barlowrs
Explorer
Thanks, details on the switches in this thread: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=562045#post562045
Yaesu FT-8800R Install on 05+ Tacoma
- Thread starter barlowrs
- Start date
Thanks, details on the switches in this thread: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=562045#post562045
TangoBlue
American Adventurist
What antenna are you using? Nice location for the antenna but I'm thinking for visibility it would be my preference up on the hood lip as many others do.
Depending on where you plan on going off-road my only concern would be brush/branch hazards catching it, especially the center "spring" portion of the mast and whipping it back into your hood when it releases. I've thougt about cutting a length of wire heat-shrink wrap to serve as a protective shroud over that "spring" thingy, sealed at just the top and bottom to keep it from snagging brush.
Depending on where you plan on going off-road my only concern would be brush/branch hazards catching it, especially the center "spring" portion of the mast and whipping it back into your hood when it releases. I've thougt about cutting a length of wire heat-shrink wrap to serve as a protective shroud over that "spring" thingy, sealed at just the top and bottom to keep it from snagging brush.
It is up to you, but I like to stick my antennas up on the roof or towards the back. It is personal taste for me, as I don't like antennas on the bumper. With a VHF/UHF antenna it does not matter so much (higher is better), but with an HF antenna, you would be picking up engine noise etc. with your antenna located like that (Toyota's are quiet, but not perfect!).
If you are going to drill a hole into your body work, go into the roof. Have it on a quick connect/disconnect. Some antennas even have a built in hinge for parking etc.
Just a thought.
Clean install, I am jealous. Excellent job, mate!
If you are going to drill a hole into your body work, go into the roof. Have it on a quick connect/disconnect. Some antennas even have a built in hinge for parking etc.
Just a thought.
Clean install, I am jealous. Excellent job, mate!
nater
Adventurer
And for anybody who is curious, this WILL be my antenna location (once I find a 3/4" hole saw).
If anyone sees any concerns with this, please let me know before I punch a big hole in my bumper..haah
How far is it from the body work? I see it beating you paint up...
corax
Explorer
Only if it's a 1/2 wave, but you'll still get "out" better if you keep the antenna up higher - it's not about "line of sight" (though that doesn't hurt) it's more about ground plane. The more metal (higher percentage of the vehicle's mass) you can get under the antenna the better it'll be. But then again, what's your usage? Do you think you'll need to DX, hit the nearest repeater or just get to a nearby vehicle? If you're in canyons or hill country it won't matter much anyway.
BTW, I can't remember, I know the 8800 is dual band, but does it have the repeater function where you can tx into the radio on 70cm and it'll re-tx on 2M or vice-versa?
Dave Bennett
Adventurist
:bowdown:
spressomon
Expedition Leader
Yes: The 8800 has full independent tx/rx and monitor of each band including full dual display. Its a great radio!
gearbox
Adventurer
And for anybody who is curious, this WILL be my antenna location (once I find a 3/4" hole saw).
If anyone sees any concerns with this, please let me know before I punch a big hole in my bumper..haah
If it were me, I would put it more toward the center of the bumper. You will naturally aim the center of vehicle toward the least amount of tree limbs, etc.. Placing the antenna nearer the center means you'll never have to worry about rocks, tree trunks, or tree limbs. Just the occasional zombie.
Your install is worthy of the gods! I've all but sworn off DIY. I'm just no good, or it takes me too long, or I don't have the right tools or knowledge, or I get fed up with it all! You ought to hire yourself out!
barlowrs
Explorer
I will be running a Diamond NR-770HB with an NMO mount.
I did look at mounting it on the hood lip, but unfortunatly, the wire I am running is too thick to run down the hood gap, so I would have to run the wire all the way back, or re-adjust my hood.
The brush was the only thing I am concerned about too, though the antena is supposed to be ok bending (though I like the heat shrink tubing idea!, I may steal that!).
I was also thinking I could tie it off if I am in a very brushy place that I am worried about it, so that it can not whip around freely. Or bend it down, as it has a hinge to bend flat and tie it off.
If I had my roof rack complete, I would install it up there, but that is not goign to be complete for a long time, and I want to be able to communicate NOW..haha. This one does have a built in hinge, so that wouldnt be a problem.
I dont want to go to the roof though, cause my rack will take up that spot....maybe I will look at making a bracket comming off the rear of the roof, as long as it doesnt interfere with my soft top.
It will be several inches from the body work, and the base of the antenna shouldnt move that far to hit it. I tried to bend it back to see, and it didnt seem too.
barlowrs
Explorer
7wt
Expedition Leader
Yeah, now I just need to learn how to use it!!! haha
Find a repeater by your house, program in the freq and PL and key the mic and say hello. Keep it on the freq until you know how to navigate the various bands and change the PLs, the offsets are mostly standard and are already taken care of by your radio. After you figure out where you like to hang out, program in those freqs. No big deal and if you screw up, nobody is going to come and take away your first born.
barlowrs
Explorer
Hmm I didnt think of that one. I was debating between running it in the head liner (like Wil), or under the seat imbedded into the seat lip so that it points forward. That is another option that might work if you do not have a console.
I even though about running it in the door pannel.:ylsmoke: