New Mobile setup for Jeep

[WRFF247]

NEW to GMRS. Got my license, purchased a Midland MXT400 AND the 6db antenna. 

I'm mounting this opposite my CB antenna on the hood-one is passenger side, the other drivers. 

Do I need to tune this setup like I did my CB once its installed? The antenna came with a small allen wrench and a set screw where the whip enters the spring base. 

 

I have a SS bracket made for the Jeep hood contour but it's drilled out at 1/2" for a CB style antenna mount. The GMRS antenna comes with a plastic insulator bushing that requires a 5/8" hole. I assume I can enlarge the bracket and that should be good. 

 

My goal for this setup is off road comms and maybe some casual station monitoring and playing around with repeaters. I'll have to do more homework on that once I get things installed and operational. I am pretty familiar with the CB world but GMRS is something new. 

 

Not looking to go full HAM but that is always a possiblility down the road. For now, just want to get the GMRS up and running. 

 

 

[marcspaz]

You are good to go with the antenna. Its pre-tuned.

 

Just be sure the negative side is properly grounded, add a ground strap from the hood to the top of the inner fender and the common ground under the hood or the negative side of the battery. You will see improvements with CB performance, too.

[quarterwave]

Pictures when you are done! Folks love to see a good install. 

[Elkhunter521]

Hi, Keith here. Im in Washougal Wa. Just East across the river from Portland Or . The good side of the river.

 

You will do best if you can mount your antenna in the center of a 61/2 in of metal that is well grounded

[H8SPVMT]

Hi, Keith here. Im in Washougal Wa. Just East across the river from Portland Or . The good side of the river.

 

You will do best if you can mount your antenna in the center of a 61/2 in of metal that is well grounded

I manufactured a plate of 3/16" thick steel just to mount the magnetic antenna to as it was burning/bubbling the paint on the hood under the magnet.  It is just a bit larger than the magnetic base but not 6"s. Why 6"s if we don't need /require a ground plane?

I checked the ground and it is good but, I do like the suggestion of a grounding strap.  Eitherway it will happen, thanks! 

 

I added the grounding strap/wire as well.  It hasn't increased performance but has made me more confident in my equipment.

[H8SPVMT]

With the issue of burning my hood with the MXTA26 antenna a conversation was started by Midland wanting to know if I had used the "isolator" on the base of the magnetic mount.  I informed him that I had, I think.  The only item that came with the antenna base was a very thin soft rubber cup for the base to rest in.

 

Because this rubber component was easy to tear I asked for another to be provided for replacement when I could no longer use the original.  ALOT OF discussion took place between the Factory Outlet store personnel that was benting over backward to find the part number I requested so I could continue ordering this item as it worn out.

 

I finally received another isolator, free in the mail!  Well, maybe but is isn't the part that shipped (rubber cup) with my antenna.  Instead I received a plate steel labeled MXTA38 professionally packed and with some double sided sM tape on the bottom.  It is id'ed as a "Metallic Base for Magnetic Mount".

 

I simply don't understand what an isolator is then, I guess so, I ask, "What is the isolator that is provided with the MXTA26 6dB gain antenna supplied with the magnetic base?  Anyone know?

Edited November 10, 2020 by H8SPVMT

[mbrun]

I have and use the MXTA26 antenna as well. In my opinion, the main purpose of the rubber isolator is to protect your car’s finish during the process of installing and removing the antenna from your car. Years ago I had multiple mag mounts. One had no protector and did damage (scratch leading to rust) the paint. Another had a self adhesive plastic film (thick tape-like) protector and I had no issues. In no case however was my mag mount a permanent fixture on the car.

 

This amateur operator has an opinion on why (despite the protector) mag mounts with the protector do still at times damage the paint. It is worth the read.

 

http://www.k0bg.com/antmount.html

 

Michael

WRHS965

KE8PLM

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[AdmiralCochrane]

Yes, a magnet mount will collect iron dust and it will become impregnated into your car's finish.  I used to keep a few magnets inside the back door of my work van ... the pattern of the magnets is still showing in the back of that door, whereever it is now

[H8SPVMT]

Yes, a magnet mount will collect iron dust and it will become impregnated into your car's finish.  I used to keep a few magnets inside the back door of my work van ... the pattern of the magnets is still showing in the back of that door, whereever it is now

In my case the clear coat seperated from the base paint leaving tiny bubble like looks directly under the base with the rubber cup/isolator in place.