Installation Manual

6881096C72-B September 9, 2003
Standard Configurations: Antenna Installation 2-15
2.5.1 Selecting an Antenna Site/Location on a Metal Body Vehicle
1. External installation – Check the requirements of the antenna supplier and install the
vehicle antenna external to a metal body vehicle in accordance with those requirements.
2. Roof top – For optimum performance and compliance with RF Energy Safety standards,
mount the antenna in the center area of the roof.
3. Trunk lid – On some vehicles with clearly defined, flat trunk lids, the antennas of some radio
models (see restrictions below) can also be mounted on the center area of the trunk lid. For
vehicles without clearly defined, flat trunk lids (such as hatchback autos, sport uitility vehicles,
and pick-up trucks), mount the antenna in the center area of the roof.
Before installing an antenna on the trunk lid,
- Be sure that the distance from the antenna location on the trunk lid will be at least 85 cm
(33 inches) from the front surface of the rear seat-back to assure compliance with RF
Energy Safety standards.
- Ensure that the trunk lid is grounded by connecting grounding straps between the trunk lid
and the vehicle chassis.
IF THESE CONDITIONS CANNOT BE SATISFIED, THEN MOUNT THE ANTENNA ON
THE ROOF TOP!
4. Mounting restrictions for certain radio models
For 40 Watt UHF models, the 1/4 wave antenna
should be mounted only in the center
area of the roof, not on the trunk lid, to assure compliance with RF Energy Safety
standards.
5. Ensure that the antenna cable can be easily routed to the radio. Route the antenna cable as
far away as possible from any vehicle electronic control units and associated wiring.
6. Check the antenna location for any electrical interference.
7. Ensure that any other mobile radio antenna on this vehicle is at least one foot (30.48 cm)
away from this antenna.
NOTE: Any two metal pieces rubbing against each other (such as seat springs, shift levers,
trunk and hood lids, exhaust pipes, etc.) in close proximity to the antenna can cause
severe receiver interference.
2.5.2 Mini-UHF Connection
To ensure a secure connection of an antenna cable’s mini-UHF plug to a radio’s mini-UHF jack, their
interlocking features must be properly engaged. If they are not properly engaged, the system will
loosen. Using a tool (pliers or wrench) will not overcome a poor engagement, and is not
recommended.
NOTE: Applying excessive force with a tool can cause damage to the antenna or the connector (e.g.,
stripping threads, deforming the collar or connector, or causing the connector to twist in the
housing opening and break).
The mini-UHF connector tool (Motorola part number HLN6695_) is designed to securely tighten the
antenna plug–radio jack connection without damaging either the plug or the jack.