HAM Mobile: Rig Radios, vehicle mounting set ups, and relevant equipment

[bcrez]

Hey everyone,

Honestly I searched for a thread on this topic: a collection of mobile radio set ups, and the equipment used in those set ups. If it already exists I would appreciate a forwarding address ;-)

I just got my FCC license, and installed my radio. I am having trouble finding a controller mount though. I have a query in to RAM Mounts to see if they have something for an iCom 2820H but figured in the mean time I could find some inspiration here on ExPo.

I hope this takes off, so if any and all want to post pics/ descriptions of their mobile radio set-ups that would be awesome/ or if anyone has some individual threads saved, maybe we could bundle them here. Once I get back home I will post up the pics to my 'Radio Build' so to say. I installed an iCom 2820H in a 2010 Tacoma.

Cheers:exclaim:

 

[Corey]

Yaesu 857 D, ATAS 120 antenna, and a Diamond duplexer to allow the ATAS antenna to utilize all bands the 857D is capable of.
More info at the # in my build-up thread.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...overland-amp-daily-driver?p=955506#post955506

 

[bcrez]

Awesome. What did you use to attach the controller mount to?

 

[gary in ohio]

You might want to check out radioreferance.com and look in the mobile install forum. more commerical in nature but the batlabs has an install section. http://batboard.batlabs.com/viewforum.php?f=8&sid=f1f083d0616f7f8dea3fed10af6ef7b3

Not an expo vehicle but here is my old setup in my full size blazer

Here is an icom 706mkgii in my avalanche.

 

[bcrez]

Thanks for the suggestion. headed there after this. nice set up.

 

[Corey]

Awesome. What did you use to attach the controller mount to?

I forget, but it is in my build thread somewhere.
If not in this build thread (started late after other sites I am on), then it is over on YotaTech where my complete build is, and also listed on my personal website which are both in my sig below.

The mount was first used to hold an iPod I believe when I first got the rig.

 

[1911]

Kenwood TM-D710A installed in my Land Cruiser and set up for APRS. I have since hard-wired the GPS through the roll cage:

The antenna is mounted on the spare tire mount on my back bumper:

The same radio, in my FJC:

The antenna is on the roof:

 

[MCL_68]

First off, congrats on getting your ticket.

For mounting solutions, Have you researched the Panavise in dash mount? It'll keep you from drilling unnecessary holes in the dash, or anywhere else in the cab to mount the display control head.

http://www.panavise.com/pdf_indash/75137-905.pdf

 

[Martinjmpr]

Nothing fancy - but here is the basic install of my used Kenwood TM-261A 2m Mobile into my 1999 4runner.

That red wire normally gets tucked behind the center stack and the mike will have a hanger on the dash as soon as I decide whether it needs to be replaced or not.

Antennas: Currently I have a mag mount for taking on long trips and a Larsen dual-band glass mount that stays on the truck at all times. No photos of that yet.

My install thread is here:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/70419-Ham-install-version-2-0

 

[bcrez]

Thanks Mark, I actually read the entire ARRL study guide, which in hindsight I didnt have to do, but it made passing all that much more sweet. Forgot to include my callsign KB1WNZ. Thanks for the link. I really wanted to avoid drilling into my dash.

 

[bcrez]

Nothing fancy - but here is the basic install of my used Kenwood TM-261A 2m Mobile into my 1999 4runner.

That red wire normally gets tucked behind the center stack and the mike will have a hanger on the dash as soon as I decide whether it needs to be replaced or not.

Antennas: Currently I have a mag mount for taking on long trips and a Larsen dual-band glass mount that stays on the truck at all times. No photos of that yet.

My install thread is here:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/70419-Ham-install-version-2-0

I used your write up when trying to figure out how to get the power wires through the firewall. Thanks!

 

[xtatik]

I've fabbed my own mount from a piece of SeaBoard/StarBoard. I use it everywhere on my sailboat as well. It has a nice textured surface much like what's found in vehicle interiors. The remote mike connector and the remote speaker are mounted just behind the head. It sits relatively deep in the forward console and still has room to hold a couple ballpoints or whatever...The radio itself is docked under the passenger seat along with the antenna duplexer that's needed for the ATAS antenna. Everything is secured and connected in such a way that it only takes seconds to remove at the end of each day.

 

[Corey]

Randy, how do you like that optional mic?
I just have the standard mic with my 857D.

 

[MCL_68]

Thanks Mark, I actually read the entire ARRL study guide, which in hindsight I didnt have to do, but it made passing all that much more sweet. Forgot to include my callsign KB1WNZ. Thanks for the link. I really wanted to avoid drilling into my dash.

You're welcome. Enjoy the hobby!

This is my current mobile setup. I modified a Panavise pedestal mount, so I could reuse the supplied mounting hardware for my Yaesu 350R display control head. The actual radio is securely mounted under the glove compartment. For an antenna and mount, I'm using a Diamond K400 hatch mount with a Comet CA-2x4SRB-NMO antenna.

The antenna is on the right rear corner of the hatch.

 

[H0LLYW00D]

Check my Build site below for pics and details, but i have a Yeasu 8900 and a Cobra 19DXIV