just removed it, drilled a few holes that matched the bracket for my Yaesu FT-7800, bolted it up, and then replaced the whole assembly back under the seat.
04-24-2011, 09:21 PM
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I am using a Comet SBB-5 antenna. I found it to have a good mix of the height I wanted, the amount of gain, it had good reviews, and it is ground plane independent. I mounted it with my bracket and a Comet 3D4M cable. The wires were fed through the grommet in the tailgate, with the stock wires through the cloth strap that stops the gate from swinging out wide, then along the passenger side to under the passenger seat where I mounted the radio. I have a 2011, so the seat has this seemingly useless bracket from the factory. I just removed it, drilled a few holes that matched the bracket for my Yaesu FT-7800, bolted it up, and then replaced the whole assembly back under the seat.
04-25-2011, 09:38 AM
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04-25-2011, 11:58 AM
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Antenna is mounted to a swing out tire carrier. Using a Kenwood TM-D700. I've had no issues with UHF/VHF from the install to daily use. Not a problem. HF, that's a different story.
04-26-2011, 09:54 AM
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What problems/corrections did you run into for HF? I plan on swapping out the 7800 soon for one with HF too.
04-26-2011, 12:41 PM
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When you are ready for the HF install start a thread and I'm sure several of us will be happy to help.
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05-17-2011, 07:10 PM
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Dual Band Antennas
Just out of curiosity, have you ever checked your SWR on 2m and 70cm? I am fighting with 2 meters now on my 2010 JK. Have a different Comet dual band mounted on a home made mount on the tailgate. The tailgate is bonded to the tub, the tub to the frame, the exhaust to the frame, and both bumpers. 70cm is fine, SWR is below 1.4 across the band, but a 2m, the SWR is over 4. So, I dont broadcast on 4.
05-18-2011, 01:40 PM
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Just out of curiosity, have you ever checked your SWR on 2m and 70cm? I am fighting with 2 meters now on my 2010 JK. Have a different Comet dual band mounted on a home made mount on the tailgate. The tailgate is bonded to the tub, the tub to the frame, the exhaust to the frame, and both bumpers. 70cm is fine, SWR is below 1.4 across the band, but a 2m, the SWR is over 4. So, I dont broadcast on 4.
