Roof Mounted Cellular Antennas For Dummies

[Spk64]

I have finally decided to put my system at the rear of coach. Cabinet behind TV is spacious and has all the utilities. Roof is clear in the back and few obstacles.

Cabinet is a mess as I did some testing with everything just dropped in there. Was surprising good. Up to 90 Mbps camping this past weekend. Definitely not in a fringe area. House is in a bad area and only getting around 5Mbps, same results when I temporarily put antenna on roof.

Pulled the coax plate down to peak around in roof and wow there are a lot of wires and air lines running in that area.

It will take careful opening up to make sure I do not go through a wire or air line.

[Spk64]

Tonight decided to go ahead and mount the antenna. After a few attempts at a 3d printed mount and not happy with the print quality decided to fabricate a bracket. Polycarbonate Panels, aluminum extrusions and CNC router now have a sturdy mount.

And a hole in the roof then mount it all. Wish I would have used clear UHB but already had the new roll of black.


Quick speed test showed 30Mbps down and 6 up on AT&T Significant improvement from earlier test also WiFi in front of coach is stronger.
Now need to shorten the cables to clean up the cabinet.

[Stuart W]

Originally Posted by Spk64

Tonight decided to go ahead and mount the antenna. After a few attempts at a 3d printed mount and not happy with the print quality decided to fabricate a bracket. Polycarbonate Panels, aluminum extrusions and CNC router now have a sturdy mount.
Attachment 249888
And a hole in the roof then mount it all. Wish I would have used clear UHB but already had the new roll of black.
Attachment 249889

Quick speed test showed 30Mbps down and 6 up on AT&T Significant improvement from earlier test also WiFi in front of coach is stronger.
Now need to shorten the cables to clean up the cabinet.

Very clean job, looks OEM[emoji1303]

[Spk64]

Thanks Stuart!
And a big thanks for Turbo and Neal for all the great information. For those wanting a “Best Internet” experience this is the way to go.

[FlaRider]

I was on some website and it showed different types of VHB tape. Which one did you use? Or is the only different the width of the tape?

[Spk64]

I used 5952 VHB.

[Stuart W]

I’m looking for information on SMA cable tools, crimper and wire cable strippers, I know that Turbo had listed connectors and a crimpers, just curious what other people are using for tolls especially strippers. Thank you

[redbaron73]

Originally Posted by Stuart W

....just curious what other people are using for tolls especially strippers. Thank you

I hear most people use $1 Bill's.

[Stuart W]

Originally Posted by redbaron73

I hear most people use $1 Bill's.

I knew someone would go there[emoji51][emoji23]

[NealC]

Originally Posted by Stuart W

I’m looking for information on SMA cable tools, crimper and wire cable strippers, I know that Turbo had listed connectors and a crimpers, just curious what other people are using for tolls especially strippers. Thank you

Here's what I have for cellular triage:

Crimping toolkit with stripper, cutter, etc.: https://amzn.to/2INOqo7

Soldering Iron Kit for Electronics: https://amzn.to/2ImFjvC

SMA Crimps: https://amzn.to/2MRviLe

SMA Connectors: https://amzn.to/2RnSP5c

[ajsfla]

Great Info.Thanks Turbo Pilot

[Spk64]

If you get the same stripper as Neal it may need the blades adjusted. Mine was not producing the correct strip lengths.
Here is a video to show how since instructions are non-existent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJBysFsLBHg

[Rvlegaleagle]

Following...

[tnedator]

OK, for the life of me, I cannot get my recessed light out and I'm afraid I'm going to break something. This is what it looks like. Where exactly am I supposed to pop it out. The outer, what seems like metal, trim or the inner area leaving the outer metal trim?