Forum Discussion

Explorer

May 14, 2014

Where to bring antenna wire through?

For increased cell phone signal upon advice filtered through several searches; we're going to try the Wilson sleek. From what I gather, mounting the magnetic antenna on a piece of metal will enhance the reception. So I attached a piece of sheetmetal 24"x 36" on a sheet of OSB, and will lay this on the roof.

My question is, what would be the best path to bring the cable through from the antenna to the inside unit?
Camper is a '05 Wildcat 31QBH Fifth wheel.

Thanks!
Jim

14 Replies

Peg_Leg
Explorer
May 14, 2014
A quarter wave ground plane for the center of the 900 mhz band would be just over a quarter of an inch and the 1900 mhz less than one eight of an inch. Not much material to hold a magnetic antenna.
Dutch_12078
Explorer III
May 14, 2014
As said, the reefer vent is a common access point for add-on wires. For temporary use though, a window may be a better option with the small gap covered with masking or duct tape. Also note that the ground plane metal sheet need not be that large. A 12"x12" panel is more than enough. I made my permanent metal roof panel 12"x18" since I was mounting multiple antennas on it, but even that is overkill.
BobandShaz
Explorer
May 14, 2014
Bathroom vent?
n7bsn
Explorer
May 14, 2014
Not knowing your layout... But I've used the roof refer vent to bring wires from the roof into the rig