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  • #1

    UHF Antenna Question

    Hey guys & gals,

    Was hoping someone could provide some information to help me out here. Im trying to get my head around UHF Antenna questions. Im not to sure what the difference is between the size, length and styles. Also not sure what difference the DB rating makes, obviously it relates to power/range/sensitivity, but im not really sure beyond that.

    The other problem is im looking for something that will keep my vehicle under the 2.1m Clearance height, as i need this to get into my work garage, and most of the GME ones ive looked at that come with the TX 3340, are 850-950mm, that mounted on a right angle bracket, or a ARB bar, are going to exceed the 2.1m clearance height im trying to stay under.

    Any advice here would be greatfull. Thx!
    My Rig: 150 GXL D4D, Tough Dog adjustable suspension with 60mm lift, Polyair bags, ARB Winch Bar, Warn Winch with Dynamica Rope, Outback Ideas recovery points, GME UHF, HID Low/High Beam, Lightforce Genesis HID Spots, Dual Battery Setup with rear power outlets, ARB air compressor in engine bay, ~30L Watertank mounted behind fueltank.
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: UHF Antenna Question

    I have this one http://www.prestigecom.net.au/index.php ... ts_id=1385 it is a 4.5db and has been great so far. I don't understand all the technical lingo, I called prestige and told them what I wanted it for (mainly beach and some mountains) and they recommended this one to go with my UHF GME TX3340.

    Cheers
    Dave
    [b]--Dave[/b]
    [color=#4000BF]150 GXL D4D Auto, Ironman Suspension - 2" lift Foam Cell, GME TX3340 UHF, RustStop RS-4 electronic rust protection, Hayman Reese towbar, BFG AT's 265/65/17, Rhino Racks, ARB Awning, Sandgrabber Mats[/color]
    [url=http://www.pradopoint.com/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=8368][i]My Build Up[/i][/url]

    Comment

    • #3
      Re: UHF Antenna Question

      Originally posted by davidsford
      I have this one http://www.prestigecom.net.au/index.php ... ts_id=1385 it is a 4.5db and has been great so far. I don't understand all the technical lingo, I called prestige and told them what I wanted it for (mainly beach and some mountains) and they recommended this one to go with my UHF GME TX3340.

      Cheers
      Dave
      Thx Dave, will look into it some more.
      My Rig: 150 GXL D4D, Tough Dog adjustable suspension with 60mm lift, Polyair bags, ARB Winch Bar, Warn Winch with Dynamica Rope, Outback Ideas recovery points, GME UHF, HID Low/High Beam, Lightforce Genesis HID Spots, Dual Battery Setup with rear power outlets, ARB air compressor in engine bay, ~30L Watertank mounted behind fueltank.

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: UHF Antenna Question

        Antenna will propergate signal in a "lobe". The lower the db the rounder the lobe and the higher the db the flatter the lobe. So if you are in the mountains then a lower db will work better as it will go up and down from the horizontal more. (But it will not transmitt as far in a horizontal plane) If you are in flat country then the higher db will work better as the signal is flatter so you will get further with your transmission, but if you use it in the mountains it will not work as well. Most people pick 4.5 or 6db as a all rounder.
        As far as materials go, if you use a thin metal one it withstands knocks well in the bush but as it bends as you go along the freeway you will lose range and efficiency. The white fibreglass ones will keep their efficiency as they don't bend but they are easier to break
        Hope that gives you a bit more of an idea
        December 2007 Prado GXL diesel, Option Pack with traction control, rear airconditioning and curtain airbags. Lovells Springs and Bilstiens shocks, snorkel, front recovery points,
        ARB Bar with fog lights, ARB second battery system, sandgrabber mats, Pirelli ATR Tyres,

        Comment

        • #5
          Re: UHF Antenna Question

          Antenna are tricky... The link is the same information as above with a couple of diagrams to make it easier to understand.
          I need diagrams. http://www.olbis.com.au/ap_template/subcat_antennas.asp

          There is also the ground independent type or ground dependent type. Most these days are independent, which means that the ground plane is built into the antenna. Basically this means that the ground independent antenna can be mounted just about anywhere on the car, where as the dependent ones need to be mounted in the middle of a flat piece of metal (roof) for in order to form the wave properly.

