Antennas have various wireless applications, from vehicle fleets to control cabinets, machinery, base stations, and mobile hotspots. So, finding the best antenna for your network is critical.
However, a high-performance antenna will only be effective if mounted correctly. Hence, it would be best to have a reliable antenna mount.
Nowadays, many types of mounts exist, each designed for a specific need. Hence, it is essential to know about each type.
Through-hole Mounts
A through-hole surface mount antenna is an excellent permanent solution. This option is ideal for vehicles and electronic enclosures. It offers a sleek, unobtrusive look from the outside and easy cable management.
A through-hole mount, known for its reliability, stays in place, making it a low-maintenance and worry-free choice. Unsurprisingly, this is one of the most popular types of antenna mounts, instilling a sense of security in our customers.
The antenna cables pass from the radome through the hollow mounting bolt. Thus, the antenna can sit flush on a vehicle roof or cabinet top.
A single hole drilled into the mounting surface accommodates the bolt. And then, the antenna is fastened underneath with a heavy-duty nut and washer.
An example popular with emergency vehicles is the Pantheon MA750. This versatile solution provides cellular, WiFi, and GPS elements in a single radome.
Magnetic Mounts
As the name suggests, a magnetic mount secures an antenna to a metallic surface. This antenna mounting style is perfect for fixed and mobile installations.
Vehicles, electronic enclosures, and other temporary communication applications use magnetic antennas. They’re an alternative for locations where drilling a hole is not feasible due to cost or aesthetics.
Magnetic antennas are popular with vehicles. They provide convenient placement on a car roof or trunk lid and allow easy repositioning and removal.
High-performance vehicle antennas have strong magnetic bases to resist wind speeds of over 100 KM/H. Manufacturers often include a soft foam gasket to protect the surface during the attachment and removal.
Once the antenna pole mount is in place, be aware that sliding it around can scratch the surface. Note that not all vehicles work with a magnetic mount. Cars and trucks with aluminum or fiberglass panels will not support this antenna fixture.
A magnetic mount may be integrated into the antenna base or offered as an accessory. For example, the Taoglas MA354, a 4-in-1 5G and WiFi 6 combination antenna, highlights the advantages of magnetic mounting.
Magnetic base accessories such as the MMB.A.EXTMA.19 accommodate external surface mount antennas. Hence, they convert a through-hole mount to a magnetic one.
Adhesive Antenna Mounts
Sometimes, a simple solution is all it takes, and an adhesive mount does the job for many antennas. This mount type is an excellent option if you have a surface that will take well to an adhesive. A great example of such a surface is glass or metal.
Adhesive mounts are easy to install, but moving them might be challenging. However, unlike the through-bolt and magnetic mounts, installation takes a minute. Plus, there’s no risk of accidentally scratching the surface.
Many adhesive mounts, such as the Taoglas TGA400 5G antenna, can withstand harsh environments.
Antenna Poles and Wall Mounts
These mounts are standard permanent mounting solutions for buildings and structures. A wall-mount bracket requires drilling a few holes into a surface. On the other hand, U-bolts and fasteners usually secure a pole-mount bracket.
The benefit to this style of mounting is you can easily position the antenna to capture the most signal.
For example, brackets like the F26-100 offer a hole pattern for quick installation if you’re mounting a directional antenna. In addition, you can install antenna poles and mounts on just about any surface. They can also support the weight of a heavy antenna.
New Motorola Mounts
The New Motorola Mount (NMO) is versatile and easily installed. Generally, an NMO offers a standard threaded connector that allows you to screw on the antenna of choice.
Manufacturers fix the RF cable to the base opposite the connector. The NMO base offers various installation options, such as magnetic or through-hole. It is only compatible with NMO antennas.
An NMO antenna mount is best for many land mobile radio antennas and is especially popular for vehicle communication. You can exchange it if the existing antenna gets damaged without removing the NMO.
Suction Cup Mounts
If you’re looking for something plug-and-play, suction cup mounts meet your needs. They can be installed quickly and mounted on windows, windshields, and smooth surfaces.
Suction cup mounts can be easily removed, so this is an option if you require a simple antenna mounting style.
Other Antenna Mounts
There are many other mounting options for specific applications. Antennas for covert operations, marine, and mining, as well as ones worn on your body, require a unique design. You can explore additional mounting choices from a list on our antenna page.
Pick the Right Mount for Your Antenna
There is an off-the-shelf mount that works for your situation. Through-hole antenna mounts are your answer if you want a secure mobile option. A pole or wall antenna mount might best fit if you need a heavy-duty fixed solution.
Your situation may require an antenna with adhesive backing for an easily installed yet secure mount. Westward Sales has everything from Taoglas antennas to mounting accessories for your wireless network.
Contact us today and speak with one of our experts. We’ll help you find the right communication equipment for your job.
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