Proper UHF radio installation requires the knowledge of antennas and coax, as well as the types of these components which affect reception and transmission. You can get an installation guide from your dealer or follow these simple tips. Read on to learn how to install UHF radios yourself. Before you begin, read the following tips to make the process go smoothly. You should use an SWR meter to determine the correct coax and antenna combination.
Antenna Placement Affects Reception
Antenna placement plays a key role in receiving UHF radio signals. Ideally, the antenna should be on a rooftop, away from any windows or doors, and not on the exterior walls of a building. In some cases, restrictions for antenna placement may be required by a homeowner’s association. To avoid legal problems, check with your association about its rules.
Keeping the antenna as high as possible reduces the effects of interference. However, this height gain is not without its drawbacks. The resulting losses may be greater than the height gain. Furthermore, antennas with a high radiation angle should be positioned away from people. High-altitude antennas can also improve the situation for receivers and transmitters. A high-altitude antenna reduces RF exposure and is best suited for long-range communications.
Aside from height, antenna placement also affects reception. Generally, UHF radios operate best in line-of-sight conditions, which means the antenna should be located above any structure. While UHF radios are more powerful than VHF, they are not ideal for heavy-wooded areas. Repeaters are an excellent solution to extend the reception range. Consider using repeater services or higher antennas if the distance is too far. The formula for determining the horizon is 3.569 kilometers or 1.9 miles at ground level.
Antenna Installation Requires an SWR Meter
Before you can successfully install a UHF radio antenna, you will need an SWR meter. An SWR meter measures the transmission line’s Standing Wave Ratio (SWR). It determines whether an antenna is too long or too short. The tuning process is different for antennas with impedance matching devices, while antennas with top whips need only simple tuning. A radio technician can answer any questions you have about antenna tuning.
If you find that the SWR of the antenna is too high, there are several reasons why. First, the antenna cable or the antenna mount could be faulty. If the antenna cable is bad, you can cut it to reduce the SWR. Alternatively, you can lower the tunable tip to adjust the SWR of the antenna. This method is useful if you are installing a Firestik II antenna. Finally, you can unscrew the two screws holding the metal whip and remove the plastic tip.
Coaxial cable jumper
When deciding how long your coaxial cable needs to be, the distance from one end to the other should be closely calculated. Generally, the longer the cable, the less crisp the signal will be. However, this does not necessarily mean that you should shorten the cable. Instead, you should use a thicker cable if you have a long and short cable run. You also must ensure the cable’s impedance is equal across the two ends to ensure the best signal transmission.
To ensure the best signal quality, 1/2 Heliax is your best option. This cable provides the highest shielding and least loss and is suitable for runs over 100 feet. If you are not moving the jumper, you should use Superflexible Heliax or LMR-400-UF. If you’re unsure which type to buy, you should consult the manufacturer’s specifications. Coaxial cable has a range of uses and should be properly chosen according to your needs.
Mounting flexibility
The XG-25M mobile radio supports the UHF-L frequency band, which extends from 378 MHz to 470 MHz and up to 700/800 MHz. In addition, it has an ultra-thin case half the depth of a comparable VHF radio and can be mounted flush or using a bracket. With this flexibility, the radio can be mounted in the most convenient location in the vehicle.