Equipping your vehicle with a police scanner is a fantastic way to stay informed and connected to local happenings. A crucial part of setting up your scanner is installing an external antenna for optimal reception. Often, this involves using an NMO (New Motorola) mount, a robust and reliable option favored by professionals and enthusiasts alike. This guide will walk you through the process of installing an NMO mount for your police scanner antenna, ensuring a secure, waterproof, and effective setup in your car.
Choosing the right antenna mount is essential, and the NMO mount stands out for its durability and performance. Known for its waterproof design when properly installed, the NMO mount ensures a solid connection even if you remove the antenna. While installation is straightforward, understanding the steps is key, especially if you’re new to car modifications.
Here’s a step-by-step process to install an NMO mount for your police scanner antenna:
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Preparation is Key: Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary tools. You’ll need a 3/4 inch hole saw, a drill, and tools for tightening the mount – needle-nose pliers and ideally a 15/16ths wrench or channel lock pliers. Research the best location on your vehicle for the antenna. Consider a spot on the roof for optimal signal reception, ensuring it’s away from obstructions.
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Drilling the Hole: This is the most critical step. Using your 3/4 inch hole saw, carefully drill a hole at your chosen location. Take your time and ensure the hole is clean and burr-free for a proper mount seating.
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Mounting from the Top: Feed the coaxial cable through the newly drilled hole from above. It’s important to remember to install the NMO mount from the top down. Attempting to install it from underneath will not work due to its design.
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O-Ring Integrity: Locate the O-ring on the NMO mount. Ensure it is correctly seated in its groove on the mount’s ring. This O-ring is vital for creating a waterproof seal. Carefully position it to avoid pinching or cutting it during installation, as this is the most common cause of leaks.
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Securing the Mount: On the part of the mount where the coax cable attaches, you’ll notice two small holes. These are designed for a specialized tool to prevent the mount from spinning while tightening. If you don’t have this tool, needle-nose pliers fit perfectly into these holes, providing the necessary leverage.
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Tightening the Ring: Now, carefully tighten the ring onto the mount. Avoid overtightening. The goal is to compress the O-ring to create a waterproof seal and ensure the metal of the ring makes good contact with the vehicle’s metal. Overtightening can damage or even break the mount. A 15/16ths wrench is the correct size, but channel lock pliers can also work effectively.
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Connecting Your Scanner: Once the mount is securely installed, connect the coaxial cable to your police scanner. Ensure this connection is also secure for optimal performance.
By following these steps, you can confidently install an NMO mount for your police scanner antenna in your car. Proper installation ensures not only the best possible reception for your scanner but also a long-lasting, weatherproof setup. Take your time, double-check each step, and you’ll be enjoying enhanced police scanner performance in no time.
