Glass Mount Mobile Ham Radio Antenna Install ~ VHF UHF Repeaters

[@midwestoffgrid9190]

Great video! Thanks for the sub. This is exactly what I need. I tried a cheapo antenna from Amazon a while back that was a magnet bottom and wired down the side of my car door. After a while it just fell apart. I’ll try one of these. I’m a total noob at HAM life. But trying to learn a bit as I go. Thanks dude.

[@hamradiocq]

Midwest Off Grid this will get you up and running on local repeaters. We can radio talk sometime if you want. My Twitter is @MyWheelsRock

[@whalerlife53]

Trim the glass and antenna base out with blue painters tape. Run your bead all the way around then remove the tape. No mess and perfect lines. I do the same thing when i use a caulking gun. Tape both sides if necessary run your bead of caulking, smooth out with your finger then remove tape. Works perfect.

[@hamradiocq]

Great idea!

[@MCCRITTERS]

A tip my dad showed me many years ago, dip your finger in some liquid dish soap before you smooth out the silicone. The wet silicone will not stick to your finger and the fillet comes out very smooth and less cleaning up to do after it dries. ;-)

[@hamradiocq]

I think I saw the "this old house" dudes do that for caulking too! Great reminder. Thanks.

[@kombibob]

Mike Jacobs Or a little bit of spit in your hand.

[@jay-rus4437]

Mike Jacobs ....as a renovations contractor I can attest to this. Huge difference when using dish soap water. So much cleaner, and easier.

[@brucel399]

I've used several of these over the years on different vehicles. Never had a problem. I currently have one for GMRS use on my pickup and my inlaws RV. Due to restrictions in my neighborhood, I have one attached to the only single pane window in my home. They all work perfectly. CHEERS from Colorado

[@mackfisher4487]

I work for a two-way radio shop we installed hundreds of ASP's glass mount 800 MHz antennas the installation kit came with silicon rubber and the instructions spelled out using silicon around the mount of the antenna on the outside of the glass to reinforce the 3M double-sided tape pad, We use silicon rubber on both the antenna and a coil on the inside of the glass.

[@hamradiocq]

Ok, tnx

[@BakerStudiosIndy]

Funny thing: I've been installing glass mounts for more than 30 years in both ham and commercial applications... Mainly Larsen, but quite a few Tram models... And I've never had one fall off. I've seen them last ten or more years in use. I've had my own last more than five despite Illinois winters and weekly automatic car washes. And I've never had to seal any of the hundreds I've installed and maintained. Seems like overkill, but if it makes you feel more secure, go for it.

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah thanks for the comment, probably don't need extra adhesion, but it makes me warm fuzzy

[@Captain-ku2rm]

The silicone seems like a very good idea...but, really and truely, I've used these on-glass antennas for 30 years, and never had one fall off, not even close. In fact, I've often taken the old antennas off the cars when I got a new car, and reused the same antenna by using the remount kits with new pads, after cleaning off the residual adhesive pads on the used bases. The antenna bases are rock solid on the window using the adhesive pads provided, and when removing the bases to move them to another vehicle, I've had ro use Glue Gone, a putty knife to pry the bases loose, and it took some real elbow grease, and very cautious effort not to break the window. That's how tightly adhered to the window they have always been. Now, my vehicles are always garaged, and perhaps if vehicles are outside all the time, the silicone sealant is necessary. I live in St. Louis too, where Ham Radio CQ indicated he also lives. So the weather I experience is the same as he experiences. Perhaps it's something that someone would experience in a different climate where the sealant idea would be necessary. But, for over thirty years, and probably six or seven antennas, some remounted using the remount kits, sealant has never been necessary. Just my two cents that might save an extra step.

[@hamradiocq]

I hear ya. It's probably not necessary, but I like to add it on. I moved away from St. Louis. I live in NE Oklahoma City now. Loving it so far.

[@Captain-ku2rm]

@@hamradiocq Hi, yeah, it occurs to me that some may have purchased on-glass antenna brands that needed some extra help from Silicone sealant. I always puechased MFJ brand or Antenna Specialist Brand on-glass antennas, and with those two brands, the adhesion was always excellent. I'm not affiliated with either of those brands. But, with respect to Antenna Specialist, I began using them when I was employed in law enforcement, and that was the brand that was always installed on the patrol cars. Then, later on, over time, Antenna Specialist just seemed like they had lost some of their prominence in the market place as other brands started to cut into their market share. So, I started using MFJ brand, and it performed as well as what I experienced with the Antenna Specialist brand.

