Radio > UHF/VHF
Mobile install suggestions
bryanthegoon:
Wasn't sure where to put this, but this seemed like as good a place as any.
Sorry in advance for the length of the post.....
I got myself a killer deal on a used Yaesu FTM-350R, and now I am planing out the install in my truck, wanted to get some ideas, and make sure some of my ideas are sound. I am planing on putting an NMO mount in the roof of the truck.
So first question is does anybody have any suggestions on a 2M/220/440 mobile nmo mount antenna?
Also any brand of NMO mount better than the others (so far leaning towards a Larson mount just cause I can pick it up locally at a decent price)
Here is my truck as a reference, it is a 2006 Dodge Ram Megacab
I am planing on mounting the radio itself behind the back seat, there is actually a significant amount of room, (almost a foot) behind the seat.
There is also a compartment down below
I am looking at 3 options for mounting the radio itself...
a. I would have liked to put it in the compartment, but I don't think that would be a good idea because of lack of airflow (especially living in AZ), thoughts??
b. Second option was to attach to the back wall, either through the carpet and directly to the sheet metal (this is behind the seat after all) or I was thinking of removing 2 of the "hooks" and making a bracket between them to mount it too.
c. Third option is on the wall to the right (again behind the seat
Here is the headliner (this is just the back portion again this is a huge truck)
Here is the roof (again only the back portion couldn't get a camera angle on the whole thing)
For the nmo mount, I am guessing that the center of the cab would give me the best radiation pattern, but that also means alot more headliner to deal with. How much worse off am I by moving back some?
Also I know I need to avoid the cross members and the dome light, any other words of wisdom on antenna location?
To get power back to the radio I am debating running through the firewall and the cab to get to the back, or just getting wire with decent insulation and going under, then come up into the compartment behind the seat with some kind of grommet or something. Ideas?
ok, last but not least here is the dash
Currently the plan is to run the head extension cable around up and behind the dash and come out a hole in the upper "empty" spot (right below the stereo). Then fabricate some kind of bracket that I can mount sticking out of the same hole. If I remove the head I can just put the cord in the little compartment. any thoughts, ideas, or issues relating to this? To add to this I plan on using the optional GPS that goes in the head unit for playing with ARPS.
I am also going to try and see if there is an audio input on the back of the stereo, I would love to run the external output from the FTM-350R into the stereo.
Thanks in advance,
Bryan
PeterRabbit:
Referencing the last picture, is the bezel at the front of the console removable? If so, and if there's room behind that bezel, that would be an awesome spot to install your radio. You could purchase another bezel and modify it to accept your radio. Keep either the original or new one intact for when you trade or sell the truck. As for the NMO, looks like putting it on top means you lose your ability to keep your truck in the garage. Is that a big deal? Just my 2 cents. Good Luck
bryanthegoon:
Thanks for the comments, I like the way you think on that bezel, not sure if it is removable or not but I will find out ( and do some looking on ebay to see what one runs).
As to the height issue, my truck already wont fit in the garage (by like half an inch) and I don't even try parking garages any more (after bumping the height warning bars a couple times) Not sure why but this particular is just a bit on the tall side. That being said the truck is mostly used for "fun" trips, camping, offroading, what not. And the occasional commute when it is too hot or wet to want to ride my motorcycle in. Most of the time around town we are in the minivan (the joys of having kids). on the minivan, when I get to it, I will definitely be looking at other mounting options that are garage safe....
AD:
Bryan
I have seen cool goose neck mounts for the faceplates/seperation kit that slips under the passanger seat mount rail. Saves from cutting into the dash.
Here is one version
http://www.rammount.com/CatalogResults/PartDetails/tabid/63/partid/082065077045066045051049054045049045050051056085/Default.aspx
http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-009321
There are probably more.
bryanthegoon:
--- Quote from: AD on June 05, 2012, 02:42:47 PM ---I have seen cool goose neck mounts for the faceplates/seperation kit that slips under the passanger seat mount rail. Saves from cutting into the dash.
--- End quote ---
That is an interesting approach, I will have to swing by HRO at some point and take a look at one of those in person, I would be worried about it being stiff enough and/or bouncing around. Especially going down washboard dirt roads....
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