Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Splicing solutions for GMRS cable?

jwtj02

jwtj02

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So, I'd like to use the Midland – MXTA12 MicroMobile Antenna Mag Mount
61k0yl6E63L._AC_SX679_.jpg

and route it through the hole from the 3rd brake light
PXL_20241130_214535616.jpg

I am assuming my only option is to cut off the connector and splice on a new one... probably shortening the cable, and taking out the excess length. Is there an easy solution to put a new end on the cable? Many years ago, I spliced cable tv coax cable - guessing this is more or less the same thing?

If there is a better solution, let me know... I'd rather not make this more challenging than is needed.
 
You cannot splice coaxial cable, like you do speaker or phone wire. It will result in impedance mismatches which will degrade performance and could damage your radio. The solution you mentioned is correct. Cut the connector off of the end of the cable. Route the cable and install a new connector. There are many sources for connectors in the interweb (https://cbradiosupply.com/collections/cb-radio-accessories-coax-connectors). These will also be available at a large truck stop in your area. If soldering is not in your skill locker, I am sure there is a radio shop near you that will install the connector. They can also measure your SWR and adjust your radio as required. Don't forget to install a rubber grommet on the hole and weather seal it. Good Luck!
 
The antenna requires that length of coax to properly tune it, I made the mistake of shortening one and couldn’t get it dialed in, new coax, no problem. Pretty sure that was in the install instructions from FireStik, just sayin!
 
MutantNinjaTJ said:
The antenna requires that length of coax to properly tune it, I made the mistake of shortening one and couldn’t get it dialed in, new coax, no problem. Pretty sure that was in the install instructions from FireStik, just sayin!
Click to expand...

Not for GMRS. The shorter the cable the better. Extra cable is just extra loss, although that loss can mask bad antenna VSWR.
 
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macleanflood said:
If I recall correctly one of the Midland radios I purchased the outter portion of the connector unthreaded making it easier to fish through.

Otherwise I'd just buy the crimp tools and ends and some dielectric grease.

-Mac
Click to expand...

I haven't purchased it yet, but I don't see where it would be small enough to fish through the hole. If it did, that would make it so much easier.
 
Yes , rg58 cable is good for GMRS . There are many options for mounts and cable .

Where and how are you planning to mount it ?

Here are three different antenna mounts on ours . The small ones on the hood are cellular . You can also get that style for GMRS . It will have limited range but work fine for trail riding .
The one on our windshield is our GMRS and VHF antenna for ham radio .
The one above the spare tire is our CB and HF Ham antenna mount . It is raised above the spare to prevent high SWR .

IMG_20230716_144517463.jpg


IMG_20240321_164559779~3.jpg


IMG_20240320_164255390~3.jpg
 
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Harold&Cat said:
Yes , rg58 cable is good for GMRS . There are many options for mounts and cable .

Where and how are you planning to mount it ?

Here are three different antenna mounts on ours . The small ones on the hood are cellular . You can also get that style for GMRS . It will have limited range but work fine for trail riding .
The one on our windshield is our GMRS and VHF antenna for ham radio .
The one above the spare tire is our CB and HF Ham antenna mount . It is raised above the spare to prevent high SWR .

View attachment 579189

View attachment 579190

View attachment 579191
Click to expand...

Thanks for the photos... so, my plan was to mount a MXTA26 Whip Antenna on top of the tire carrier (where I believe you have your CB antenna).
 
Harold&Cat said:
It will work fine there , just make sure it is higher than the wheel or it will create a high SWR situation .
Click to expand...

I am not sure what you mean there... if I mount there, the base will be at (more or less) at the 2/3rd point of the wheel, but the antenna will extend far above the wheel and tire.
 
Harold&Cat said:
The magnet mount is not as good as a bolted mount due to the fact that it doesn't get as good a ground . Something to consider :)
Click to expand...

I could probably make this work with a little finagling
midland-mxta23-roll-barmirror-mounting-bracket-461151_720x.webp

but it would be going onto a powder-coated verticle bar, would that actually improve the performance as compared to the magnet mount? For whatever reason I thought it needed to be a horizontal oriented metal object to get the performance enhancement - but, admittedly I am pretty clueless on the physics of radio waves.
 
Powder coating just eliminates any ground contact.

There's not much of a ground plane with a TJ up top... it's either a fiberglass top or cloth.

If you want a good ground with the mount remove enough powder coating for contact or run a ground wire...braided copper cable works great for that.

-Mac
 
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Breedlove mounts are great . I use them on my truck and motorhome . They are overkill for GMRS , but you would never break it :) .

Here is a picture of my spare tire mount . It worked out great with 1:1 SWR .
Have you decided on which antenna you will use ? You can buy a GMRS antenna with the normal 3/8 24 threads like a CB antenna .

Like this one :

https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai...0ZSj2aeKAxUC4MkDHXUaOnkQwg8oAHoECAcQEA&adurl=

The most common GMRS antennas have the NMO mount .
That's what is on my windshield and hood .
IMG_20241214_103138445_HDR.jpg
 
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macleanflood said:
Powder coating just eliminates any ground contact.

There's not much of a ground plane with a TJ up top... it's either a fiberglass top or cloth.

If you want a good ground with the mount remove enough powder coating for contact or run a ground wire...braided copper cable works great for that.

-Mac
Click to expand...

@macleanflood , with a 15w GMRS radio how much of a real-world difference are we talking about? I've been using a Baofeng UV-5R that has always been adequate for my needs. I'd imagine the 15w mobile radio with the 6db whip antenna (grounded or not) is going to feel like a major improvement - right?
 

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