Signal losses using Airstream cellular antenna pre-wire

[FredWilma]

Hello everyone,

I plan to install a cellular rooftop antenna using the existing airstream pre-wire that runs from under the removable cap on the roof to the AV cabinet area and connect to a Peplink cellular modem located in this area.

I plan to use a Peplink antenna with a 12” cable to keep the cable length as short as possible. I am concerned about signal attenuation because of the additional connector needed between the Peplink antenna cable and the pre-wire.

My question to there that have completed a similar installation is what is your experience with signal strength ? Any issues?

A second question: does anyone know the pre-wire connector type at the rooftop?

Thanks everyone.

[Tyler2you]

SMA for the cellular and RP-SMA for the WIFI.

Why do you need the additional cable between the pre-wire and the peplink? Can't you just connect the cables directly to the modem?

I had to use a 12" pigtail because my modem uses TS9 connectors. No issues with signal strength.

[kittmaster]

With proper mating connectors, you will not see any noticeable signal losses.....that being said:

As mentioned, the pre-wire is designed to work with the Peplink BR1-mini and similar family lines... so why are you looking to add connectors or trying to shorten lines vs. just connecting and be done with it?

If you are trying to save a dB or 2 by shorting the wires, that is a fools errand... at those frequencies and cables being used, it won't make any difference in the end result and already been factored in long ago on what is needed to make the system work effectively.

[Tyler2you]

Originally Posted by Tyler2you

Why do you need the additional cable between the pre-wire and the peplink? Can't you just connect the cables directly to the modem?

Sorry--I see now you're talking about the connection between the pre-wire and the antenna, not the modem. Too early . . .

I wouldn't worry about the 12".

[JeffKim]

Adding my two cents, assuming you're going with a 2x2 cable and modem (the AS Connected default), if I recall others recommend the short 1' cable antenna since it has to tuck into the cavity under the antenna (it screws into the AS Connected cables).

I went with a Peplink 42G, 4x4 (there are a number of threads on this) for much better antenna gain and pulled the 6' antenna cable(s) through. It wasn't too difficult on our FBT. Of course, this requires a more expensive modem/router, so just depends on your situation. We boondock a lot so I was going for the best reception.

Our 2x2 cable was about 20' total tucked in the speaker area, so I don't know much about attenuation, but going to 6' with the 4x4 was probably an improvement.