General Boards > Redecorating and Updating your Motorhome
Upgraded WiFi Connections
Edward Buker:
Jim,
As I think about it this 6db antenna is 12 inches high and would be a good compromise. 1.5inch sched 40 PVC has a 1.5 ID and a 2.0 OD and this antenna has a 1.25 base width that would go inside the pipe nicely. http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/datasheets/DS_HGV-2406U.PDF . If you had a length of 1.5 inch ID PVC pipe that was coupled to the ladder with the top of the pipe even with the top of the ladder and the total pipe length was the length of the antenna plus the Bullet plus an inch or so. You would then be able to use a Quick release pin to move the assembly from fully enclosed (down position) to antenna exposed (up position) very easily with two holes drilled in the right place. (may be drilled offset from center to accomidate the cable exit from the Bullet) http://www.amazon.com/Jergens-Stainless-Kwik-Lok-T-Handle-Quick-Release/dp/B003H9LY88/ref=pd_sbs_indust_3 .
I would have a PVC end cap with a hole drilled in it the diameter of the antenna end cap plus a 1/16th and have it glued to the top of the PVC pipe. In the down position you would want the top of the antenna just exposed enough to grip it (probably the antenna end cap would be about right) and pull it up. The PVC end cap and antenna hole would hold the antenna from wind vibration and somewhat protect the assembly unit from the elements as well as branches in the down position. In the up position, if the PVC hole for the pin was drilled right, the base of the antenna where it widens could rest against the inside of the PVC end cap in the up position. This would help keep things more rigid.
The best way to deal with the small ethernet cable loop for raising and lowering the antenna would have to be worked out.
Attached are some photos of my satellite system cabling that I use Velcro straps and marine fittings to exit the coach and travel up the ladder. Cat 5 ethernet cable would be a breeze to run up ladder and no holes in the roof would be a plus. The blue center RG6U barrel connector is something I adapted to the marine deck fittings. They normally come with a rubber insert to hold wiring which would be what you would want. West Marine has them for several wire sizes.
This PVC assembly could be a winner painted in a coach color....
Later Ed
Jeff Watt:
Ed,
Your proposed install is interesting. I like the idea of the antenna protected from wind/branches until it is needed. would it make any sense to have a 1.25 (or 1.5 ground down a bit) washer at the bottom of the Bullet for it to rest on the quick release pin? or between the bullet/antenna? Do you think there would be too much movement/bouncing of the assembly, although as you mention the antenna has a 1.25 base so there is minimal sideways movement possible inside the pvc pipe (or am I missing something in your description other).
I don't think the Cat5 cable could go inside the ladder (that would be neat) so you'd just attach it to the outside, possibly in a plastic auto wire protector.
Would a small spring or bunge cord work to hold the extra cable inside the pvc?
Jeff
Edward Buker:
Jeff,
I think the washer is probably not needed. The Bullet can rest on the pin quite nicely given the antenna and Bullet are not that heavy. The Bullet does not have that much lateral movement inside the PVC to begin with so I think this all would work quite well given the bottom of the Bullet would be maybe 8 or more inches down the from the top of the PVC pipe in the up position. The antenna opening in the PVC cap would fit tightly to the tapered base of the antenna. If I had any issue with tolerance or movement I would run a length of foam stick on weatherstrip up the inside of the pipe to take up some tolerance against the Bullet but that is probably not needed.
The Cat 5 cable would be held nicely with velcro straps, I have silver ones that I got at one of the Big Box stores. The Cat5 cable is available covered in a gray sheath and I would see no reason to cover it with something bulky and more obvious but would buy a UV exterior rated cable.
Not sure of the best way to handle the up down Cat5 cable loop but just leaving it moderately tight in the up position and a small loop in the down position would probably not hurt anything. Hope this helps. I may have to get in the shop and do some tinkering myself this winter....
Later Ed
Jeff Watt:
Ed,
Looking on L.Com site I found the following:
http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=34206
This comes in different lengths. May work well, or the grommets may be a nuisance. If I drilled a hole in the coach up high (say just below/near the marker light) to run this cable into the bedroom, do you have any idea what might be in that area and is possible to get into the coach? Or do you think it is easier to go down the ladder, into the engine area and then into the bedroom. Some kind of cable insulation would be needed if running through the engine bay, correct?
Jeff
Edward Buker:
Jeff,
That cable looks like a good approach. I am not sure what is up in that area of the coach from a drilling viewpoint so you would need to be careful starting with a small drill and then poking through the hole with a straight piece of copper wire. If it seems clear there then you could use the appropriate drill/hole saw.
I usually opt for what is foolproof even if it is a bit more effort when it comes to these type projects. I like the ladder approach because I could drill in a place where I could see the back side of the panel above the hatch at the base of my ladder. That makes it a safe spot to drill. There is wiring that runs across from one side to the other, already in place, so I just tie wrapped my cables to that bundle. I do not cover any of these wires with plastic sleeve in this location unless I am concerned about rubbing on something. If there was power involved I would but these are just signal cables. If you were concerned the split plastic sleeve is inexpensive. I brought my cabling in through the bottom of the closeet on the passenger side for my satellite system install but whatever works best in your coach based on the layout.
Someone may be able to comment if that area is pretty safe to drill through. There should not be too much up there close to the outer rear cap.
Later Ed
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