[@josephwhiskeybeale]

I have one mounted onto a 1986 Ford Tempo in a hot and humid climate for 30+ years, still there, not even pretending to come off, silicone definitely overkill unless it’s some Chinese junk adhesive.

[@lorneve1bxk897]

I have found that by craping off the paint on the L shaped ground rod on the end that screws and attaches onto the RF connector, the SWR tuning is 100 % better than before with better return loss etc.

[@hamradiocq]

That is a great comment and idea, Lorne. Will do.

[@juliusarnold2844]

Off the entire piece or just the part that makes a connection at the bracket?

[@tonymcgee1146]

I've used glass mounts before with good performance. I'm not trying to hit repeaters 100 miles away, just local ones. No problems hitting some repeaters 40-50 miles.

[@hamradiocq]

I hear ya

[@troypurnell7479]

Im new to ham, but what is that moris code sound for?

[@Neil_Morris]

I had one of those aerials about 15 years ago. I don't think the glass I attached it to had a flat enough profile and it flew off into the distance some months later :( While I had it I was extremely impressed by how well it worked on both bands. I believe you've made a better job of sticking out on than I did so let's hope it stays with you for many years :) 73 de G0TVJ

[@hamradiocq]

Ideally one should put it out of the wind perhaps on the back window if you don't have those heating defrost lines. I think this silicone will keep water and dirt from getting in between and keep it on. Hopefully this will help out some new ham.

[@jamesrussell7488]

Interesting install! Silicone wouldn't have been something I would've thought of using for a good tight seal, especially on glass for an antenna but I understand as to why you use it. Been thinking about putting two different glass mount antennas on my car to do away with my two stud mount antennas and seeing how you've done yours, looks to be s very good idea. Thanks for your informal video! It's very helpful

[@hamradiocq]

Its still atanding strong too

[@dereklea1183]

I’ll never trust another glass mount antenna ever again. I bought a new Dodge Dakota in 1999, didn’t want to drill a hole in a new truck and definitely didn’t want a mag mount scratching my paint. So, I bought the Larsen dual band glass mount antenna. It performed ok for about three years. I noticed a gradual decrease in received signal strength and I also noticed it was more and more difficult to get into my usual repeater (about 15 miles from me). It got so bad that I checked the SWR, which was acceptable right after installation, and it was in excess of 4 to 1. I was using a tri band Kenwood 742A at the time and the 2 meter module wouldn’t transmit more than a few watts no matter what the power setting was. I used a different antenna, temporarily, and still the same RF output was indicated. I rarely used 70 cm so it wasn’t affected. The glass mount antenna was removed and when it was, I could hear a sloshing noise in the plastic base the antenna screwed on to. There it was, water created a dead short and ruined the RF final on my radio. I examined the base and couldn’t find how the water entered the plastic case but, it did somehow. That was my first, only and last experience with a glass mount antenna. If they work for some folks, great. I ruined an expensive radio with one of them. Since I had that experience, I decided to drill a hole in the Dakota and have a proper mount. Every vehicle I’ve owned since has had a hole drilled and a proper mount installed. Not one issue with any of those mounts and I’ll never use anything else.

[@hamradiocq]

Ok, but I haven't had any problems with this.

[@jay-rus4437]

With glass being such a good insulator, how in the world is this so affective? I would think the glass would negatively impact the reception. I realize that RF isnt electrical supply, but I wouldnt have thought an antenna like this would be good at all.

[@hamradiocq]

The spacing is minute. It is a compromise from drilling into the car, but it works.

[@pnowikow]

Another St Louis ham. Nice to meet you kf0oqa.

[@denelson83]

That's essentially a dipole, with one side outside the vehicle and the other side inside.

[@hamradiocq]

yep

[@dwgelle]

Installed a ton of those for Cellular and worked well with out the silicone layer

[@hamradiocq]

Someone commented below theirs fell off

[@r.w.7232]

@@hamradiocq If the mount is installed correctly on clean glass, it wont fall off.

