GME ABL001 4.5M Universal Antenna Base & Lead

4.5m Universal Antenna Base and Lead Low-Loss Foam Coax, PL259 Connector, Suits 27 MHz and 477 MHz UHF CB

Product Overview

The GME ABL001 is a universal antenna base with 4.5 metres of low-loss foam coaxial cable and a standard PL259 connector, suited to both 27 MHz CB and 477 MHz UHF CB antennas. The 5/16" TPI thread accepts the majority of Australian CB and UHF CB antenna whips, and the 4.5m lead provides sufficient cable length for most vehicle routing needs.

The ABL001 uses a ground-dependent design the antenna's performance depends on a good electrical ground connection to the vehicle's metal body. Unlike a no-ground plane (NGP) antenna base, the ABL001 uses the vehicle body as a ground plane, which is the conventional setup for most CB and UHF CB installations.

Features & Benefits

• 4.5m low-loss foam coaxial cable — low-loss foam construction minimises signal attenuation over the cable run; 4.5m provides routing length for most vehicle installations
• Standard PL259 connector — the industry-standard PL259 plug connects directly to most CB and UHF radio antenna inputs
• Dual frequency compatibility — suits both 27 MHz CB and 477 MHz UHF CB antennas
• 5/16" TPI thread — accepts standard Australian UHF CB and CB antenna whips using the 5/16" TPI thread standard
• Ground-dependent design — uses the vehicle's metal body as the antenna ground plane; provides conventional antenna performance on steel-bodied vehicles
• Universal — not vehicle-specific; suits a wide range of mounting configurations and vehicle types (steel body required for ground plane)

Technical Specs

Compatible With / Goes Well With

• Standard 5/16" TPI CB and UHF CB antennas from GME and other compatible brands
• 27 MHz CB radios and 477 MHz UHF CB radios with PL259 antenna input
• Vehicles and installations with a ferrous (steel) body for ground plane

Weight

0.49kg

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "ground dependent" mean for antenna performance?

A ground-dependent antenna base uses the metal body of the vehicle as an electrical ground plane — the ground plane is the reflective surface that works with the antenna element to produce the antenna's radiation pattern. This is the conventional design for most vehicle CB and UHF CB installations. The downside is that vehicles with fibreglass bodies, aluminium canopies, or other non-metallic bodies do not provide the required ground plane, and a ground-dependent base will perform poorly in these applications. A no-ground plane (NGP) antenna system generates its own artificial ground plane and is the appropriate choice for non-metallic vehicle bodies.

What is low-loss foam coaxial cable?

Low-loss foam coaxial cable uses a foamed (expanded) polyethylene dielectric instead of solid PE, which reduces the cable's dielectric constant and lowers signal attenuation. In practice, this means more of the signal from the radio reaches the antenna (and vice versa) compared to standard solid-dielectric coax of the same length. For short cable runs this difference is minor; over longer runs it becomes more meaningful for signal quality.

Is 4.5m enough cable for most installations?

For most vehicle installations — entering the cabin through the A-pillar or door seal, routing under the dash to the radio — 4.5m is typically sufficient. Larger vehicles such as trucks, buses, or installations requiring routing through the chassis may need additional cable. If extra length is needed, a coaxial cable extension with the appropriate connectors can be used.

How does the ABL001 differ from the AB001 and AB406?

The AB001 is a universal base only — no cable or connector included, and no mounting style confirmed. The AB406 is a magnetic base with lead and plug. The ABL001 specifies 4.5m of low-loss foam coax with PL259, 5/16" TPI thread, dual 27/477 MHz compatibility, ground-dependent design, and has a confirmed weight of 0.49kg — making it the most completely specified antenna base in the GME range listed here. The mounting style of the ABL001 is not confirmed in the supplier data; confirm with GME.

Will this base work on a vehicle with an aluminium or fibreglass body?

No — the ground-dependent design requires a steel (ferrous) vehicle body to provide the antenna ground plane. On aluminium, fibreglass, or plastic-bodied vehicles, a no-ground plane (NGP) antenna system is required for proper antenna performance.