Red13

looking for ideas for a radio setup for the truck. Ideas, pictures all welcome. I l know the basics of the units but always looking to be educated by others successes and failures with this touchy little toys..


Craig

kevin7898

I run full hf and VHF check my qrz page VA6kgs
http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php...150-HF-install

Red13

^^nice'

magillapd

My buddy installed my radio in my truck today. Radio is Yeasu FT-7900. We mounted it below the sync cluster.

We pulled the tray out and cut out the back completly to run the wires and to provide ventaltion. I tucked the programing cable along side so if I want to reprogram it, I need only to take the laptop out to the truck and hook it up.

Dunrollin

I just did mine a few months ago, those look great but I used a split system. The radio is under the driver's seat, mike in center console front storage opening.

I think this is about the easiest vehicle I have ever installed a radio in. I used a Larsen through the glass antenna. The radio is an old Standard tri band, but the principle is the same for any separate faceplate radio.

Red13

^^^looks great. Did you purchase a split kit, or make your own?

Dunrollin

Thanks, Red. It is an old Standard, no longer made, but it works great still. There are several radios like it out there, I have a similar one by Yaesu in my other ride.

Here is an example of a great dual bander...

http://hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-006755

They note "Convenient Remote-Head Mounting Capability" but there is usually a cost for the connecting cable. BTW, this model has a $100 rebate, but as always Yaesu is a little on the steep side- still above $300.

Crab Balls

Very nice install!!!

After a couple weeks of owning my 2013 Limited, I ended up drilling the 3/4" NMO hole just above the third brake light as I was never happy with the performance of the Larsen on glass antenna, had one on my 2001 F150 for a couple years and finally went NMO on that truck. Ran the Larsen NMO dual bander for 10 years without ever any problems, which made my decision easier to drill the 2013. Some tinted windows attenuate RF, don't know if this is the case with the '13s, but on the '01s it was a bit of a problem.

My install is a Kenwood TM-V71 with homemade remote harness. Wanted to keep things as unobtrusive as possible, even mounted the remote Vertex speaker under the dash. You can't see it and it sounds powerful and great. My goal was to mount the remote head into the overhead sunglass holder, but that would have required some mods (Drilling) to get the ***** to clear when the holder is closed. Unfortunately, one of the holes would have landed on an important plastic support for this assembly so I nixed the idea. I ended up putting the head in the center counsel below the AC controls. I do like it there as it is ergonomic.

I still need to cut the plastic trim piece and finish the project, but I'm in no hurry. Will grab and post a few pics later.

Here's a pic of the radio. As you can see, it will look much better when I cut and reinstall the plastic trim.



And here is the Larsen NMO mount. Well worth drilling the hole. Water tight and keeps all that morning dew out!!!

Dunrollin

That is very good! and professional for sure.

I was talking to my local 2 way radio friend, he is toying with setting up his VHF UHF on bluetooth. I will be interested to see what he comes up with.

Red13

Bluetooth radios are pricey. let us know how it turns out.