GME ABL002 Elevated-feed Antenna Base - Stainless Steel

GME ABL002 Elevated-Feed Stainless Steel Antenna Base Ground Independent with 4.5M Low-Loss Foam Coax

A ground-independent elevated-feed antenna base from GME, the ABL002 is constructed from stainless steel with 4.5 metres of low-loss foam coaxial cable and a BSW thread, suiting fibreglass, aluminium, and non-metallic vehicle and vessel bodies as well as conventional steel bodies without requiring the vehicle body as a ground plane.

Product overview

The GME ABL002 is an elevated-feed, ground-independent antenna base designed to operate without relying on the vehicle's metal body as a ground plane. This makes it the appropriate choice for fibreglass boats, aluminium canopies, non-metallic roof racks, and similar installations where a conventional ground-dependent base such as the ABL001 would perform poorly. The ABL002 also works correctly on standard steel-bodied vehicles.

The stainless steel construction provides corrosion resistance suited to marine, coastal, and harsh outdoor environments. The 4.5m low-loss foam coaxial cable matches the specification used on the ABL001, minimising signal attenuation over the full cable run.

Note: the ABL002 uses a BSW (British Standard Whitworth) thread, which is a different standard from the 5/16" TPI thread used on the GME AB001, AB406, and ABL001. Confirm your antenna uses a BSW thread base before purchasing, as the two thread standards are not interchangeable.

Features and benefits

Ground-independent elevated-feed design - suits non-metallic bodies: The elevated-feed design builds the counterpoise into the base itself, generating its own ground plane without depending on the mounting surface material. This makes the ABL002 suitable for fibreglass, aluminium, plastic, and other non-metallic vehicle and vessel bodies, as well as conventional steel bodies.

Stainless steel construction - corrosion resistant: The stainless steel finish resists corrosion from salt water, road grime, and UV exposure, maintaining a reliable electrical connection at the antenna mount over years of outdoor and marine service.

4.5m low-loss foam coaxial cable: The same low-loss foam coaxial cable specification as the ABL001, minimising signal attenuation over the full cable run for improved signal performance.

BSW thread: Uses a British Standard Whitworth thread, a different standard from the 5/16" TPI thread used on other GME antenna bases. Confirm your antenna uses a BSW thread base before purchasing.

Suits 4WD, marine, and recreational applications: The ground-independent design and stainless steel finish make the ABL002 equally suited to boats, fibreglass 4WD canopies, and similar off-road and marine applications.

Technical specs

Compatible with

The ABL002 is compatible with antennas using a BSW thread base. Confirm your antenna uses a BSW thread before purchasing, as this differs from the 5/16" TPI standard used on other GME antenna bases. Suitable for fibreglass, aluminium, steel, and non-metallic vehicle and vessel bodies, including fibreglass boats, aluminium ute canopies, and non-metallic roof structures.

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 electrical ground return path runs through the mounting surface and vehicle body. 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 and 5/16" TPI are two different thread standards that 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 before purchasing the ABL002. GME's other antenna bases including the AB001, AB406, and 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, and 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. On a standard steel vehicle a ground-dependent base such as the ABL001 will also perform well. 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. The ABL001 uses 5/16" TPI thread, a ground-dependent design, and is confirmed to suit 27MHz and 477MHz antennas. The ABL002 uses BSW thread, a ground-independent elevated-feed design, and stainless steel construction. The ABL002 is the appropriate choice for non-metallic mounting surfaces, while the ABL001 suits standard steel-bodied installations.