Clean VHF/CB radio installs

Here's the route I took.
Many thanks to all the posts before where I gained my ideas and know-how to do the install.

Uniden CMX-760
Cali Raised LED's corner bed accessory mount.
3' Firestick Antenna

I originally was planning on mounting the hidden part of the CB under the dash, with the antenna cable running along the kick panels to the under dash mounting area, and running the power wires off the fuse block under the dash that's behind the hood release.
I actually ran all this to the under dash location, then changed my mind and decided on a completely hidden location inside the center console.
The realization that there's a 12V outlet inside the console also helped my decision. The CMX-760 is very small and only takes up a tiny area in the console. I used ordinary Velcro to attach the unit to the side of the console. With the slot that's in the top lip of the console, you can close the console all the way and the speaker/mic wire lies neatly in that slot. I bought a 12V plug at Advance Auto. I ran the antenna coax from the rear antenna mount to the inside of the tail light, then along the frame with a couple zip-ties and to the inside of the cabin by way of the rubber drain plug that's under the carpet in the rear seat floor behind the driver's seat. From there, into the bottom of the center console. You just loosen the two bolts holding the rear console down, you don't have to remove the console. There already are a couple of holes in the floor of the console. I needed to simply enlarge one hole with a drill bit in order to fit the PL-259 connector thru the hole.

The only issue is my speaker/mic control is not mounted to anywhere with a mic hook. I just leave it in the cup holder or on the passenger seat while I listen to CB and it's easily within reach to transmit. I'm keeping it like this because I want to just store it away in the console when not in use, and everything is neatly out of sight.

One note- At first, my power outlet inside the console was not working and it gave me a minor fit trying to determine if it worked with the key off or on, and in what position the key needed to be in, and whether the engine needed to be off or on, etc. It turned out to be a blown fuse. I had never used that outlet- I never even realized one was there- so it must have been blown since I took delivery of the truck.

 

This is awesome and I truly appreciate the updates as-you-go posts. Helps me in thinking mine through. For now I’m going old school on the switch below to raise and lower the dual band antenna. I will cut it into my switch panel left of the steering so I can operate it from within or while standing outside.

I really like your full logic control design as in *really cool*. I plan to copy your 10 second rule in the future for “auto retract”. I want the luxury of automation along with the overide potential of a physical switch, while, at the same time need to isolate the manual operation from the “auto retract” to avoid a short if both “up” and “down” are activated simultaneously.

Similarly to your set up I might want to try to determine the “up” state potentially with a separate water proof micro switch. The features on the motor state it stops at end of travel but I’m not yet ready to hack the housing.

Good luck with your mods!

 

CB on



CB off

 

Where did you get the switch?

 

https://www.aironboard.com/online/p...push-switches.html?color=288&toyota_model=293

 

Anyone install a SDS200 yet? I don't own one, but have my finger on the trigger.

 

Here is another pic of that mount. Works well! I ran my wire up the window channel. You can hardly even notice it.

 

You're in Murph territory aren't you haha

 

Yep!

 

Step One (again). I moved the antenna retraction motor to the front of the passenger roof rail from the bed roll bar for two reasons:
1) now I can see the position of the antenna through the moon roof, so no guessing on if it is up or down as I can see it from the drivers seat!
2) when modeling the ground plane for especially 2M, the more cab forward positioning (yes even when off center) gave better preference to vertical polarization, possibly from my assumptions of the plastic bed, and possibility from the forward mass ratios of pickups.

This position also makes car washes more convenient as I can secure the tip to the rack rail with a simple cinch in the down position).

Shown in progress (whip not attached - cables not fished).

 

Day Two: Rough-in.

Installed the head end and all exterior connections today for my Icom5100 with power antenna tilt. I have the same unit in my shack so programming is a breeze.

Tested all connections and functions. I’m thrilled with the antenna mount and having the head close but neat was ultimately the compromise I went with...clean but usable. I left extra cable in the headliner and it’s on a magmount so I can remove and use in hand too.

I like to minimize holes and hide wires so still working on all that for the feed and power and haven’t mounted the mic clip yet until I try several places. Transceiver under driver seat. Remote speakers to go.


Head

Antenna up

Antenna during retraction

View through moonroof.

 

I'm really liking this. Nice work.

 

Step Three:
Interior hookups today, mounted the transceiver in the Whiskey bottle compartment behind driver side rear seat-back...there is pretty decent space and ventilation there. It also means the antenna cable is just the right length and since I'm attaching a remote speaker (Icom's OEM is Ok, but their accessory is excellent) I like the more perm mount overall. Bonus is I now have a high amp. DC line running under the center console I can tap in the future.

Bracket:




Rough in before cable management:




Still deciding on Mic hanger spot, I would love to see where others have hung their Mics in a Clean way before I cut in my jack:

 

Step Four & Done! (Sorry for the 4 posts and Thanks for replies on my questions!) I'll clean up all the posts and add them to my build thread...eventually.

Mic and Speaker Mounts:
I decided to run the mic line up behind the stereo head and leave the actual connection hidden behind the cowl...this gives it a slight, but not too much, pinch in the durable straight part of the mic line at the panel joint indentation above the glove box shroud - it is just a perfect sized groove...and if it gets "yanked" it will give but it does not pull on the connector with normal use.

It is all right handed, but the rider can get to it as needed for 3rd party traffic. The mic clip is 3M'd to the open spot on the dash...typically pretty good as these mics are pretty light...worst case it ends up in the cup holder.

Some pics below of the shroud details and where I mounted the remote speaker to the seat frame (yes it moves)...audio quality coming from the foot well is phenomenal...all in all not a bad "days work" if I can say so myself...which I suppose I did.

View from back seat driver: Head at top console, mic right of stick.





Cable details before I tucked it in behind the cowl:

 

Nice job! How did you mount the head unit to the headliner? Just the icom bracket and bolts?

I like it.

 

Thanks. Yes the mag mount Icom plate is screwed into the headliner backer sheet metal plate, if you have a moon roof open it up and look down into the slot it is very simple you can see both sides...I put 4 small screws, two with fender washers on the top and two sheet metal into the plate...solid as a rock and the holes are miniscule.

 

Cool, can you view the screen in direct sunlight if the sun roof is open? Just gotta be extra careful to close the sun roof when you park. (Not that that's a hard thing to remember)

 

I think you're asking two questions. The day light mode Brightness = 10 does feel bright enough yes...frankly I've used my rig a lot so it is easy for me to program and use the mic controls and the sd card is easy to program.

As far as protection from UV etc. I agree that is good practice for overall interior protection to close the shade in too much sun...if it is a theft issue, well there are other "accessories" not in my build thread that can provide deterrence or induce reconcations but it is hard to see from outside at any angle.

 

I was actually thinking of rain getting in if you left the window open. But like I said, it's kinda hard to forget that.

 

PM Me if you want my switch.