Cruisers Forum

Main Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: glenncc on January 27, 2015, 05:10:09 pm

Title: Rooftop cable anchors
Post by: glenncc on January 27, 2015, 05:10:09 pm

What do you use to anchor cables to the fiberglass body?  I'm thinking of adding a magnetic mount antenna to the top of my Phoenix Cruiser via an electrical box panel glued to the roof, but don't know the best way to secure the cable from the antenna to the cab door for entry to the motor home.  Has anyone had experience doing this?

Glenn

Title: Re: Rooftop cable anchors
Post by: Barry-Sue on January 28, 2015, 08:41:07 am

Glenn

In the past I used a magnet mounted antenna but decided to go to a permanently mounted antenna because I too could not think of a good anchor for the cable without drilling a hole or cutting into the side wall or roof.   The only way I could find was to use a fender mount and run the cable through the engine compartment into cab.

I now use my magnet mount on the car and the permanent mount on the PC.  Both can be easily removed when not needed.

Here is a link to a previous post

http://forum.phoenixusarv.com/index.php/topic,1451.0.html


Barry

Title: Re: Rooftop cable anchors
Post by: KB9OMH on January 28, 2015, 10:48:13 am

Glen,
     Here's how I mounted my Ham Radio antenna and ran the cable under the hood in the cab. Works very well here with low SWR.
here's the PC page http://forum.phoenixusarv.com/index.php/topic,1612.msg12729.html#msg12729 hope it will help

Jim
KB9OMH

Title: Re: Rooftop cable anchors
Post by: GoPhoenix on January 28, 2015, 02:02:19 pm

Here's a discussion on CB antenna mounts.  Should work for other kinds too: http://forum.phoenixusarv.com/index.php/topic,1451.msg11076.html#msg11076

Title: Re: Rooftop cable anchors
Post by: glenncc on January 28, 2015, 07:56:04 pm

I am beginning to think the best route may be to NOT mount the antenna permanently.  I can glue the metal plate from a junction box to the roof and walk the magnetic mount antenna up there when needed, but just leave the cable loose for temporary use.  This will mean another step in my setup and break down for camp, but I'm hoping it won't be necessary in locations other than those I plan to use in the state parks of New Mexico.  If this doesn't work I will still have the option to install the antenna and route the cable permanently. 

Thanks for the suggestions,
Glenn

Title: Re: Rooftop cable anchors
Post by: TomHanlon on January 29, 2015, 10:58:43 am

Will the wind be flapping the cable against the side of the motorhome? If so, can you stand the noise and will it hurt the PC?

Title: Re: Rooftop cable anchors
Post by: KB9OMH on January 29, 2015, 12:03:58 pm

Tom,
      My cables do not move or make wind noise.  The loop is for the door and mirror if I have to pull it in

Jim
KB9OMH

Title: Re: Rooftop cable anchors
Post by: glenncc on January 29, 2015, 09:21:49 pm

By "temporary" installation I meant the motor home would not be driven while the antenna and cable were deployed.  There would be no flapping in the wind as I'd be parked.  The only parts that would be "permanently" installed would be the booster and interior antenna.