[@johnryding1630]

My problem with a similar installation was not the mount itself, but the antenna coming loose from the mount.

[@rainerzufall689]

That silicone skills ^^ 1.) apply silicone kind of like you did but dont put it on top - only in the seam 2.) make sure you have enough because you won't be able to add anything after the next step 3.) spray some soap water on the whole thing 4.) use a plastic shaper made for silicone work of your choice to remove anything you don't want and leave a nice CLEAN seal. 5.) dip finger in soap water and gently smooth out last imperfections. No extra time needed, just skill.

[@sav7152]

Thanks for making this!

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks for taking time for nice comment.

[@sav7152]

Really helped me as far as mapping out how I'm going to approach this. Can't believe the watts you can put through one of those antennas! Very cool!

[@paulcleary7437]

wet your finger first when working with silicon makes it smooth

[@soupdragon12345]

Great video, would this antenna work for a scanner or is there one similar for police scanners ? Thanks .

[@hamradiocq]

Good question. This would def work for police scanners. If you are receiving only you can be a lot more flexible than when transmitting. The police frequencies are pretty close to the same as the ones intended for this ham radio antenna. I say go for it! There is a link to this scanner in the description. If you use that link I get amazon credit for doing so. Appreciated. thank you.

[@hamradiocq]

Just make sure the connectors match your scanner.

[@michaellin4553]

Make sure you get licensed first Some states have laws that prohibit scanners, but there are always exemptions for hams

[@justaguy4788]

I used to live right down the street from you!

[@hamradiocq]

Ha. Where ru now?

[@justaguy4788]

@@hamradiocq I was a kid, San Diego now. We were actually out on Britton. K2IGO

[@IsqueiroMusic]

I didn’t know about this solution it looks awesome and very practical thank you for sharing this idea!! 73

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks for the kind comment.

[@Colonizedbrain]

Saliva on your finger works fantastically to smooth silicone!!!

[@hamradiocq]

I hear ya

[@gsaldana22]

Five watts on 2-meters with a 2-second transmission is not going to hurt you. You could sit there for half an hour and have a qso and I doubt you would walk away with a third eye or something. More likely to get ball cancer from having a cell phone in your front pocket.

[@hamradiocq]

Only 1000 years will tell.

[@unluck75]

Thanks for the video . I've been eyeing this antenna on amazon for a while but was unsure if it would work. I think I will pick one up. How is it on 70cm?

[@hamradiocq]

All I can say is, I didn't tune it for 70cm, but I was able to hit repeaters using 70cm.

[@kj4ilk]

I've talked to you I think before on the 210 EchoLink 73 de Ki4nzj Richard Waynesville Missouri

[@MightyMicrobes-]

Spray it with windex before you do the bead..plumber's trick. The compressed bottles of glass cleaner work best.

[@aussiegruber86]

Wet finger is best to Smooth out silastic

[@georgespiggot8502]

Wet your finger with windex

[@coryrussell79]

Nice! I just ordered this antenna. My explorer plus antenna doesn't fit in the garage. I live in St Charles. Let me barrow that meter. I'm kidding of course. KD0LJK. Hope to hear you on the radio.

[@hamradiocq]

Ive had that antenna on there for over a year now and probably 10000 miles

[@gtaitbiz7787]

Is there a more stylish antenna

[@alexanderrikmanis8753]

just came across this video. Would be nice to have your tests done BEFORE and AFTER the installation, otherwise it is not quite clear how it works.

[@jent7981]

What adapter did you use to step down connect the handheld to the antenna cable?

[@hamradiocq]

You will find it in this box. I have this: UHF Adapter Kit: amzn.to/2q3XvDu

[@contacttimbre]

I was wondering if I had to drill throw the glass on that or go over the edge and back into the car with the cable. Thank you

[@hamradiocq]

No drilling.

[@yager4092]

What SWR meter did you use that was cool

[@hamradiocq]

I updated the video description, but here it is. 🏆 Rig Expert Antenna Analyzer: amzn.to/3kfwXG4

[@1MinuteFlipDoc]

@@hamradiocq ooh baby! not cheap!

[@rickymcdaniel6708]

I'm wondering how this antenna will perform on the gmrs band. If you could let me know that would be very helpful..

