9
Antenna
Do not transmit without an antenna attached to the mobile radio. This can cause stress and harm
to the internal transmitter and damage the mobile radio.
Choose an antenna suitable for transmitting on user frequencies with an impedance of 50 ohm. If
an antenna is not properly tuned for the frequency you transmit on this could cause reflective
damage to the radio. Target an SWR of 1.5:1 and never exceed a SWR of 2.5.
Mounting Tips
It is best to mount the antenna to the vehicle’s roof, roll bar or similar location. Specific
installation requirements vary between vehicles. Use the following guidelines to install the
antenna.
1.
Mount the antenna as high on the vehicle as possible. The higher the better.
2.
Metal surfaces covered by fiberglass or vinyl may affect radio range. Avoid these
locations.
3.
If possible, mount the antenna in the center of whatever surface you choose.
4.
Coax cable and connectors should be rated for 50 ohm.
5.
Choose the proper length coax cable for your application. We offer many lengths that
typically fit most UTV’s.
a.
If you have extra length, try to re-rout the coax to use up the extra length.
b.
Never coil the coax in a coil or coil the extra around the antenna.
6.
Route the antenna cable through an accessible entry point, such as a firewall grommet or
kick panel.
7.
When routing the coax cable, avoid noise sources that create RF energy, such as the
ignition system, gauges, power wires, rotation shafts, etc.
8.
Prevent cable damage, such as pinching the coax, sharp edges or right angles. Use
sweeping curves .and avoid pinch points between seams. Make use of existing gaskets,
grommets and weather stripping to protect the cable along its route or drill relief holes.
9.
Additional grounding of the coax cable may be necessary. To achieve this simply connect
a ground wire to a ground location on the vehicle (such as the bodies bare metal) then to
the underside of the base of the NMO connector.
Antenna Ground Wire
Place the antenna ground wire against the bottom side of the NMO connector. Make sure each
terminal is in intimate connection with the NMO connector and bare steel on the chassis of the
vehicle.
Blue terminal to the
nearest chassis ground
Red terminal to the
bottom of the NMO
