2 meter Ham Radio installation

I plan on Installing a Yaesu FT-8800r with the base of the radio in the storage compartment under the rear seat and the radio face with the separation kit in the storage cubby in front of the shifter.
I'm really lost on antenna locations. I have a Diamond NR770HB that I'd like to use.
I don't want to use a mag mount because I go into parking garages quite a bit and that's a big pain. I have considered the Diamond motorized mount too

 

Here's my 8900 install thread: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bjmoose-installs-ham-radio-with-nmo-antenna-mount.145572/

I'd have told you to put a 1/4 wave antenna on the roof on an NMO mount until you said parking garages. I have to take mine off when I'm parking in a garage, which is rarely.

 

You might be able to do a motorized mount on the bedside, where I have a CB antenna mounted???

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bjmoose-installs-cb-cobra-75.150095/

 

I originally had the same antenna installed on a bed bar on my truck. When I got my shell, I moved it to a BAMF tailgate antenna mount. I also have a CBI ditch light hood mount for my backup/second/APRS radio.

 

I use amateur radio as a hobby so parking garage is a big pain leaving/arriving home and arriving/leaving office. the the diamond motorized mount is definitely an option especially if I can find a way to mount the antenna above the cab. the k9000 does have a lip mount option but I don't want to be closing the door on my coax.

 

I've recently become interested in APRS, haven't set anything up yet, but after seeing this page http://www.mobilinkd.com/
the gears have started turning and I thinking of building an APRS station all contained in a Harbor Freight plastic ammo box.

 

I do a lot of community events with a group in AZ, APRS comes in handy for that. Also, for offloading, the wifey can easily see where we are and help direct S&R if needed. There are so many aspects of it that I haven't even started to get into. When I upgrade my mobile rig, I will consider the Yeasu 400DR or something like that that has the messaging built in to it.

Right now, I have an 8800 as my main and a Kenwood D72 wired into the center console with an AvMap G6 GPS unit for APRS in my truck. Not the cheapest route by any means, but it lets me see others on my GPS screen and with it all powered via a switch, I can turn it on and off as I desire. No need to let everyone track me around the city, they would be bored. The bonus is I always have an HT in my truck; simple pull it out and use it on a hike, monitor outside my truck, give it to a buddy in another truck (that's a ham), and have an emergency comms. Another benefit is having APRS in my hand, go hiking and I can track the transmitter on the dog, if she wanders away. Others can track me while hiking too.

That's just the way I went with it all. Other people have done some other great setups with way different gear. I think I have some pics in my build thread of this setup, I have moved a few things around, so it's not exactly the same, but close.

 

Just put in my 8800 last month. Works great. Here is the link to my install if you need any ideas. I'm sure you already have it covered though.
http://www.eham.net/ehamforum/smf/index.php/topic,106657.0.html

 

Are you using an external speaker? The internal one on mine is absolutely terrible compared to the 1900 I used to have. It was overly loud and crisp.

 

Yes I am. I have it mounted to the hanger hook right behind my head.

 

Ok, cool. I have mine mounted between the driver seat and door end/b pillar.

 

ok I think, I might try a lip mount on the hood. The Diamond k412snmo mount is what I've used before on the hood of my jeep, it should be ok for the Tacoma
Now can some tell me the best path to run Power to the Yaesu FT-8800 I will mount under the seat? I know how to get through the firewall but that's as far as I've got.

 

Run it behind the kickboard (plastic piece close the e-brake) then pop the trim panel up that runs along the floor next to the door. From there, I cut one small whole in the carpet and ran the wires to where the opening in the carpet is for the back seat foot heater.

 

x2
Something I did.