Antenna Mounts

More Information about Antenna Mounts

Choosing a mount for an antenna requires consideration of the application for which the antenna has been chosen, the type of antenna itself, and the location where the antenna will be mounted. You can find simple mounts with a single hole for basic installations and need-them-now convenience. You can also find complex brackets made for heavy-duty applications, conditions that require a mount working in multiple planes, and setups involving several antennas. Why aren't all mounts made like these? Because the stiff mounts found in setups for several antennas often aren't needed—and shouldn't be needed—for setups involving a single antenna. For applications involving vehicles—such as trucks and RVs—specialized antenna mounts known as NMO (New Motorola) mounts are favored. The reason for this is simple: The NMO mount is versatile beyond imagination, and it is downright easy to use.

FAQs

What selection of antenna mounts are available to add to vehicles that provide functionality and durability?

Available vehicle antenna mounts that provide functionality and durability include magnetic mounts, trunk lip mounts, roof rack mounts, mirror mounts, and fender mounts, all designed to securely attach antennas while withstanding the rigors of mobile use.

UHF Frequency Basics

Ultra High Frequency (UHF) is the designation that has been assigned for any radio frequency in the range between 300 megahertz and 3 gigahertz. This designation was assigned by the International Telecommunication Union. Here are some basic facts about UHF:

- The frequency range is directly related to the wavelength range, which will range from 1 meter up to 1 dm.

- The size of the antennas used for this frequency range are dictated by the wavelength.

- Depending on the frequency being used, it is possible to see the behavior of specific wavelengths vary from other frequencies in the UHF spectrum.

- In most cases wavelengths in UHF spectrum propagate by line of sight.

- Used in medium range radio transmission signals such as: cell phones, walkie talkies, wireless networks, FM radio stations, TV broadcasting, etc.

- The higher the frequency, the more important line of sight in transmitting and receiving radio communications.

- In most cases, UHF radio transmission is limited to about 30-40 miles, often shorter depending on local terrain.

- The Federal Communications Commission has allocated that different ranges within the UHF spectrum be used only for certain purposes.