Antenna installation question

[David Williams]

I have considered purchasing an antenna from Maximum Signal becuase I tried my first chase this past weekend with mobile internet and found that I could only get reception for my new 760 verizon USB modem in and around cities. BLAST! So, I'm looking into their "Combo Special! Shasta/CA-819 amp + MAK Mobile Accessory Kit" for $199. Now, would I, a novice to an kind of wiring or tech installation, be able to install this myself, or do I need to take it to someone that can install it for me? It is a roof mounted antenna, so I am wondering how complicated it is to install. I'm assuming that it is not as simple as licking the sticky plunger thing and slapping it on the roof. So, will there be drills and things involved. Thanks for your help people!

 

[CZandbergen]

Get a mag mount antenna. You just stick it on and you are done. I have a 2 meter, a dual band 2 meter/70cm, and my 3G antenna that I stick on the roof whenever I chase. Only takes a couple of minutes. Very simple, you can do it.

I am in Tulsa, let me know if you need any help.

 

[J Kinkaid]

Why not go with the 7 watt Rockies amp for a little bit more ?

 

[Jim Edds]

I just got the kit. The magnetic mount antenna connects to one end of the amplifier the other end connects to your card via cable and then a pigtail adapter. Everything is clearly marked.

You have the option of running the amplifier off the cigarette lighter or hardwire it. An AC to 12v DC adapter is included if you want to power it with a converter. You can't screw up the installation - pretty simple.

You can always just get an external magnetic mount antenna/cable/pigtail w/o an amp on ebay too. I ran it that way for 6 years. I've not field tested the amp yet but if it improves reception then it was worth it for me.

 

[Gordon Spencer]

Installation is really simple . Less than 5 minutes and you are done . Connect device , antenna and power . That's it , all really easy. here is a recent review we got showing how simple it is
WWW.EVDO-TIPS.COM

I have considered purchasing an antenna from Maximum Signal becuase I tried my first chase this past weekend with mobile internet and found that I could only get reception for my new 760 verizon USB modem in and around cities. BLAST! So, I'm looking into their "Combo Special! Shasta/CA-819 amp + MAK Mobile Accessory Kit" for $199. Now, would I, a novice to an kind of wiring or tech installation, be able to install this myself, or do I need to take it to someone that can install it for me? It is a roof mounted antenna, so I am wondering how complicated it is to install. I'm assuming that it is not as simple as licking the sticky plunger thing and slapping it on the roof. So, will there be drills and things involved. Thanks for your help people!

 

[David Williams]

The thing I am curious about is the wire that connects to the antenna. It is nice to hear that the antenna install is easy but what do you do with the wire that comes out of the antenna? Do you just pull it in through a window and then try to close the window the best you can? Thanks!

 

[CZandbergen]

The thing I am curious about is the wire that connects to the antenna. It is nice to hear that the antenna install is easy but what do you do with the wire that comes out of the antenna? Do you just pull it in through a window and then try to close the window the best you can? Thanks!

If it is temporary like mine you just run it through an open door then close the door with the antenna wire in the door jamb.

 

[Scott Hammel]

If it is temporary like mine you just run it through an open door then close the door with the antenna wire in the door jamb.

That's what I do for both my amplifier and ham radio antenna's. Super easy and not permanent.

 

[David Williams]

Good thinking! I'm stealing your idea.

 

[Fabian Guerra]

If it is temporary like mine you just run it through an open door then close the door with the antenna wire in the door jamb.

Be careful with that because if the cord is pinched too hard then it will pretty much render the antenna and amp useless. We found out the hard way last year. We were not getting data for a while and then we adjusted the cord so it wasn't being pinched and we had 5 bars immediately. Just a heads up...

 

[Rob Wadsworth]

Just remember a couple of fast and fun facts about cell phones, coax, and Ham radios...

*Coax is braided shield/wire around a center insulated wire. The distance from the center to the outside cannot have too much deviation or extreme bends. Flattened, twisted, or getting it sliced will ruin it - and possibly your radio if transmitting thru it in damaged condition. More true for the Ham radio than for the cell phone - unless you are using the amp. Then - it too - can be affected and/or damaged. Ham radios (VHF, UHF) and cell phones (UHF) frequencies need to have the BEST coax available for the equipment to function efficiently. In all honesty, they need much thicker coax (2m/440 Ham radios do best with.5 inch dia coax)to be as efficient as possible - because even short runs of poor cable can affect both the transmit and receive. I'm not saying you cannot do it the way that was mentioned, but I would advise strongly that you use all due caution to ensure the integrity of the coax. You are not dealing with a wire that can be treated poorly, so do what you can to keep it out of harms way and being flattened or squashed - that's all...*