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Topic: OTA Antenna Roof Fitting (Read 1016 times) previous topic - next topic

OTA Antenna Roof Fitting

Currently the antenna coax runs from the amplifier  through a hole in a plate on the roof to the antenna.  I would have assumed a waterproof coax fitting that the coax screws into but the cable simply runs through the hole in the roof with dicor around the cable to seal the hole.  is this correct?  If not is there a fitting that nounts into this plate or does the entire rooftop mounting plate need to be changer?
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: OTA Antenna Roof Fitting

Reply #1 –
Quote from: floridarandy –
Currently the antenna coax runs from the amplifier  through a hole in a plate on the roof to the antenna.  I would have assumed a waterproof coax fitting that the coax screws into but the cable simply runs through the hole in the roof with dicor around the cable to seal the hole.  is this correct?  If not is there a fitting that nounts into this plate or does the entire rooftop mounting plate need to be changer?
I changed mine to run under the plate when I installed my satellite cable. I also replaced the cable with a new RG56 single length
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: OTA Antenna Roof Fitting

Reply #2 –
I redid the antenna cable pass through when I installed a Wilson 4G booster and an Omni directional antenna. I added a CAT 6 cable for a planned Nanostation WIFI base station at that time. Ours had a pass through COAX bulkhead fitting on an aluminum plate and the antenna up proximity switch wire was just run under the plate with gobs of caulking to seal it. I ran the new antenna COAX and antenna up alarm wire through one of the stainless Blue Sea Cable Clams (Side Entry CableClam with Stainless Steel Dress Cap - Blue Sea Systems) and the CAT 6 through the other. I made a new plate out of 16 gauge stainless and enlarged the original hole and added another to accommodate the clam shells. They are used in marine applications and I got these at West Marine locally, though cheaper on line.
Don
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Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: OTA Antenna Roof Fitting

Reply #4 –
Originally that aluminum plate had a coax connector that the cable inside the coach screwed into and the coax on the antenna on the roof screwed into the top part of the connector. Many times this connector got corroded and so looks like someone took the easy rout and eliminated the connector in the plate.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: OTA Antenna Roof Fitting

Reply #5 –
Don excuse my ignorance but how does the new device seal water out.? I went to the web page and watched the video of a different device that had a split stopper but the one you have doesn't look like it has one. I would like to get rid of the split screwed go thru that's up there also. Did you have to cut and splice the antenna up switch I assume.
The selected media item is not currently available.Keith & Jo
2003 U320T 4025 PBBS Designer series
Build 6203    Cummins 500hp
2000 U320 4010 WTFE / Build 5762 —Sold—
Motorcade #18070   
Pasadena, Texas
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara-Sunset Orange pearl coat
Don't argue with a fool, people watching might not be able to tell the difference.

Re: OTA Antenna Roof Fitting

Reply #6 –
I  recommend:

- Eliminate pass-through connectors to reduce signal degradation. Each connector can significantly increase SWR at UHF frequencies.
- Eliminate possibility of connector corrosion.
- Feed all coax cables straight through the roof. (I fed three cables in one hole: One TV and two cell antenna cables)
- Waterproof entry using gray electrician's putty, available at Home Depot.
- Install strain-relief inside coach ceiling to eliminate cable movement. ( L bracket and ty-wraps)
1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.

Re: OTA Antenna Roof Fitting

Reply #8 –
John that's the video I watched and it is not the one don used, the clam cover he used is the one you linked but it claims to be for side mounting and doesn't have the "heart" center gland. I assume don just used a sealant in there
The selected media item is not currently available.Keith & Jo
2003 U320T 4025 PBBS Designer series
Build 6203    Cummins 500hp
2000 U320 4010 WTFE / Build 5762 —Sold—
Motorcade #18070   
Pasadena, Texas
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara-Sunset Orange pearl coat
Don't argue with a fool, people watching might not be able to tell the difference.

Re: OTA Antenna Roof Fitting

Reply #9 –
Quote from: gracerace –
I changed mine to run under the plate when I installed my satellite cable. I also replaced the cable with a new RG56 single length
RG56 is 50 ohms and will result in mismatch between the antenna and TV. RG59 or better yet, RG6 are 75 ohms and right for the application.

50 ohm solid conductor RG56 is used a lot in computer work while braided RG58 and RG200 are good for radio communications.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: OTA Antenna Roof Fitting

Reply #11 –
Yes the side entry without sealant is not as waterproof as the the one with the top entry and split rubber bushing that gets compressed. In my opinion, though the instructions make no mention of it, the side entry model needs a bit of sealant before you screw the plastic cap on. I could have used the top entry version for the CAT 6 cable, but the one that has the antenna coax also has the alarm wire (which I did cut and splice to reroute) and so would not have sealed properly without some sealant added. Besides, I wanted the low profile of the side entry. There has been no water intrusion through the penetration, so I am satisfied that the penetrations are well sealed and the stainless caps keeps UV from being a factor down the road.
Don
Quote from: hdff –
John that's the video I watched and it is not the one don used, the clam cover he used is the one you linked but it claims to be for side mounting and doesn't have the "heart" center gland. I assume don just used a sealant in there
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson