2.4 GHz Mobile Antenex Antenna

**Mrbmw99** · 01-15-2005, 03:20 AM

Hi All! I am getting around to building the computer system now finally so I can stop bringing the laptop in and out of the truck... I am planning out what features I would like, one of which is 802.11b. I would like to get a PCI card that is rather small so it will fit into my case, and then have an external antenna. I do not really want to have a cheap setup, I would rather wait to save up the funds to buy the right equipment. I see cheaper looking antennas on eBay, such as: 7db Mobile Antenna. I would like to know what else is out there for a mobile setup? I want something a little more permanate, and unobtrusive/ugly. I was going through pictures for other purposes earlier when I remembered the antennas we use at the local PD for the data networks. I believe they are made by Antenex, but I am not sure. I will attach a photo from file that shows one. These things are really flat overall, and fairly easy on the eye. There are also mini little antennas made by several companies that use an NMO mount, as seen in the second picture. My basic question is, has anyone had any experiance with any of these antennas? Either way, what can someone recommend to me for a higher-quality yet low profile antenna that will work great for 802.11b purposes?

As a sidenote, I have a few devices already in the truck that use antennas. I have tried and tried up to this point to keep them all inside. I have been very lucky with the results so far. I have an 800MHz radio with the antenna inside the extended cab and the GPS mouse in the corner of the windsheild. I just put the XM antenna on today, but I was in a hurry and threw it onto the top outside

. I would like to hide it inside too, but I really don't want to clutter the windshield with the GPS and XM together.

**vintageb3** · 01-15-2005, 04:57 AM

I'm going to watch this thread...looks like you need the same as I do...

BUT...I need a USB solution...I don't have a case on my install...so a PCI card is not an option (no room either for PCI)

Maybe someone knows if you can add PCMCIA to a mini ITX sytem without a PCI card.

That antenna looks cool...would fit on the roof of my van with no need to remove at any time!

vintageb3

**old_lou** · 01-15-2005, 04:59 AM

Here's a starting point if you want to read up on it. Its a different topic but may be usefull.
Rear window defroster as antenna?

**Mrbmw99** · 01-17-2005, 01:17 AM

OK group, when I created this thread, I also created a thread on my favorite two-way radio technical site at Batboard.batlabs.com. They have helped answer many questions! See that thread at: http://batboard.batlabs.com/viewtopic.php?t=42078.

I will be using this model: http://www.hyperlinktech.com/web/hg2403urnmob-w.php mounted thru the roof.

I need to get the PC in first though

.

**0l33l** · 01-17-2005, 01:28 AM

Why go 802.11B when you can go 802.11G?

**rushnrockt** · 01-17-2005, 01:35 AM

Originally Posted by Mrbmw99

OK group, when I created this thread, I also created a thread on my favorite two-way radio technical site at Batboard.batlabs.com. They have helped answer many questions! See that thread at: http://batboard.batlabs.com/viewtopic.php?t=42078.

I will be using this model: http://www.hyperlinktech.com/web/hg2403urnmob-w.php mounted thru the roof.

I need to get the PC in first though

.

The antenna has a gain of 3db, which amounts to about x1.4 increase in signal strength, is that really enough for your purposes?

**Mrbmw99** · 01-17-2005, 01:55 AM

Thats what they said on the other board. There are a lot of knowledgable (spelling) people on there.. I didnt get a lot of feedback on this board so I have to go with their suggestion. I see that while it may be only 1.4 times the gain, the antenna is mounted outside the vehicle, which all by itself should make for a great signal...

As far as b/g, I realised that in the other thread and have decided to go G.

**0l33l** · 01-17-2005, 01:58 AM

Originally Posted by Mrbmw99

As far as b/g, I realised that in the other thread and have decided to go G.

I was debating that too, but then I looked into some PCI 802.11B/G cards and thought that I'd get one for wardriving.

**Mrbmw99** · 01-17-2005, 02:01 AM

Yeah thats what i'm going to do. The PCI card is here: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...121-008&depa=0

Tiny and cheap, and has a RP-SMA connector on it to use an external antenna.

**0l33l** · 01-17-2005, 02:07 AM

Originally Posted by Mrbmw99

Yeah thats what i'm going to do. The PCI card is here: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...121-008&depa=0

Tiny and cheap, and has a RP-SMA connector on it to use an external antenna.

I was planning on getting this card.