How to mount a patch antenna?

damoncooper · May 7, 2014

Just got a patch antenna, and I can literally screw it directly onto one of my LCD screen antenna ports and have it face in the general direction of "up and away" from me, but...

Are folks using a short SMA cable and adjustable patch antenna holder of some kind?

Any parts you can point me at to just click and buy?

Thanks in advance.

damoncooper · May 7, 2014

To answer my own post, I found these images online, which I think provides my answer: just screw it on! (And presumably keep it pointed at the bird)

jfischer · May 7, 2014

I was hoping to see some good replies to your post as I have the same question. A 45 degree sma connector would be nice... don't seem to be able to buy those.

jezric · May 8, 2014

Something like this?

http://www.pasternack.com/sma-male-sma- ... 381-p.aspx

Quick search for SMA 45 degree yielded quite a few.

damoncooper · May 8, 2014

Nice! Thanks for that link.

jfischer · May 8, 2014

I don't think buying a connector from a website for $90 counts... they are selling in bulk.

damoncooper · May 8, 2014

Doh! Ya. I'm going to mount directly onto the LCD and see how that goes.

jezric · May 8, 2014

Yeah, the one in the link is obviously way over priced and on second viewing, most that come up on search are not even available. The only "reasonable" one I have found it:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SMA-male-to-SMA ... 3ce0f45b39

But still, $25 is too much... My spiro antennas hold a bend in the wire itself. Other option would be to get an extender cable:

http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index. ... cts_id=250

...and then just create a clamp that holds it at the desired angle. 3D printer would be helpful here.