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Antenna Location on Ambulance
Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 6:11 am
by LT-EMTC9
While we are waiting for our new ambulance to arrive, there has been some hot discussion on where to mount the antennas on it. We have a low roof in the garage which prevents us from placing our antennas on the roof of the module (ideal location). Our current ambulance has two "fin" style antennas, one for VHF and one for UHF mounted on the front of the module, one on each side. I have brought up the option of moving the antenna locations to the roof of the cab which at least allow us to mount some 1/4 waves. Looking for any input any of you may have, on which location and antenna style would work best for us. We are using a CDM 1250 (VHF) and a maratrac (UHF). Thanks!
Re: Antenna Location on Ambulance
Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 8:59 am
by Tom in D.C.
Those "fin" type, or "radome" type antennas you're now using are
probably unity gain, and you'd get the same unity gain from a
quarter-wave vertical antenna, so you would gain nothing by
changing over. You might be able to get a 5db gain UHF vertical
on the cab without overhead problems, which might be worth the
effort, however. It all really depends on exactly how much overhead
clearance you have.
Re: Antenna Location on Ambulance
Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 9:36 pm
by tvsjr
One big issue with having the antenna on the cab - you have a nice reflector behind it. You end up with a directional antenna.
Cans on top are the way to go... perhaps even one of the long railroad-type antennas like Sinclair makes.
Re: Antenna Location on Ambulance
Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 5:32 pm
by dbfd588
PCEMS in Cookeville TN got new medic units. The modules are taller. They also went from a F350 to F450. So the anyennas didnt fit in places they used to. So i noticed they are putting them on the rear of the module up high. They use the L NMO brackets. Look good they way they did it. They got quarter waves and they bent them. They are angled back a little. So I think they actually clear the roof but where they are angled they dont catch. I'll try to get some pics in a day or so.
Re: Antenna Location on Ambulance
Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 8:24 pm
by dbfd588
Sorry. Should have said on the rear panel. Not on top. They are mounted near the top strobes.
Re: Antenna Location on Ambulance
Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 9:48 am
by VE9MP
L type NMO brackets on the drivers side of the hood here, Type 2 ambulances and mounting anything on top was out of the question because if I recall it was made out of fiberglass...
edit, doing it this was was the only way we could use 5/8 waves without banging and scratching them on everything..