3-2 Mobile Radio Installation
¾ ANTENNA
Many types and sizes of antennas are available,
whatever you choose you need to consider some basic
points :
Check points
The locations to
obtain
Check if there are installation
instructions available for your
car.
Vehicle
manufacturer
or agent.
Check that radio is suitable and
¾ PREPARATION
Check points Potential action
Reduce any RF interference Position the antenna
¾ POSITION
Checklist of points to decide before starting:
1) Is there a suitable position to mount the radio?
Check that radio is suitable and
approved for mobile installation
or agent.
Read the installation instructions
for the radio.
to the vehicle electronic
circuits.
away from any sensitive
circuits.
If the transceiver is a “high
power” model, reduce RF risk
to pedestrians etc.
Position the antenna
where pedestrians will
not easily touch it or
stand too close.
Avoid mounting the antenna Position the antenna
2) Will you use a hand mic or a “hands
free”
installation?
3) Can you route all cables so that they will not
interfere with any controls of the vehicle? Hand mic
cables are especially important here.
4) Make sure that it is possible to securely mount the
radio.
5) Will the position of the radio be safe for you and
Don’t forget that the antenna must also be securely
where it could be dangerous
for pedestrian or other road
users.
away from the edges of
the vehicle, as high as
possible.
Avoid having the
antenna tip at “eye
level.”
your
6) Will the position of the radio obstruct any safety
device of the vehicle?
7) Don’t forget that transceivers can become hot in
transmit mode and ventilation should not be
obstructed.
8) Don’t mount the transceiver, antenna or
accessories where they can obstruct the driver’s
mounted to the vehicle and should be a sensible size.
If you choose a magnetic mount type, be sure that it is
rated for the antenna type.
¾ CABLING
Mobile transceivers generally need a direct connection
to the vehicle battery.
You need to check where you can route the DC supply
.
¾ VEHICLE
Some vehicles require special attention.
These notes are written for petrol/diesel engined cars,
vans etc. with 12 volt battery supplies.
Other types of vehicles may be subject to special
regulations.
If in doubt please contact either the vehicle or radio
es.
If there are no specific instructions for your vehicle
and/or radio then the following points should be
adhered to :
1) Keep the radio cables away from fuel or gas pipes.
2) Keep the radio cables away from any part that will
become hot.
Keep the radio cables clear of moving parts
please contact either the vehicle or radio
distributor for further information.
Be sure that the installation can be made safely, such
as no petrol leaks etc.
Modern vehicles are using more and more non-metallic
materials in their construction. Some panels (interior
and exterior) may be made from plastic or reinforced
resin etc Such panels do not have the same shielding
Keep the radio cables clear of moving parts
(steering, suspension, throttle control, etc.)
4) Route the cables where they can be securely held
in position.
5) Check if you need to drill some holes for passing
radio cables. (Before drilling holes, check for
hidden radio or power wiring.)
6) Only attach cables to non-moving parts of the
Such panels do not have the same shielding
properties as metal and this may cause unexpected
effects with RF such as high VSWR or RF exposure. A
qualified radio installation engineer should be able to
give you advice on suitable products that can be used
to “screen” such non-metallic panels if required
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