New YodaTeq Antenna Mount

[Dissent]

Just got my YodaTeq antenna mount installed and my CB tuned. This mount is rock solid and looks fantastic. Overbuilt just like my truck.

I mounted it up with a 2' Firestick. Had to ground the bracket by scraping off some powder coating around the antenna mount and the lower mount. I used a star washer at both locations and got a good ground confirmed with an Ohm meter. Prior to the grounding, I picked up tons of noise on the Cobra WX75 CB.

I included some pics from the front of the truck as I couldn't tell how far it stuck out before I bought one. Also, if anyone drills where I did to run the antenna cable, keep in mind it's a double wall and you'll need a grommet to span the 3/8" gap.

 

[Otamiway]

Very nice and clean install..

Where did you get the grommet ... Any water issues??

How is the performance of the Cobra???

This is the combo I'm looking at..

Thanks for sharing..

Stu

 

[NLXTACY]

More info/spec on the wire you used. Plus the weather booted connector. CB knowledge eludes me.

 

[Haring Bagsik]

Nice set up. Can you provide info where you got the weather booted connector and cable?

 

[Solid Taco]

Subscribed. Awaiting answers to above. Just got the mounts too. Nice work. Thanks for sharing.

Cary

 

[UMMAGUMMA]

Same here

 

[Dissent]

The cable is a Wilson 18-ft Belden Coaxial Cable PL-259 to FME model I bought on Amazon.com for $22.80 with $9.82 shipping totaling $32.62. The wire routes through into the seatbelt mechanism housing and then into the inner body wall along with the tail light wiring.

The grommet is one I had in my spare parts. Unfortunately, I don't know where it came from. The measurements indicate it will accommodate material slightly smaller than 1/4" an it will accommodate a cable right at 1/4". The drilled hole diameter is 5/16". I had to insert the grommet from within the seat belt mechanism cavity and it just fit through the hole and is a very snug fit.

I taped up the cable end and used silicone grease to lube the grommet and had to lube the cable about every 4 feet with a smudge of grease.

Overall the performance is pretty good. I pickup folks on channel 19 and they are intelligible. I've not tested it on the trail yet. I have a buddy who will bring in his FJ this week to test it but I'm confident it's going to sound good. I do pickup the blower motor but with the squelch tuned, it's quiet. I'll report if its an issue with the other truck in short range.

I found what I think is a great place to mount the Cobra. I wire tied it to the top of a computer and it all routes nice and clean. The mounting location was to keep it handy and have the cord wrap under the dash and out of my way. I also wanted t accessible from the outside of the truck. I didn't drill very deeply and the screws I used for the mic mount are blunt in case there was a cable bundle in the A pillar for the sunroof or dime light. They are about 3/4" long. I peered in the hole with a flashlight and didn't see anything before drilling the second hole. I wired the cobra through the huge grommet on the firewall and it reaches the battery perfectly. I crimped on ring terminals and connected directly to the battery. The inline fuse is still on the inside of the truck and it has a couple of inches of wire before it enters the firewall grommet. Really easy install.

 

[Otamiway]

Dissent, thanks for the info. looking forward to the CB test.

I like that the wire easily clears the tail gate. Again.. nice install.

 

[Dissent]

Thank you all for the compliments.


I should note that the SWR meter read 1.25 on channel 20.

 

[thatcabledude]

Looks great! Am I correct in assuming you assembled the connector on the antenna side?

 

[canman]

I fabbed up a similar bracket out of aluminum when I mounted my antenna. I have a post somewhere, but can't find it. I used the same two bolts, but mounted it on the passenger side.

 

[Dissent]

Actually the cable came with the weatherproof boot and terminated connector. The other end is pre-terminated as well and provides a screw on PL-259 fitting to aid in installation through grommets. Wonderful product!

 

[Dissent]

Thanks. I originally planned to use the cable tie on the tail light screw only. Which by the way is a new screw that's 5x20mm long, the original 5x16mm screw didn't grab but a thread or two. I had to use the second cable tie up higher behind the latch as the tailgate rubbed it. Once secured though, it's perfect!

 

[Dissent]

I've put together a full thread for the Cobra WX75, the yodaTEQ mount and the Firestick antenna installation here: https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-...teq-mount-firestick-antenna-installation.html