User's Guide

Ensure the cable is not loose from the connector.
Inspect for hard kinks or bends in the cable, which can cause an electrical short.
Inspect for cuts or nicks in the cable.
Coax shield. Do not expose the inner cable shield at the connector or anywhere along
the cable.
Connector. The center pin of the connector should not be recessed or pushed in to the
connector housing.
2. Replace the entire antenna base if the cables or connectors are damaged. Contact Itron Sup-
port Services if you need assistance.
Inspecting the Antenna Base and Whip
The antenna whip is the radiating element that both transmits and receives the signals for the
system. The whip attaches to a base. The base is either mounted permanently through the
roof of the vehicle, or is a magnet mount. Moisture can build up between the base and the
whip. This moisture buildup leads to oxidation and corrosion which results in a loss of signal
quality. Evidence of moisture buildup (oxidation) on the antenna base threads is usually light
and hazy in appearance. The appearance of darker areas or spots indicates a more severe
condition which may lead to corrosion.
1. Create a maintenance schedule and look for the following.
Oxidation, corrosion, and dirt on the antenna base.
Oxidation, corrosion, and dirt on the whip.
Missing contact element in the whip.
Loose or damaged coax cable at the antenna base.
Missing or damaged O-ring gasket.
2. Use a good contact cleaner to clean the area if oxidation or corrosion is found. Follow with a
good conductive protectant. Contact Itron Support Services if you need assistance.
Cleaning the Antenna
Regular cleaning is recommended to maintain both the performance and the appearance of
your omni-directional RF antenna.
Clean the antenna in the same manner as your vehicle. Apply a quality car wax to the
antenna and base to help protect the finish and extend the life of the antenna.
Note: Before taking the vehicle through an automatic car wash that might damage the
antenna, Itron recommends that you remove the antenna whip from the permanent base or
the magnetic base and antenna from the vehicle.
14 May 2019 TDC-1719-002 23
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 8. Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio