Advice on mounting 5G antenna

[cowgoesmoo69]

I've got a 5G antenna that i'd like to mount on the pop top of my van. One of these: https://www.teltonika-networks.com/...options/5g-combo-mimo-mobile-roof-sma-antenna

It seems like a straightforward enough thing to install, suggests a 28mm diameter hole, seems to have a reasonable rubber gasket with it. Anyone have any great words of wisdom to offer before I pluck up the courage to drill a hole in the roof?

 

[Dellmassive]

I've got a Puk antennas. Not fitted.

My issue was the fly leads were only about 1m long.

So not long enough to go from the pop top down to where the router position needed to be.

So what's your plan on placing the antenna ?
and where are you going to place your routerf? Have you got some pictures on your layout?

 

[cowgoesmoo69]

The leads on this antenna are about 3m which will be plenty, will probably cut them to length and remake the ends once it's installed.

When the van was converted I got the guy to install a PV panel on the pop top so I already have a cable route down into the back corner where there's space to mount the router alongside other charging/electrical bits and pieces, and I can pick up a fused power supply from one of the spare ways on the 12V distribution unit.

Not sure I'll have space next to the PV panel to mount it so will need to go a bit further forwards with it. I'll have a look in a bit and send some photos.

 

[cowgoesmoo69]

This is what my pop top looks like, might have to go forward of the PV panel, but haven't held it up there yet to see what it's like alongside.


Inside, the cable from the panel terminates with a nylon stuffing gland, and it looks like there's a single layer of ply at that point at the back, but also it appears to get thicker, maybe another layer of board?, forward of that point (can see the line where it changes in the second photo below).


And then in the back corner underneath I've got loads of space for mounting stuff.


I need to take the van back to the converter at some point anyway as the reversing camera isn't working and he's going to look at it FoC, so maybe I'll chicken out and just get him to do it lol.

 

[monkeybusiness]

Right on que I recieved my ariel 'puck' yesterday. There isn't a chance I was drilling through my pop top so I bought this:


Magnetic base so I can take it off when needed. Slight problem that the hole isn't big enough (by about 2mm) so I'll drill it out.
Cable isn't that long but my router is battery powered so doesnt need constant power.

 

[Skyliner33]

Right on que I recieved my ariel 'puck' yesterday. There isn't a chance I was drilling through my pop top so I bought this:

View attachment 321530
Magnetic base so I can take it off when needed. Slight problem that the hole isn't big enough (by about 2mm) so I'll drill it out.
Cable isn't that long but my router is battery powered so doesnt need constant power.

Is it a Poynting puck? Didn”t you get a magnetic base with it?

 

[monkeybusiness]

Is it a Poynting puck? Didn”t you get a magnetic base with it?

FFS I did! I thought it was a bit of plastic trim

 

[cowgoesmoo69]

my other concern, aside from drilling a hole in the pop top, is how much height it will add to the van. the antenna is about 55mm high, don't want to start hitting 2m car park barriers.

maybe side mount will be better. the driver's side sliding door is not going to be opened very often at all, so could go near the back in the metal van panel? might be slightly better in terms of antenna performance anyway as it will have a groundplane then, vs nothing from the pop top.