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Topic: Mounting a ground plane for the cell booster (Read 5 times) previous topic - next topic
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Mounting a ground plane for the cell booster
Yahoo Message Number: 102274
I'm planning to add a cell booster ground plane (8x8" galvanized steel) to the roof over the cab. Two dumb questions: what's the best glue for mounting the steel, and what's the recommended way to preserve the plate so I don't get rust on top. Thanks!
Re: Mounting a ground plane for the cell booster
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102275
Quote
I'm planning to add a cell booster ground plane (8x8" galvanized steel) to the roof over the cab. Two dumb questions: what's the best glue for mounting the steel, and what's the recommended way to preserve the plate so I don't get rust on top. Thanks!
Jerry, I drilled a small hole on the edge of the plate and then removed a screw from the escape hatch vent and attached it to that.  Sealed that screw hole and the other end of the plate with caulk.  Plate now sets at a slight incline for water to run off.

Joe Hamm
Re: Mounting a ground plane for the cell booster
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102276
Contact cement, or any other glue that is weather proof and retains some elasticity when cured, will be just fine. Think thin, you want the metal plate close to the aluminum roof to maximize capacitive coupling (though this is probably not at all critical).
 Paint the galvanized plate before mounting. Use caulk or thin strips of Eternabond tape to seal the edges after mounting. In fact, the tape would work for mounting the plate if you want to skip the glue.

bumper
bumper
"Yonder" '05 MB
"WLDBLU" glider trailer
Re: Mounting a ground plane for the cell booster
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102279
Ground plane?: First off, I know zero about such things. From what I hear & read, a ground plain is simply a piece of metal used to improve antenna reception. Doesn't the aluminum roof of an LD count as "metal". I was under the impression the only reason a piece of  metal made from iron was required, was simply to give the magnetic base of the antenna something to stick to.
True or not? Thanks;

Ed
Re: Mounting a ground plane for the cell booster
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102280
That's true Ed.  An additional ground plane on top of the perfect ground plane created by the roof is completely unnecessary.  Like you said, the only reason for adding a steel plate would be for a magnetic antenna mount.
It would have nothing to do with enhancing the operation of the antenna per se.

Dick
Re: Mounting a ground plane for the cell booster
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102282
Thank you, Dick.
Can't remember the last time I was actually right about something. Feels good. Going to stop while I'm ahead. :-)

Ed
 
Re: Mounting a ground plane for the cell booster
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102294
Use the same polyuerathane caulking as LD does to seal the roof and seams.  Put some under the plate then around the edges.  It won't ever come off.  Other guys are right about it just for the magnetic attachment.
Tim