first bread run on the scooter, installing the Proxicast antenna

bread run

This was my first proper use of the bike. The Proxicast antenna was delivered this morning in town so I mounted the blue monster and took it to town.

First I made a stop at the grocery store to pick up a few items. Then to the USPS where I picked up the package. All the loot was carried in a canvas grocery bag hooked to the bag hook.

It really is an excellent machine. It behaved impeccably, was completely stable and predictable even when being pushed, and zipped up the mountain on the way back with verve. Terrific.

mounting the external antenna

Reminder: this antenna is 4x4 5G (≥600MHz) and 2x2 WiFi (2.4-6GHz). It matches all the external antenna ports on the Spitz AX router.

The antenna is tiny, like the size of a Yoplait yogurt cup. I got out the ladder and finalized my thoughts on where to mount it.

I wanted to mount it out of the way in the overcab storage bay. This meant up front and off to one side. The power feeds from the left side of the van so it’s mounted on that side.

There are flat spots on either side so I drilled a pilot hole then opened it up with a stepped bit. I fed the cables through and put the antenna down in the intended spot. I verified that all the wires made it through to the overcab area then climbed back up and cleaned the location with alcohol. Then back down and fitted the slotted lock washer and nut.

In the pic above you can see the top of the antenna by following the ladder’s left leg straight up.

I don’t know enough about mobile data metrics to test before and after, but I’m glad it’s done and I’m glad the router is moved out of sight.