[@jlibertyparks8160]

Probably just as good as 2 meters. Not far off from the same frequency.

[@rickramirez7710]

Can the antenna be removed for a car wash cleaning?

[@hamradiocq]

You can unscrew it, but the base still be there.

[@hamzah6251]

How does the antenna transfer the radio signal to the box on the other side

[@hamradiocq]

I can't explain, but it works!

[@gordonlightfoot1333]

Hey man I'm in Florissant I'm new to this. I just bought a diamond mr77 uhf hooked to uv5r I just noticed you were in stl. The only repeater ive found was 145.320 just from scanning. Do you have a list of repeaters I could try. I don't really have a clue what I'm doing lol. Mostly just want to scan. For fun

[@hamradiocq]

Hey there, I moved to Oklahoma City about 3 years ago, so I dunno.

[@mrm9218]

someone please tell me how the antenna connected to the box THROUGH A CAR WINDOW?

[@hamradiocq]

It's not physically connected, but it's close enough to work.

[@konradritter7543]

Induction, basicly.

[@dav8194]

Magic

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

Ok so i tun on my radio and the red light on my radio is blinking. I oress one the side assign buttoms on my cp200 motorolla and im ablemto hear conversation. but as soon i let go of that buttom i dont hear anything but the light keeps blinkin so the conversation still there but i have to press the side buttom. Not the ptt buttom but the lower bottom side buttoms . How can i listen continuous without presssing the side buttom. Im doint something wron or that is how it works

[@KenpoOjoko]

Do you leave it on when you go to car wash? Or, do you just hand-wash?

[@hamradiocq]

Hand wash I would not leave it on.

[@ezralimm]

How does this actually work? like.. physically... how does the antenna work through a non conductive material?

[@hamradiocq]

I'm not sure exactly good question.

[@hamradiocq]

But it works.

[@kd5you1]

There is a capacitance that is created when the two antenna pieces are placed on either side of a pane of glass. Actually I was surprised that it worked at all on a newer car. I used a glass mount from Radio Shack on a 91 Nissan years ago, but newer cars since then had glass encapsulated with tiny bits of silver in the glass which prevented the SWR from being adjusted to an acceptable level. I didn't use silicone, and with the 3M adhesive you really shouldn't need to use silicone.

[@michaellin4553]

The glass is a dielectric, making the two plates into a capacitor. Capacitors pass AC, but block DC. Since RF is AC at very high frequencies, it works well, and forwards power through the glass. It will also bump up your impedence, but there is always a price for convenience. Because reactance decreases with higher frequency (check your license exam manual), these capacitors work even better on higher bands (i.e. 70cm, 30cm, etc.) but will still work fine for 2m and 1.25m.

[@johnryding1630]

Shouldn't this work with any dual band (VHF/UHF0 radio?

[@Ei2iP]

Is it not crooked? why didn't you align it with the black seal going around the window!

[@hamradiocq]

Calm down man. It'll be ok. Breathe

[@budseltz340]

Bob at 145.210 is the best.

[@hamradiocq]

Ha

[@Proc3000]

Did this work well with the coax pointed down? I just got one that says the connector needs to face right.

[@hamradiocq]

It works very well, it's been approaching 2 years since I made this video and still works great. But still follow the directions as they are specified.

[@Proc3000]

@@hamradiocq is yours the tram 1191?

[@MikeJBlues]

Use masking tape to keep the goo line crisp...

[@hamradiocq]

Yup, next time

[@markchase5323]

As I've never used one of these antennas, I'm just curious about the field levels where the occupants sit. Have you measured it?

[@hamradiocq]

No I havent sorry

[@dav8194]

How has it held up ? Will it work thru tint ?

[@hamradiocq]

It will probably be fine thru tint I dont know. Its held up 100 percent.

[@EdwardVanNatta]

I am looking for about your product place lace me a message . When I post this , I am looking for more information no this. Where can I find one of these at how much do they run looking for a cup of a

[@hamradiocq]

ok

[@oldmacktruck2002]

What window Mount antenna do I need to get for a Motorola GTX radio I can't seem to find one can you please help me out

[@hamradiocq]

Sorry, I don't know that antenna. google the frequency.

