For enthusiasts looking to enhance their police scanner’s range and reception, a car mount antenna is an excellent upgrade. Specifically, the NMO (New Motorola Mount) type is a popular and reliable choice for vehicle installations. Known for its durability and waterproof nature when properly installed, the NMO mount ensures a stable connection for your Car Mount Police Scanner antenna. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to install an NMO mount, ensuring a secure and effective setup for your police scanner.
Step-by-Step NMO Mount Installation Guide for Police Scanners
Installing an NMO mount might seem daunting at first, but by following these steps, you can confidently set up your car mount police scanner antenna.
1. Preparing the Hole for Your NMO Car Mount
The first crucial step is drilling the correct size hole. For an NMO mount, a 3/4 inch hole is required. Accuracy is key here to ensure a snug and waterproof fit. Carefully measure and mark the location on your vehicle’s roof or desired mounting surface before drilling.
2. Inserting the NMO Mount from Above
Once the hole is drilled, feed the coaxial cable through the hole from above. It’s important to remember that the NMO mount is designed to be installed from the top down. Attempting to install it from underneath will not work due to its construction.
3. Ensuring a Waterproof Seal with the O-Ring
A critical component for a waterproof installation is the o-ring located on the NMO mount. Carefully check that the o-ring is correctly seated in its designated groove on the mount’s ring. This o-ring is what creates the waterproof seal. Leaks are almost always due to a pinched or improperly positioned o-ring, so take your time to ensure it’s perfect.
4. Securing the NMO Mount for Tightening
The NMO mount is designed with two small holes on the part where the coax cable attaches. These holes are intended for a specialized tool to prevent the mount from spinning while tightening the retaining ring. If you don’t have this tool, a pair of needle-nose pliers will fit perfectly into these holes, providing the necessary leverage to hold the mount steady.
5. Properly Tightening the Retaining Ring
When tightening the retaining ring onto the mount, avoid over-tightening. The goal is to compress the o-ring to create a watertight seal and ensure the metal of the ring makes good contact with the vehicle’s metal. Over-tightening can damage or even break the mount, compromising the installation.
6. Wrench Size and Alternatives for Tightening
The correct wrench size for the retaining ring is 15/16ths. However, if you don’t have this specific wrench size, a pair of channel-lock pliers can also work effectively to tighten the ring to the correct torque.
Conclusion
Installing an NMO car mount for your police scanner antenna is a straightforward process when you follow these steps carefully. By paying attention to details like the o-ring placement and avoiding over-tightening, you can ensure a reliable, waterproof, and high-performing car mount police scanner setup. With a properly installed NMO mount, you’ll be ready to maximize the reception of your police scanner on the go.
