Starlink and HAM Radio

[Tyrelvanniekerk]

Hi,

I got a Solitude 367RD a few days ago and I want to know what options I have to run cables to the roof. Are there any good video's on the subject?

I know there is a spot in the front storage compartment that goes up to the roof, but I am not sure how large that channel is. I am considering getting StarLink. I need to figure out how to mount it on the roof (I don't want it to move in high winds) and get the wire down. I would also like to mount some HAM radio antennas on the roof. That's a thick cable and I don't know if there's a way to get the cable into the main living area somewhere.

Thanks,
Tyrel

 

[Soundsailor]

A lot will depend on where you want to mount the equipment inside the coach. You will most likely need to drill a hole to run the cables, you may only need a short run if you're able to mount the internal equipment near where the hole is. Here's a thread on wiring for solar, some of the ideas may be relevant to you. Here's an older thread that is a bit more specific.

 

[jkwilson]

The structure available in the roof likely isn’t going to be sufficient for mounting for anything but antennas for sub 2 meter bands if you plan to leave them there while driving, not to mention your rig is already very close to 13’6”.

I’d look at a telescoping painter’s pole or an RV antenna pole mounted on the ladder when you stop. It will get you up 23 or 24ft in the air and you can just dismount before driving.

 

[Soundsailor]

For getting the cables inside, I found this in my RV wish list: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MMH1B2?th=1 They're designed for boats but should work fine on an RV as well.

 

[Tyrelvanniekerk]

Thanks for the replies.

I am currently living full-time in this RV and am a permanent resident of the same RV park. I don't have any plans to actually RV; this is just my home for this season.

As for the antennas, I was thinking of doing something like one of those multi-antenna ham stick arrangements. If I ever had to move, I would simply unscrew all the antennas and leave only the base. I could do something external, but then I probably need a way to get a fitting to go through a wall so I can hook up an antenna outside/inside.

If I go with StarLink, it would probably be the cheaper (smaller) antenna. I could certainly attach it to a pole and tie the pole to the ladder, then figure out how to get the cable into the RV.

 

[kb0zke]

Mounting an antenna and running the coax puzzled me for quite a few years. Last year I hit upon the solution. The antenna is mounted on a painter's pole stuck in a piece of 4" pvc about 2' long. I have a long block for the tongue jack, and I simply put a 4" hole in it. Easy enough to change the antenna when desired, or to take it all down when weather isn't cooperating. The radio is also outside. Each radio (I have two) is equipped with Anderson Power Pole connectors, as is the power wire from the battery connection. I just put up the antenna, set the radio up on the picnic table, connect the coax and power, and I'm on the air. Takes maybe 10 minutes from everything stowed for travel to on the air, and 10 minutes to stow it all again. I don't put anything out until I'm ready to play radio, then the piece of pvc is left in the block until time to pack up to travel.

I tried lashing the pole to the ladder, but that still let the problem of getting the coax inside. That's what I did with the previous RV (Foretravel MH), but this trailer doesn't have a bumper, so nothing for the base of the pole to rest on.

Sorry, I don't use StarLink, so can't help you with ideas for that.

 

[jkwilson]

Routing coax inside is fairly easy. Getting it where you want it can be hard.

Through the hose port into the basement, then up through the air return has you inside the trailer. You can also slip it under the slide. Might have to cover some gaps with that method.