GME ABL002 Elevated-feed Antenna Base - Stainless Steel

Elevated-Feed Stainless Steel Antenna Base Ground Independent, 4.5m Low-Loss Foam Coax, Suits Fibreglass, Aluminium and Steel Bodies

Product Overview

The GME ABL002 is an elevated-feed stainless steel antenna base with 4.5 metres of low-loss foam coaxial cable. The elevated-feed, ground-independent design means it does not rely on the vehicle's metal body as a ground plane making it suitable for fibreglass, aluminium, plastic, and non-metallic vehicle bodies as well as conventional steel-bodied vehicles.

This sets the ABL002 apart from the ABL001 (ground-dependent): where the ABL001 requires a conductive steel body to function correctly, the ABL002 is the appropriate choice for fibreglass boats, aluminium canopies, non-metallic roof racks, and similar installations.

The ABL002 uses a BSW (British Standard Whitworth) thread note this is a different thread standard from the 5/16" TPI used on the ABL001, AB001, and AB406. Confirm your antenna uses a BSW thread before purchasing.

Features & Benefits

• Ground-independent / elevated-feed design — does not require a conductive vehicle body for ground plane; suitable for fibreglass, aluminium, and non-metallic vehicle and vessel bodies
• Stainless steel construction — corrosion-resistant stainless finish suited to marine, coastal, and harsh outdoor environments
• 4.5m low-loss foam coaxial cable — same low-loss foam coax as the ABL001; minimises signal attenuation over the full cable run
• BSW thread — British Standard Whitworth antenna thread; confirm your antenna uses BSW thread before purchasing as this differs from the 5/16" TPI standard
• Suits 4WD, marine, and recreational applications — the ground-independent design and stainless steel finish make this equally suited to boats, fibreglass 4WD canopies, and similar off-road applications

Technical Specs

Compatible With / Goes Well With

• Antennas with BSW thread base — confirm your antenna uses BSW thread before purchasing
• Fibreglass, aluminium, steel, and non-metallic vehicle and vessel bodies
• Marine and 4WD installations where ground-dependent bases are not suitable
• Fibreglass boats, aluminium ute canopies, non-metallic roof structures

Weight

Not specified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an elevated-feed design and why does it make this base ground independent?

In a conventional (ground-dependent) antenna base, the antenna's electrical ground return path runs through the mounting surface and the vehicle body — the body effectively forms the lower half of the antenna system. An elevated-feed design builds the counterpoise into the base itself, raising the feed point away from the mounting surface so the antenna generates its own ground plane without depending on the mounting material. This makes it suitable for non-metallic surfaces where a conventional base would perform poorly.

How does BSW thread differ from 5/16" TPI?

BSW (British Standard Whitworth) and 5/16" TPI are two different thread standards that are sometimes confused because they can appear similar. They are not interchangeable — a BSW antenna base will not correctly accept a 5/16" TPI antenna whip, and vice versa. Check your intended antenna's specification to confirm it uses a BSW thread base before purchasing the ABL002. GME's other antenna bases (AB001, AB406, ABL001) use 5/16" TPI.

Why is stainless steel preferred for antenna bases in marine and 4WD use?

Stainless steel resists corrosion from salt water, road grime, and UV exposure far better than standard steel or zinc-plated finishes. For marine installations in particular, salt air rapidly corrodes unprotected metals. A stainless base maintains a reliable electrical connection at the antenna mount over years of outdoor service.

Can the ABL002 be used on a conventional steel-bodied vehicle?

Yes — the ground-independent design works on steel bodies as well as non-metallic surfaces. However, on a standard steel vehicle a ground-dependent base (such as the ABL001) will also perform well and may be available at a lower price. The ABL002's ground-independent design is most valuable where the mounting surface is non-metallic.

How does the ABL002 compare to the ABL001?

Both bases include 4.5m of low-loss foam coaxial cable. Key differences: the ABL001 uses 5/16" TPI thread, has a ground-dependent design, and is confirmed to suit 27 MHz and 477 MHz antennas; the ABL002 uses BSW thread, has a ground-independent elevated-feed design, and is constructed in stainless steel. The ABL002 is the appropriate choice for non-metallic mounting surfaces; the ABL001 suits standard steel-bodied installations.