Slide Mount - Signal Loss?

[RoyInNaptown]

I picked up a couple slide mounts on eBay. I loved these things back in the 70's for quickly removing/installing the radio in the car. Looking at the design now I'm wondering if using one of these would result in some level of signal loss, and if so would it be more than a negligible amount. I'm think there would be some due to the fact that they introduce an inch or so of un-shielded cable by virtue of the copper contacts for the antenna.

I can testify that there is no negative affect on SWR. Just wondering if signal loss could be an issue. Opinions?

[Slyguy]

I would say there will be some but probably not noticeable. Hook up a watt meter just after the radio, before the mount. Then do the same thing after the mount and see what you get.

[RoyInNaptown]

Wattmeter test shows no change going through the mount vs direct. On the air testing shows no perceptible difference either way. I should probably stop tilting at this particular windmill.

[jessejamesdallas]

Haven't use one of those things since the 70's...Only problem I can remember with them was sometimes the copper contacts would not make a good contact and loose power to the radio or antenna...It was like the two halfs of the mount didn't always line up right.

[MDYoungblood]

I have them in my pickup so I can change out radios easier, only use them for power to the low output radios and the speaker/pa connections, I prefer to hook/unhook the PL259 connection. The higher output radios have "Anderson Power Plugs" on them.

3's

Greg

[wild willy]

I have them in my pickup so I can change out radios easier, only use them for power to the low output radios and the speaker/pa connections, I prefer to hook/unhook the PL259 connection. The higher output radios have "Anderson Power Plugs" on them.

3's

Greg

I just bought some Anderson connectors. I really like them.

[MDYoungblood]

Anderson Power Plugs are the only way to go if you have to remove your radio, I have had to repair a few radios because of using the plug on the back. They come in all colors, I use red and black naturally for power, green for ground, orange (PA) and blue for speakers.

3's

Greg