Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

Splicing solutions for GMRS cable?

For trail use probably not much.

For hitting a repeater probably.

You can always fix it later if it's not working the way you want.

-Mac
 
  • Like
Reactions: jwtj02
Some antennas are made to be "ground free" , but are not efficient as an antenna with a true ground . The antenna is the most important part of having a good working radio .
 
I mounted mine on the cowl and ran the cable through the wiring harness grommet. The base stores nicely on the plate in engine compartment when not in use.

IMG_2826.jpeg


IMG_2827.jpeg


IMG_2828.jpeg
 
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!

Uh, no. Just "no". That's an urban legend with no basis in truth, according to a pair of RF engineers of my acquaintance.

As for the OP, check the existing connector and see if its the type where the outer shell will thread off, leaving a much smaller inner core that you can fish, then screw the shell back on.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jwtj02
I have the same base the connector comes apart and allows easy fishing through a grommet. I kept the cable full sized and just coiled it up. My Midland MXT500 works fine with this setup.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jwtj02
It’s a MXTA51 base with 6” antenna. It came in the box with the radio. I upgraded to the MXTA26 6dB antenna.
The MXTA12 base has a different connector and I don’t know if it comes apart like mine does. Seems like it has a rubber cap on it.

IMG_2836.jpeg
 
Where my Midland 3dB Ghost antenna is mounted…

IMG_6959.png


Mount I used…

IMG_6951.jpeg


IMG_6950.jpeg



Ran antenna cable through windshield wiper harness grommet. My Midland radio is mounted under the steering column. And the cable ended up being a fairly straight shot into the back of the radio. I cut out the excess cable, so I wouldn’t have any coiled up.

The pliers I used to crimp the cable ends…

IMG_6958.jpeg


IMG_6956.jpeg



The tool I used to strip the cut ends of the cable…

IMG_6957.jpeg



The new ends that needed crimped and soldered on…

IMG_6954.jpeg



How they look completed…

IMG_6953.jpeg



The coupler you screw each end of the cable into…

IMG_6955.jpeg



Works superbly!
 
Where my Midland 3dB Ghost antenna is mounted…

View attachment 585571

Mount I used…

View attachment 585575

View attachment 585576


Ran antenna cable through windshield wiper harness grommet. My Midland radio is mounted under the steering column. And the cable ended up being a fairly straight shot into the back of the radio. I cut out the excess cable, so I wouldn’t have any coiled up.

The pliers I used to crimp the cable ends…

View attachment 585577

View attachment 585578


The tool I used to strip the cut ends of the cable…

View attachment 585579


The new ends that needed crimped and soldered on…

View attachment 585580


How they look completed…

View attachment 585581


The coupler you screw each end of the cable into…

View attachment 585582


Works superbly!

I have one of those panel edge mounts on the shelf, did you just slide it into the cowl vent?

Also you're making me regret not ordering my metalcloak fenders raw and having them powdercoated flame red to match the jeep
 
I have one of those panel edge mounts on the shelf, did you just slide it into the cowl vent?

Also you're making me regret not ordering my metalcloak fenders raw and having them powdercoated flame red to match the jeep

Essentially, yes.
I used an 1/8” piece of plastic underneath, where the set screws tighten down. As not to chip the paint and cause corrosion.
Some will tell you that the set screws need to touch metal, to complete a ground.
That is not the case with this antenna mount.
Mine works perfectly.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator