uhf radios!

[Crawford]

Well i installed my tx4400 today seems to be working a treat!!

I was testing it outside the car first and i had the antanae laying flat on the softtop roof.. this wouldnt have caused any problems wouldve it? kinda thinking i couldve damaged it by doing that!

Anyways.. the antanae has a 6db and a 9db option.. what would be the best to use?

thankxs fellas

[nicbeer]

If that is the stainless antennae with sections in the middle. i would use the 6db for most uses as the 9db move round heaps on road.

You would'a done no damage to radio leaving it there. just would have got out crap.

Btw: this should have really gone general 4x4 tech.

cheers

[Crawford]

yeh its a
AE409L Fold Down Stainless Steel, complete with Base and 4 metre Lead Plug Assy (6 & 9 dB).

Not sure if they are any good.. it came for free so im just using it..

Will i need to buy a spring for it, or its fine how it is with just a bullbar mounting bracket?

sorry about posting in wrong section!

thanks!

[nicbeer]

Should be ok without a spring.

when i was in tight tracks and trees liked bending my antennae over. after that get a spring, but if u are beaching it. then dont bother for now.

cheers

Nic

[Utemad]

Don't need a spring as they are flexy enough. In fact you can't get a spring.

Transmitting with the antenna lying down and not earthed won't hurt it but it won't be any good for range or quality. Don't transmit with the antenna unplugged though.

Use Loctite or something on the grub screws. Mine fell out or came loose a couple of times.

Use the 6dB antenna when it's hilly or the 9dB when it is dead flat for as far as you want to transmit. The 9dB will bend over quite dramatically on the highway and hit things such as tree branches and undercover parking.

I got rid of mine recently. Just didn't seem to cope with the rough stuff. My parents have one on their Fairlane though and it has held up okay.

For a freeby it will be great Think they are about $90 new.

[RyanIAm]

What happens if you transmit without an antenna?

[Crawford]

Well this particular aerial isnt ground independent is it?

is it really important where i mount it? Bonnet or Nudge bar?

cheers

[crispy]

What happens if you transmit without an antenna?

stuffs up the radio, also does this if u use the wrong antenna for the radio

[Utemad]

What happens if you transmit without an antenna?

You overheat the output IC. Then you can't transmit anymore or if you can it will be weak.

[Pinball]

Well this particular aerial isnt ground independent is it?

is it really important where i mount it? Bonnet or Nudge bar?

cheers

try and get the base of the antennae level with your bonnet if you are front mounting, can get 100-150mm extensions etc from most shops to suit this purpose.

Keep the aerial cable away from ignition lines where possible and no loops in cable, causes inductive feedbacks.

Spock