

| Subject: | How best to mount a motorized CB antenna? |
| From: | Walt Oliver |
| Date: | Tue, 31 May 2005 14:19:24 -0400 |
I've got a Maldol power antenna mount (the roof-mounted version of http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamantm/4219.html), which will be mounted well forward to clear a (non-folding, plastic Cobra Explorer) kayak . Why use the power mount? Two reasons: the Rube Goldberg factor and the desire to have a decent range while still being able to get the van in the garage or on the trail. I don't use magnet mounts anymore because of the paint scratching that's almost inevitable. The antenna I picked is the Wilson Flex 3'; it seems to be a good compromise between length and ruggedness for my application. Here's where I need help: What will be the cleanest (fewest holes) way to mount the assembly on the roof & run the 3 cables (antenna cable + small-gauge 12v + & ground) into the cabin? I'm not going to run the cables in through the door seal--want it to be neater than that. I plan to use an aluminum or stainless plate inside the roof to act as a stabilizer--the 4 mounting bolts for the Maldol mount will go through this plate, unless I can figure out a way to mount it somehow using just one hole. I can use NMO or non-NMO cable assemblies with the antenna & mount via adapters. What will be the most leakproof way to get the antenna cable (and the small-gauge 12v cables for the mount) through the roof, preferably using one hole for all 3 cables? Are there special grommets or similar fittings, or anything used in boatbuilding, that one can use for this? I've combed through a great many webpages and have talked to the local 2-way radio shop, but they aren't sharing their technique and won't take on a one-vehicle job. Quote: "That's a weird van. Ain't never seen anything like it before." Ahem. Thanks to all!
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