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

What is a good antenna like this for my cp200 radios motorolla

[@hamradiocq]

I don't know, you'll need to look up the frequency and band and go from there.

[@anthonyrampino7734]

Do they make a antenna for GMRS radios like this?

[@hamradiocq]

I'm sure they do.

[@skipp3r]

Will this still work in window glass with tint?

[@hamradiocq]

I believe so.

[@kevinkiernanoutdoors3413]

Is there a slight curvature to the base of the antenna ?

[@hamradiocq]

I don't think so

[@davidwilliamson2115]

Rub a clove of Peeled Garlic over exposed skin parts also helps

[@jlibertyparks8160]

Doesn’t the ground plane need to point down?

[@hamradiocq]

Nah, this is what the instruction says, there isn't really a ground plane.

[@fa2ality]

Is it worth avoiding the magnet mount on the body?

[@hamradiocq]

I think so. I just don't trust magnet MT.

[@kd5you1]

Mag mounts work fine, but its really easy to scratch the paint. Even though the mag mount is flat against the car's body, water can still accumulate between the magnet and the car's body.

[@johnlagreca6288]

Its not only about the body, it's about the feed line route too.

[@Evil-Jesus]

Skip the Silicone, been using glass mounts for 20 years never had a problem

[@mrfancypants29]

How much did you pay for said glass mount antennas? I’ve tried 2 or 3 and they all came off within a number of weeks (maybe I didn’t follow instructions right. Who knows???)

[@dennispeake1877]

God morning Tom with the Mosquitos try Johnson's baby creamy oil on the face and hands don't get any oil in your eyes. It should help you on my bush walks.73 de Dennis vk4oc.

[@hamradiocq]

Love that advice.

[@firemandanobrien7894]

How does it do with a car wash? Can you take the whip off?

[@hamradiocq]

Fireman Dan OBrien whip will unscrew off

[@Sanjuk0522]

Can this work for home windows?

[@hamradiocq]

I would think so, but the problem would be the window is vertical and so your antenna would be horizontal. You'd want the antenna to be vertically polarized.

[@Johnny.P.Drizzle]

Kip?

[@محمدالسعوديه-ج9ل]

👍👍👍👍👍👍💎

[@kleinbiker1]

It DOES matter which way the inside part is mounted!

[@hamradiocq]

That's not what all the women say

[@kleinbiker1]

@@hamradiocq read the directions. Also listen to directions from the women as well. ;)

[@vetham100]

what kind of range are you getting? (Nice install)

[@hamradiocq]

Oh, with 5 watt handheld, 10 miles easy. Never really did a long range test though.

[@KuriosPC]

I use the Tram 1185, magmount. Nice antenna. Sent you an email...........

[@hamradiocq]

Not sure I got the email...

[@Ron_C]

Only 4 mosquito bites....amateur....! Looks like a pretty decent antenna for the auto! Heck of a lot easier to install than running an antenna cable thorough a grommet, or making a hole.

[@hamradiocq]

Ron C I haven't raised the gumption to get through the firewall yet to do a permanent install

[@Ron_C]

I did on my old Cherokee, but it was a beater, ya know. I'm going to look at my truck this weekend and if I can find a way through the firewall without cutting, or drilling I'm going to use my old antenna (if the mount fits under the hood).

[@Ron_C]

By the way, I'm a bit jelly of that Rigexpert...I thought all I would need was the little AA-30...now I want to analyze all the frequencies!..lol

[@hamradiocq]

I bought that about 4 or 5 years ago. It was one of those things where I saw it and said, Yep, it's a tool I need in my arsenal.

[@Aphony66]

My God! what a mess! Have yo ever used silicone before? A finger dabbed in a bit of soapy water and half the amount of silicone would have done the job nicely.

[@hamradiocq]

This worked nicely. Still attached after a year.

[@SIGINT007]

Friends don't let friends use glass mounts

[@justjim2693]

Think there is a law against making a video with pants on

[@hamradiocq]

That comment makes no sense. Time to put down that pipe.

[@fredcatcreedy980]

Why don't you just use a mobile phone?

[@hamradiocq]

I want to do things that bring out stupid comments.

[@fredcatcreedy980]

@@hamradiocq What a numpty!