Looking for an NMO antenna mount

[Malpaso]

Looking to get my Ham radio gear into my new JL, and the first thing I need is a 3/4" NMO mount for my Larsen 2/70. I've seen a lot of inexpensive hood mounts, but they all look like they'll do a number on the paint (maybe I'm missing something). The one I really like is an offset cowl mount from Mohawk but it's 3/8. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thx, and 73

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[dstevens]

What, you do not like punishing a step drill by make a CB mount accept a NMO?

https://topsyproducts.com/collectio...nt-nmo-antenna-bracket?variant=19401808576569

What I did is place some 3M 'clear bra' tape under the mount and not use the supplied sheet metal screw. Tape also can be used on the door hinges and rear fender for stone chip protection.

 

[Malpaso]

What, you do not like punishing a step drill by make a CB mount accept a NMO?

https://topsyproducts.com/collectio...nt-nmo-antenna-bracket?variant=19401808576569

What I did is place some 3M 'clear bra' tape under the mount and not use the supplied sheet metal screw. Tape also can be used on the door hinges and rear fender for stone chip protection.

I did contact Mohawk to see if there's enough "meat" on that mount to drill it out, so like minds!
I also like the tape suggestion, thanks for that.

 

[daroutergod]

Here is how I did mine, there are various options for the cable with the NMO mount. I drilled the 3/8 hole to fit the NMO. the mount is pretty heavy duty, just have to make sure the NMO you get will accommodate the thickness of the mount.

Rugged ridge Mount via Amazon $41.99 > https://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Ridge...+JL&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1763477916&sr=8-1

 

[Joe's_Roxy]

I went with this mount: https://a.co/d/aJe6QXo

I did have to drill out the hole to accept the plastic spacer that came with NMO mount. There is a spacer behind the mount that keeps the mount off the body. Overall, I am very pleased with the installation and look. I am not HAM so can't attest to its operation. I also haven't tested the radio with it in this location.

Note: I used to have the antenna mounted behind the spare tire on the third brake light bracket. Was told my radio wasn't very clear so decided to move it to the cowl.

 

[Malpaso]

I did contact Mohawk to see if there's enough "meat" on that mount to drill it out

Just got an email back from Mohawk. They do have a 3/4" mount, they are in the process of updating the web site. Win!

 

[grimmjeeper]

Just got an email back from Mohawk. They do have a 3/4" mount, they are in the process of updating the web site. Win!

Nice.

I have two NMO mounts on my Jeep. One ham, one GMRS. Both are just flat plates and I have some self tapping screws attaching them on the top of the fender, one on either side. The hood covers up most of it. But it sounds like you wouldn't like the holes in the fender you need to drill.

If stuff doesn't work out, you can always get a small steel or aluminum plate, drill a 3/8" hole and a 3/4" hole. Make them far enough apart to clear. Just run a standard bolt through the CB mount to hold the plate in place. Then the 3/4" hole is right there for the NMO mount.

 

[jlr20]

Just added this one to my JL, it is well built. I had to use a step bit to enlarge the hole.

https://www.cooltechllc.com/2018-je...t_bracket_options-bracket_mount_hardware_only

Make sure to use the NMOKHFUD as it is sealed where the coax meets the center pin

https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/LSN-NMOKHFUD

Mark

 

[tomd]

Here's my set up. Very happy

 

[dmaxw]

I used this one from Diamond: https://www.diamondantenna.net/products/K400CNMO
Rock solid mount.

 

[Malpaso]

Here is how I did mine, there are various options for the cable with the NMO mount. I drilled the 3/8 hole to fit the NMO. the mount is pretty heavy duty, just have to make sure the NMO you get will accommodate the thickness of the mount.

Rugged ridge Mount via Amazon $41.99 > https://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Ridge...+JL&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1763477916&sr=8-1

I am liking that for when I start on my HF setup.

 

[dstevens]

Tailgate mount is not optimal. A pillar, above the windshield, was best in my testing. But it depends on your requirements - 'good enough' may be just that.

 

[daroutergod]

Tailgate mount is not optimal. A pillar, above the windshield, was best in my testing. But it depends on your requirements - 'good enough' may be just that.

Yes, tailgate maybe not the best in a lot of cases, not sure if this is for a JL thou. One thing to note is that there is no "metal" ground plane roof to affect this pattern on a JL. Another point is this is for an antenna that is "dependent" on a ground plane. With that said, it's why I use a Diamond NR73BNMO antenna. It specifies that it is a Radialless design, does not require ground plane and thus the location affect that you mention does not apply. From practical experience on my setup, I do not see any direction differences. On my travels, I have been able to hit a repeater just as far in front of me as when I have past it behind me. One thing that directed me to this setup as well was the ability to drive into my garage without the antenna hitting anything. A cowl mount would have put me about 4 to 5 inches higher and it would have scraped the garage door. And last, and I am sure some will argue, I don't care to have my 50-watt signal within two or 3 feet of my head. As you said, to each their own.

 

[ghastlyohio95]

Here is how I did mine, there are various options for the cable with the NMO mount. I drilled the 3/8 hole to fit the NMO. the mount is pretty heavy duty, just have to make sure the NMO you get will accommodate the thickness of the mount.

Rugged ridge Mount via Amazon $41.99 > https://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Ridge...+JL&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1763477916&sr=8-1

Thank you so much I have this antenna mount and was trying to figure out how to convert this from the CB antenna that was on it to the NMO mount. I'm glad to see someone did it before I ripped the tailgate apart again on my Jeep, to get rid of the cb and move my gmrs antenna to the better mount. Quick question do you know what your SWR is with the Diamond NR73BNMO is? I am using the MXTA26 and with some trimming and adding a ground wire, I'm at around 2.6 any suggestions?

 

[daroutergod]

Thank you so much I have this antenna mount and was trying to figure out how to convert this from the CB antenna that was on it to the NMO mount. I'm glad to see someone did it before I ripped the tailgate apart again on my Jeep, to get rid of the cb and move my gmrs antenna to the better mount. Quick question do you know what your SWR is with the Diamond NR73BNMO is? I am using the MXTA26 and with some trimming and adding a ground wire, I'm at around 2.6 any suggestions?

Thanks, SWR is 1:1.2 on VHF and 1:1.1 on UHF on the ham bands, GMRS is slightly higher but acceptable at around 1:1.9 to 1:2. I did not run a ground wire, it's not needed with this antenna, and really, running a ground does not help in any way. I checked with an ohm meter between the mount and the various places just inside the back and it was zero ohms with the back door open. I have had no issues reaching repeaters 20 to 30 miles out on both the ham and gmrs.

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