Community Forums

zzjea · 10-27-2012, 04:07 AM

I recently got a Wilson Sleek for amplifying my cell signal when camping but I think it would get a better signal if I could get the antenna on the roof. I get one bar inside which is acceptable most of the time.

It is a mag mount about 12" and there is no non-aluminum metal of any size on the roof to attach to. Has anyone done a ground plane or added a piece of metal to the roof and where did it go etc.? I was thinking of the top of the AC unit about 2'x2' or bond the metal to the roof itself.

Thanks.

John

trackman · 10-27-2012, 07:29 AM

What about the base of the roof antenna? It may not be aluminum or at least you will be able to add metal at that point

TechWriter · 10-27-2012, 07:43 AM

You'll need at least a 10" x 10" piece of ferrous material. You can pick up a 12 x 12 steel sheet a most chain hardware stores.

Paint the sheet w/enamel paint & glue/screw it to the roof. Then place your magnetic mount in the middle.

The advantage of magnetic mounts is that a tree branch will just knock it over while a trucker antenna may get bent (like mine).

I went with a Maximum Signal setup:
Maximum Signal :: Cyfre Direct Connect Amplifiers :: Combo Special! Shasta/CA-819 amp + MAK Mobile Accessory Kit

TXiceman · 10-27-2012, 07:49 AM

You can simply glue a 12" x 12" piece of plate to the roof, and caulk or Eternabond the edges to keep it down.

Ken

wa8yxm · 10-27-2012, 11:58 AM

WIlson has many antennas, The "TRUCKER" for example needs no ground plane (this antenna is patterened after the other WIlson companys' TRUCKER CB antenna) (yes there are two different Wilson companies, one makes CB antennas, the other cell phone stuff).

However that siid,, How about an expiered license plate> About the right size and a mag mount will stick to it rather well.

Hammer it flat (At least a spot big enough for the mag mount) coat the underside with Dicore, bolt it down (A bit of Dicore in the holes before you apply screws) and some dicore over the screws and you should be good.

zzjea · 10-27-2012, 06:11 PM

Thanks for the feedback.

John

Midniteoyl · 10-27-2012, 06:14 PM

Silver conducting paint... 10"x10" should do...

YC1 · 10-27-2012, 06:18 PM

Six by six inches is plenty for those frequencies. Dicor under to hold it in place. Maybe place several on top so you have a selection of places.

SCVJeff · 10-27-2012, 06:33 PM

This is being way over thought. A simple piece of epoxy (or any other good) painted steel with double sided tape works fine. I put one on the roof in 2007 and it's still there

elkhornsun · 10-28-2012, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCVJeff

This is being way over thought. A simple piece of epoxy (or any other good) painted steel with double sided tape works fine. I put one on the roof in 2007 and it's still there

If you mean VHB double sided tape then that would be an option though it would make it darn near impossible to remove the plate later.

If you have roof rack you could also use U-bolts to fasten a steel plate to the rack. You do want to minimize the length of the cable run from the antenna as it affects signal strength as well.

SCVJeff · 10-28-2012, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elkhornsun

If you mean VHB double sided tape then that would be an option though it would make it darn near impossible to remove the plate later.

If you have roof rack you could also use U-bolts to fasten a steel plate to the rack. You do want to minimize the length of the cable run from the antenna as it affects signal strength as well.

I'm a HUGE VHB fan and as such decided VHB wasn't going on that plate in the chance that it ever did need to come off. I went to a much lighter duty 3M tape

BeltoneMagoo · 10-28-2012, 08:39 AM

A trick I once ran across in a boating forum was to use the air conditioning metallized tape as a ground plane. The person simply put the tape in a + pattern under the antenna. Make sure that is at least a quarter wave long or longer. I personally haven't tried it but it sounds good to me. If I ever get into your position I will certainly try it.
Good luck and safe travels!

YC1 · 10-28-2012, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeltoneMagoo

A trick I once ran across in a boating forum was to use the air conditioning metallized tape as a ground plane. The person simply put the tape in a + pattern under the antenna. Make sure that is at least a quarter wave long or longer. I personally haven't tried it but it sounds good to me. If I ever get into your position I will certainly try it.
Good luck and safe travels!

That tape works well but it is non magnetic and you would need to add some velcro or something to hold it down. We use the tape on fiberglass roofs. Inside or out is fine. I have it on my RV on the outside. On top out of site of course. We use a heavier grade and call it "ground plane tape".

PM me and I will mail you some free.