Ham Radio & Antenna Installations

June 22, 2002, 06:33:48 am

I have not seen much discussion on this subject. In looking at the member list, there are a few hams in the group. I just recently purchased a 2000 Allure 40'. I would like to set it up with some VHF and HF equipment. I am thinking along the lines of a 706MKIIG and a High Sierra SD antenna and a small VHF rig. Has anyone had any experiences with installing these of other ham equipment? I am looking for ideas and advice as to what I should avoid. RF interference, antenna locations, mounting, cable runs are all a concern. All comments pro and con are appreciated.

Jim Hughes

Jacksonville, FL

2000 40' Allure #30511

Re: Ham Radio & Antenna Installations

Reply #1 – June 23, 2002, 01:40:08 am

Yahoo Message Number: 2163

Not a HAM, however I noticed and photographed a large (6'x6' or 7'x7') metal sheet in the fore portion of the roof that is just below the fiberglass in a 2003 Allure or Intrigue. Saw this during a factory tour. They described it as the ground plane for the CB antenna.
My experience with the 2002 Allure is that the CB antenna, I believe, appears to be at the front edge of this sheet and you can get to the connector when you pull the TV. Maybe in the 2003's they are mounting the CB farter aft to be in the center of the ground plane.

Also, when I mounted the satellite dish (at the indicated point), I hit the sheet metal plate and had to cut through it. I believe it is near the aft of the plate.

Side point about mounting the Satellite dish. The decal say the wire is 1 inch below. Unfortunately, it was pushed up to the bottom of the metal plate. I managed to cut part of the multiconductor cable as I was just starting to penetrate the metal sheet. Well, I did not need all the conductors anyway, but I did clobber it at the very beginning of the 2 foot slack up there -- when I say beginning I do not mean the very end of the cable, but at the point where it there is no spare wire to play with. :-(

I was able to determine the location of the wires (and that there were wires up there with a signal generator/tracer. Metal plate descibes why the signal was so weak on the roof above the plate, and weak on the inside because of the distance (several inches of foam.

RG-6 runs to the dish too.

Photographs upon request.

Don't know if a 2000 is prewired for Satellite.

Herb

Re: Ham Radio & Antenna Installations

Reply #2 – June 23, 2002, 07:42:37 am

Yahoo Message Number: 2164

Good inf Herb. Thanks. I will check with Country Coach to see if metal sheet and all was installed in 2000 model. May provide a good point for a short (1/4~) VHF antenna.

Jim Hughes

2000 Allure #30511

Country Coach Owners Forum Country Coach Motorcoach Forum