Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!cs.utexas.edu!sdd.hp.com!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!casbah.acns.nwu.edu!accuvax.nwu.edu!nucsrl!telecom-request
From: srm@dimacs.rutgers.edu (Scott R. Myers)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Information Needed About Cellular Antennas
Message-ID: <15427@accuvax.nwu.edu>
Date: 16 Dec 90 05:01:17 GMT
Sender: news@accuvax.nwu.edu
Organization: Rutgers University
Lines: 39
Approved: Telecom@eecs.nwu.edu
X-Submissions-To: telecom@eecs.nwu.edu
X-Administrivia-To: telecom-request@eecs.nwu.edu
X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 10, Issue 883, Message 2 of 9


I need an education on antennas.  I'm purchasing a transportable and
want to install an antenna on my car for greater signal strength when
driving.  I have a fair understanding of the different types (roof
mount, trunk mount, glass mount, etc.).  What I want to know is the
layman's explanation of Db's.  I see ads for 3db trunk mounts and 5db
glass mounts.  The impression I'm given is the 5db glass mounts are
very acceptable for signal strength.  How do they compare to roof and
trunk mounts?  Just what are Db's anyhow?

I have a second part to this question.  I have read about the cabling
used in antenna installs (RG-58).  Based on what I'm reading, there is
significant signal loss with that type of coax run long distances (ie.
trunk to front passenger side seat.).  Would using another guage of
coax reduce the amount of signal loss from the cable?  Any other
recommendations to cut down on signal loss as well as the best antenna
configurations.  Thanks in advance.


Scott R. Myers
Snail:	26 Stiles Street		Phone:(201)352-4162
        Apartment 18   			Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Arpa:	srm@dimacs.rutgers.edu		Uucp: ..!dimacs!srm


[Moderator's Note: In any form of radio service, antennas are 'where
it is at' when discussing the overall performance of the radio.
Antennas are, IMHO, 75 percent of the radio's performance. The least
expensive radio will talk like a million dollars when the antenna is
properly tuned. In long-ago days, when I ran, again IMHO, a *very
good* CB site involved with Northern Illinois REACT, I fretted about
the antenna constantly. With cellular though, and the saturation of
cell-sites in metro areas, I dunno how much you need to worry. I had a
5db antenna on my handheld (which could easily be used on the bag
phone also) and it poked me in the ribs constantly, and was always
getting bent and banged around. I swapped it for a tiny little 1/8
wave antenna which is barely noticeable. The difference is miniscule,
but that is the Chicago cellular scene. Where you're at may be a lot
different. Reader comments?   PAT]