Antenna Mount

Once again, this is probably the most important part of the whole thing. Where to mount the antenna. Before you purchase your antenna and mount, let's look at some pros and cons of locations, and later some basic antenna types so we can make a decision of where to locate our mount for performance, protection, and looks. Some or all are important to most of us.

Mount Types:

Rear Stock Bumper: (assuming you have one) It really depends on what kind of bumper you have. For instance if you currently have a stock TJ bumper, this is an easy and somewhat natural place to mount the antenna. However, there are some things to consider when doing this. We'll cover them in the Pros and Cons. Pros: Easy to mount, somewhat out of the way, and not obnoxiously sticking out. Cons: The overall performance is greatly reduced from side reflection and antenna radiation (propagation). Harder to tune SWR's (standing wave ratio later covered). Likely to receive annoying electrical noise from the fuel pump located inside the tank. The list goes on.	TJ Rear Tail Light Area: This is a possibility as a simple bracket can be made or purchased. Pros: If mounted correctly, this can work well. It gets our antenna away from potential noise sources and the loading coil in the air where it belongs Cons: A bit tougher and more costly to come up with a mount system. But other than that, worth it.	Rear Off Road Bumper (bottom): If it is a stand-alone bumper, I would say you can expect the same results as a stock bumper above. Pros: Easy to mount, somewhat out of the way, and not obnoxiously sticking out. Cons: The overall performance is greatly reduced for side reflection from the tub and antenna radiation (propagation). Harder to tune SWR (standing wave ratio later covered). Likely to receive annoying electrical noise from the electric fuel pump located inside the tank. The list goes on.

Rear Off Road Bumper with Tire Carrier: If your tire carrier has a swing out and did not come with a mount, that should not be a problem. There are many stainless steel and aluminum mounts that can be adapted to fit, be strong, and work great…assuming of course, we are mounting the antenna on the swing away portion not in line of sight with the fuel pump. Overall, this is a fairly good location for off roading as it is out of the way, and usually looks pretty good. However, the vehicle radiation (propagation) becomes direction (to a point). In other words, you'll likely transmit and receive better from where the front of the vehicle is pointed. Not a problem if you know that is how it is likely to function the best for distance/range. Pros: Easy to mount, reasonably out of the way on most swing aways, and easily accessible for maintenance. Cons: Requires some extra care in securing coax (not a big deal), ground plane (propagation) may be effected if too far from tub or body (ground plane).	Hood Mount / Mirror Relocation Mount: This is not a bad option, however most people just don't like the looks of it. As far as function goes, it is a good option. I have not seen what I consider a good hood bracket for the Jeep TJ, YJ, or CJ though. However, they may exists since the writing of this. The TJ mirror relocation bracket arrangements I've seen appear to be decent and strong. Keep in mind though, that usually these are painted or powder coated after market parts. This is important to your grounding of the coax shielding. On hood mounts, this is not an issue typically as they usually are stainless steel. Pros: Decent performance, easy access, and less directional (propagation/radiation) than mounted in the rear. Cons: Securing the coax is a bit more difficult as it will need to be run through the body, hood, or tub. Sometimes through the windshield gasket on TJ's, YJ's, and maybe even CJ's. On hood mounts, this is not an issue typically. Looks somewhat out of proportion to some people, in comparison to other methods. On XJs, SJ's, MJ's, ZJ's, and KJ's, I personally think it is an excellent mounting choice over any other, and does not look out of proportion	Ball Mounts: This is my personal preference. However, not everyone wants to drill through their tub or body. I totally understand, and even cringed myself at doing it. For me though, the looks and performance outweighed the desire to not drill. Pros: Protects coax inside tub or body, typically rotates, can run virtually any 3/8" threaded antenna without problem, looks reasonably good, and performs well. Cons: Requires drilling through tub or body, more time consuming to install, and typically gasket sealed to body (potential water leak)

Antenna connections:
Typically there are (2) two types of connections, PL259 (screw on coupler style like what the CB radio takes), and lug style connections, typically using spay connections to screws.

PL259: Simply screw in your cable end and your done. Pros: Very easy to hook up to stud or antenna bracket PL259 Cons: Corrosion at connections more often, harder to swap out, and often can't get them apart after corrosion build up.	Lug style: Requires cutting cable end off and striping back grounding wire prior to attachement. Pros: Easy to hook up, diagnose problems, and quick fix or replace, wire can be installed to length and excess cut off. Cons: A bit more time consuming