ANTENNA GUIDE
updated January 30, 2018
951 E. Grand Avenue • Arroyo Grande • CA 93420 | local (805) 541-1696 • toll free (888) 541-7223 • fax (805) 541-1679
www.ruggedradios.com
This guide is intended to provide information and instructions
regarding antenna installation and antenna tuning.
INSTALLATION
• For best performance, mount the antenna on a metal or
aluminium roof in the center. The ½ wave NGP (No Ground
Plane) antennas do not require a ground plane (meaning,
metal surface) but it is always best to have enough metal
surface area over 2’x 2’ area.
• Mount NMO connector to a 3/8” hole in roof or roll bar
top. Be sure to scrape away any paint on the underside so
the NMO mount gets a good metal contact. Route the coax
cable away from ignition boxes, coils, HID ballasts, amps,
headset cables, and other components that carry power or
emit RF interference.
• IMPORTANT! If there is any excess coax cable after
installation DO NOT COIL THE CABLE! Coiling coax cable
will cause transmit problems and limit radio range. Ideally,
the coax should be cut to exact length and re-crimped with
connectors. However, if that option is not available, route the
cable further around the car.
We have several videos online that offers detailed information
about cutting coax, proper antenna installation and tuning.
Visit our YouTube page (youtube.com/ruggedradios) and
search for these titles for additional information:
• Mobile Radio Antenna Tuning, Trimming, and
Connector Installation
• How to Install a UHF Connector
• Clever Coax Cable Connectors
ANTENNA OPTIONS:
ANTENNA MOUNT
Rugged Radios offers optional roll bar
antenna mounts which allow you to
mount your antenna to any vehicle with
1”, 1-1/2”, 1-3/4”, or 2” tubing.
ANTENNA SWITCH
Easily switch your coax antenna
connection to a second backup antenna.
METAL ROOF