          D
          2004 GX TD; Some extra stuff... and a big wish list...

          Comment

          • #6
            Re: UHF Antenna Question

            I have a 2.1m clearance at the office so I remove mine which is mounted on the roofrack rail, check out my build thread. I did notice on a mates 150 the roofrack rails are not slotted anymore so you might need a bigger drill :twisted:
            [url=http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=12264]My Prado[/url]

            Comment

            • #7
              Re: UHF Antenna Question

              If you get the ground independent antenna, for most uses you only need the short stubby whip ( about 6inches long ) on top of the chrome tube bit. This is a 3dB gain setup.
              This makes the whole length of the antenna about 0.5 metre. or a bit longer if you use a spring base ( recommended )
              If you really want to get a bit more range over flat country, you can fit a gained whip, but it will be longer and you may tend to start hitting things with it.
              If mounted on a bullbar or nudge bar, will also be more prone to the "fat lady wobbles" and eventually snap off through fatigue.
              I carry both whips, but quite frankly I get all the performance I need from the stubby whip, so it stays on all the time.
              And you know what they say, the length of the antenna is in inverse proportion to the length of the ............. :wink:

              Some makers will supply both a short and long whip in the pack ( eg Benelec )
              Cheers, Wayne

              Comment

              • #8
                Re: UHF Antenna Question

                I don't have a bullbar, has anyone mounted the aerial between the left front guard and bonnet edge using a z bracket? My other alternative is a clamp on the nudge bar. I haven't found a thin enough Z bracket yet, or one that doesn't flex too much and possibly rub the paint off.

                Comment

                • #9
                  Re: UHF Antenna Question

                  Originally posted by bobcat67
                  I don't have a bullbar, has anyone mounted the aerial between the left front guard and bonnet edge using a z bracket? My other alternative is a clamp on the nudge bar. I haven't found a thin enough Z bracket yet, or one that doesn't flex too much and possibly rub the paint off.
                  I used a Z bracket for a couple of months until I got my bar fitted. Where do you live Bobcat, i can drop it in a postbag for $20 if you want it. I have no need for it anymore.

                  It didnt rub or cause any problems for the few months i had it.
                  My Rig: 150 GXL D4D, Tough Dog adjustable suspension with 60mm lift, Polyair bags, ARB Winch Bar, Warn Winch with Dynamica Rope, Outback Ideas recovery points, GME UHF, HID Low/High Beam, Lightforce Genesis HID Spots, Dual Battery Setup with rear power outlets, ARB air compressor in engine bay, ~30L Watertank mounted behind fueltank.

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Re: UHF Antenna Question

                    I used a Z bracket for a couple of months until I got my bar fitted. Where do you live Bobcat, i can drop it in a postbag for $20 if you want it. I have no need for it anymore.

                    It didnt rub or cause any problems for the few months i had it.[/quote]

                    I got my bracket from the local Jaycar store for $8.90.
                    Regards
                    Crisp Image
                    GX 150 with 3rd row seats, Milford Cargo Barrier, factory roof racks,Tekoncha P3 & a duel battery system..

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Re: UHF Antenna Question

                      Originally posted by Crisp Image
                      I used a Z bracket for a couple of months until I got my bar fitted. Where do you live Bobcat, i can drop it in a postbag for $20 if you want it. I have no need for it anymore.

                      It didnt rub or cause any problems for the few months i had it.
                      I got my bracket from the local Jaycar store for $8.90.
                      Regards
                      Crisp Image[/quote]

                      Yeah I was going to have a look at Jaycar this weekend. I live in the NT. Will see if i can source one, if not $20 is better than $55 for others.

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