Ham Radio Install 2012 TRD AC

Wanted to share some photos of the wouxon 920 and comet SBB5 antenna install.

The coax is marine-grade RG8X with Shakespeare solder-
less PL-259's that were a snap to put on and tested perfect on Diamond SWR meter on both bands. Used existing grommet under passenger seat. I will place remainder of coax in split-loom all the way to the grommet soon. Radio is powered by 12GA directly to fused battery terminals and main chassis ground.

Toyota bed rail system is screwed to body panel but I added the ground strap as good measure. Frame is Fluid Filmed.

KC2ZEZ Technician class

 

I wouldn't think that bolt in the back would suffice as a grounding point but if it works, what do I know. Good job.

 

Grommet under passenger seat.

 

The bed rails are well grounded they are not screwed into the plastic and the bolts at the tail gate are excellent grounds also that's where my tri band antenna is mounted on an aluminum angle. Do not fret too much about ground planes it will keep you up at night, bottom line vehicles are terrible ground planes no matter what you ground or how many ground wires you run, as long as you have a good return patch to the radio via the coax shield you’re smiling.

 

nice!! KD0JXB 73

 

Looks good! 73s

KK6CHD

 

Nice install and thanks for the post and pictures. I need to get motivated and install my equipment in my truck. Are you going to do an hf radio as well ? I have an Icom IC 7000 that I want to install in my truck. K0bg.com is a good resource for info on mobile radio installs.

Thanks, Eric

 

Looks good!

My rig is a Kenwood 50W dual bander with a Larsen NMO 1/2 wave antenna. I bonded - grounded -- the bed rails to each other, and have my antenna on the left rear corner. Similar mount that I made with 3" x 1/4" angle aluminum, also ground to the rails. Direct wired to battery at both POS and NEG. I've had excellent performance with no reports of noise or picket fencing, etc.

73, K6RTN

 

Agreed!

 

No HF.

 

How is the radio chassis secured?

I still haven't finished installing my tm-v7a... but I am putting the chassis under the console where the ac inverter would be if my truck had one.

 

Radio looks good, I just installed my FT-7900 last week.

73

 

The chassis is secured with the hook part of velcro to the carpet to keep it from sliding around.