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Mounting a Basebox5 to a RocketDish

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Sun, 07/10/2022 - 14:47
#1
KG7LMI
KG7LMI's picture
Mounting a Basebox5 to a RocketDish

I'm looking at using a Mikrotik Basebox 5 radio mounted to a Ubiquiti RocketDish (specifically, an RD-5G30-LW with ISO-BEAM-620). However, the mounting systems for the radio and the dish are totally different. A Google search has not turned up any adapters or how-to guides, so I'm wondering if anyone has tried this and if so, how did you accomplish it? It's clear you could use some zip ties, but I'm looking for a more robust solution. My fallback is to design a 3D-printed adapter in my CAD tool that holds the Basebox to a slide & lock plate that matches the Ubiquiti mounting system, but this is the last resort. Does anyone know of an off-the-shelf solution or a good process to mate these two devices?

Thanks,

Rob KG7LMI

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Sun, 07/10/2022 - 15:51
AB7PA
Adapter brackets?

I think several vendors make adapter brackets.  Someone with direct experience can comment further, but here is one possibility:
https://rfelements.com/assets/Uploads/Datasheet-EasyBracket-912.pdf
 

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Sun, 07/10/2022 - 20:21
(Reply to #2)
KG7LMI
KG7LMI's picture
Yup, that will work. I see
Yup, that will work. I see why my search didn't find it - text says it adapts to a sector antenna and I was searching for RocketDish. It's always the search terms ... ;-)

Thank you!

73, Rob KG7LMI
 
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Sun, 07/10/2022 - 21:00
(Reply to #3)
KG7LMI
KG7LMI's picture
If anyone has a good source
If anyone has a good source for these in the US, please post the URL. It appears to be discontinued according to the RF Elements site, and ISPsupplies.com and Streakwave.com no longer have it. I found them really cheap in the UK/EU, but shipping is more than $100!! Over $100 with shipping on Amazon as well. Sigh ...


Rob KG7LMI
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Sun, 07/10/2022 - 22:51
(Reply to #4)
w6bi
w6bi's picture
Shipping
I saw that as well.  Wonder if someone could 3d print some for us...
Orv W6BI
 
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Mon, 07/11/2022 - 19:17
(Reply to #5)
KG7LMI
KG7LMI's picture
3D-printing a Basebox to UBNT adapter

I decided it was easier to design and print one than to find this elusive product. I designed the base and printed a prototype that fit perfectly. Not bad given I didn't have an example to start from other than an online image and a few measurements. I am waiting for the Baseboxes to arrive so I can determine the mounting hole placements. I'll post the STL file when I'm done.

Rob KG7LMI

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Mon, 07/11/2022 - 23:25
(Reply to #6)
KG7LMI
KG7LMI's picture
Re: 3D-printing a Basebox to UBNT adapter

The mounting holes were rather obvious once I thought about it. I still don't have a Basebox to try this with, but I think it will work. I did look at how it was going to mount on the back of the precision mounting apparatus and the Basebox is MUCH bigger. With the weather cap off, it will fit below the nose of the antenna but it's too wide for the cover. With the cap on, it hits the nose of the antenna, so I'm going to try a spacer that will bring the Basebox away from the frame enough to allow the use of the weather cap. I bought the flexguide cables because the standard UNBT wires are too short for that mounting scenario. We'll see ...

If anyone is interested in the STL file to try this themselves, I can post it n my GitHub account.

Rob KG7LMI

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Tue, 07/12/2022 - 07:24
(Reply to #7)
N3WTT
Alternativly, or in addition,
Alternativly, or in addition, maybe post on Thingiverse? I am also searching radio 3d prints there. Might be worth a look into. 
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Tue, 07/12/2022 - 13:48
(Reply to #8)
KG7LMI
KG7LMI's picture
Re: Thingiverse
That's easy. I already have an account and a small number of things posted, but I did not want to post it there until I've had a chance to try it with an actual device. I was suggesting GitHub as a "staging area." I suppose I can post it with a lot of caveats...

Rob KG7LMI
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Tue, 07/12/2022 - 12:41
KV3T
KV3T's picture
I'm following your progress. 
I'm following your progress.  This adaptor issue has prevented me from using those basebox devices up to now.

How does 3d printed material hold up to long term uv exposure?
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Tue, 07/12/2022 - 14:12
(Reply to #10)
KG7LMI
KG7LMI's picture
Re: UV exposure
I have a number of things I've made that are constantly exposed to the elements (in Arizona, no less) and they're fine. You just have to print using the right material. Definitely not PLA! I generally use this chart to begin the material selection process, and it says the best material for UV exposure is Acrylic Styrene Acrylonitrile (ASA). I haven't tried that one yet, but IMHO the adapter will be shaded by the dish or the radio most of the time; for the installation I have planned, temperature extremes are more of a consideration.

I will probably print mine in Taulman Tech-G (PETG), as it is my go-to material for mountaintop locations, but you can also consider nylon or Taulman Alloy 910. Note that these all require much higher print temperatures as well as a heated bed (245°C extruder temp, 64°C bed temp for PETG for example). ABS might work as well. Personally, I am biased against ABS because of the smell ;-) As usual, it all depends on your specific situation, assuming you have a printer capable of using these materials.

Rob KG7LMI
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Wed, 07/13/2022 - 23:41
KV3T
KV3T's picture
Thanks for the detailed
Thanks for the detailed response.  I didn't know there was so many UV stable options.
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Tue, 07/19/2022 - 23:03
KG7LMI
KG7LMI's picture
Adapter 3D-printed design has been posted

I've posted 2 versions of the part: a 1:1 version and an extended/offset version on Thingiverse. See the Thingiverse description for more info. The second version was required to better fit my application of a Basebox5 mounted to a RocketDish RD 5G-30-LW.

Best, Rob KG7LMI

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