Anyone have a good 2.4 GHz Mobile Antenna solution???

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FresnelZone
Posts: 11
Joined: Fri Jan 23, 2004 2:22 pm

Anyone have a good 2.4 GHz Mobile Antenna solution???

Post by FresnelZone »

Somewhat off topic but I've got several CVs and Burbans that will be getting 2.4 GHz equipment installed as part of a homeland security grant... I've yet to find anything that has really worked without some odd tweaking...

I thinking of placing it in the center of the roof on each unit; some will have lightbars, hence moving it back a bit towards the rear. I'd prefer to have NMO mount since I have in stock probably 20 times the mount kits that I have use for.

Also, has anyone found a good preassembled NMO kit? I've been using the NMO mount tops only then soldering LMR195 cable to the mount, running it the exact length then terminating in a quality soldered connector... It would be nice to get something that was just plug and play so to speak :)

Thanks!

FresnelZone
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apco25
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What radios do you own?: APX / Astro 25 / Harris

Post by apco25 »

Maxrad MLPV whipless antenna is available for 2.4Ghz. I have one

I'm using the maxrad MMF mount which is fully shielded and terminated with a SMA connector and suggests using LMR-195 for the cable.

I have six MMF mounts and matching SMA terminated LMR-195 cables on the Suburban and they work great.
"Some men just don't know their limitations"
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NodrogCop
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Post by NodrogCop »

Both the Maxrad and Antenex 2.4Ghz low profiles have gotten decent to good reviews. The Maxrad seems to be ahead in terms of most favored.

I've been using Comtelco NMO mounts with soldered connectors anad LMR400 coax for about a year. I've installed about a dozen (mine and friends, not profesionally), and really like them.

Gordon
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tvsjr
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Post by tvsjr »

I'm running a Maxrad 5db-gain black whip antenna (two coils) with a Maxrad NMO mount with LMR-195 coax terminated with an N connector (terminated myself). I also have a 3db that works quite well.

Maxrad makes LMR195 kits that are pre-terminated with Ns, SMAs, etc.

The only downside to the whip-style antennas is that they're *stiff*.

Mounts:
http://www.maxrad.com/cgi/pro_m-specs.c ... alog=10003
Antenna:
http://www.maxrad.com/cgi/maxrad_produc ... alog=10002
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Gerbil
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Post by Gerbil »

I've seen one of those maxrad antennas on your second link (the bigger one)

I intensly dislike how stiff and solid it is. If i were doing an install with 2.4 gHz, i'd seriously look into low profile ones.
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FresnelZone
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Joined: Fri Jan 23, 2004 2:22 pm

Post by FresnelZone »

Thanks for all the suggestions!

I'm going to take a serious look at both the Maxrad and Antennex versions on Monday and probably order one or two to demo out...


Thanks again!
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JohnWayne
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Post by JohnWayne »

I have sold the Antenex Phantom series to a PD here for 2.4GHz use and they love them. They are the same antenna that I, and many of my friends, use for 2.4GHz on our POVs. Never had a complaint with them. I prefer them to the whip because they are lower profile and are built very well. The US Army even uses them on the Apache helicopter!

Phantom:
http://www.antenex.com/c_search.asp?txt ... cation=...

Another popular antenna is the Antenex Discadoo. It is very low profile and is often painted to match the vehicle. It is also available in NMO mount. The drawbacks are that they are more expensive than the Phantoms and are unity gain versus the Phantom's 3dB gain.

Discadoo:
http://www.antenex.com/c_search.asp?txt ... cation=...

shameless plug:
I do sell "kits" containing the antenna, NMO mount, and the appropriate connections for your particular 802.11b equipment. Email or call me for info.

For what it's worth, the Maxrad whip is a good product, however, I simply prefer the Antenex Phantom.
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FresnelZone
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Joined: Fri Jan 23, 2004 2:22 pm

Post by FresnelZone »

Jeff,

I'd like to get a quote from you... Shoot me a PM and we can chat :)
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Gerbil
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Post by Gerbil »

i am a huge fan of the phantom, to a point of using it on all but one of my antennas on POV, and any work installs.

The disc one is intresting, and i've been wanting to try it on our new AEV Traumahawk as soon as i can get them to order me one.
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alex wrote:Enough is enough. We aren't the world's police.
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USPSS
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Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2001 4:00 pm

Post by USPSS »

Before you get wrapped up on the Antenex Phantom being a 3 db antenna read this post through. It is pure marketing.

http://batboard.batlabs.com/viewtopic.php?t=27502
Stan Glass


Government & Entertainment Division Manager (Kenwood)
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SlimBob
Posts: 911
Joined: Thu Dec 18, 2003 11:38 am

Post by SlimBob »

On the cheap side, FAB Corp is getting rid of thier 2.4GHz 5.5dBi NMOs.

http://fab-corp.com
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