Mobile Antenna Studs, Why No Notches?

[Eldorado828]

I've had two of these fail within the last year and the conclusion is the center female on the stud mount gets weak and doesn't fit snug enough on the pl259 center pin. Hope that makes sense... The reason I'm figuring is that there are no notches on the 239 connection of the stud mount so the 259 outer connection isn't flush causing the the connection to give. Make sense?

Why would they make these without grooves or notches for the pl259? A chassis mount 239 has notches, the back of our radios, amplifiers and so on but not these. Makes no sense.

I'll file some notches in and see how that works.

I know this has come up before so hoping for some insight.

 

[338_MtRushmore]

I thought that was just truck stop trash? I've only used NMO and 3/8x24. Is there any good that could come from using hf connectors for an antenna?

Edit. I'm an idiot apparently. I've never had enough room under a headliner for a 90 degree pl259, and my antennas are typically so big they require a puck mount.

 

[Eldorado828]

I thought that was just truck stop trash? I've only used NMO and 3/8x24. Is there any good that could come from using hf connectors for an antenna?

Edit. I'm an idiot apparently. I've never had enough room under a headliner for a 90 degree pl259, and my antennas are typically so big they require a puck mount.

In my case it's on a class 8 truck using a procomm mirror mount for a cascadia. I'm limited, trying the workman, procomm and firestik all being pretty equivalent in build. The mounting location takes some abuse from closing the door continuously, wind load etc so the stud mounts weaknesses really show up. Just having those notches alone would increase the the proper seated connection.

 

[338_MtRushmore]

Workman and firestik are total junk. May want to step up to a lug mount, or a breedlove 239 mount. I don't think breedlove has notches in their mounts either, but I bet they would stand behind them if they failed.

I bet your connectors are getting loose and causing the failure. Are you having to use pliers to loosen the connector when they fail?

 

[nomadradio]

Had good results with the mounts from Tram/Browning. Or is it Browning/Tram?

Was easier to remember when their name was "Wholesale Parts".

At least their mounts have the notches.

73

 

[Slowmover]

I’m trying to get a handle on this as stud failure (?) is the topic?

— The coax is outside the arm in the wind?

Given that, my approach has been to both tape the connection and zip-tie the coax to the arm where proper slack removes pressure on the connecting pieces.

I normally use a 90-degree connector to keep the coax from having to make that bend.

— Granted, none of my installs are left alone or even exist as long as one year the past seven years.

The latest install is the one which should be “permanent”. (No notched pieces at mirror arm).

I’ve just assumed occasional tightening is matter of course. Paying for AMPHENOL adaptors has been the real price to pay (strong enough to not strip apart).

1). The last “permanent” install was on a 367 Peterbilt and I used blue Loctite to secure adapters. No tightening was required. That was good for over a year of use before moving to another job.

2). Taped connections over UV-resistant split loom and UV-resistant zip-ties every 6” on the arm.

I’m not trying to say the problem doesn’t exist, but I’m not seeing “worn-out” studs (if, again, I’m understanding this correctly).

I’d certainly prefer supply as used was of the better quality to mate and relieve stress.

.

 

[Handy Andy]

Ok, gently use a hacksaw and carefully trim - cut - burnish notches in 90 degree fashion to help with the seating - you don't need much and not too many people are comfortable with it.

Others I've see just "crush" the knurl ring so snug it forms it's own detents to help keep it from backing out - can't do that to all types. However, for some - they can and it works. It's just Chrome/Nickel to Brass - bends easy enough.

 

[FredTx63]

I just bought a breedlove stake pocket mount and the stud in it doesn't have notches for the pl259. I was wondering how well that was going to work...