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Clean VHF/CB radio installs

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by FoleySwampPlotts, Feb 10, 2016.

  1. Mar 7, 2019 at 10:54 AM
    #1101
    The Saint

    The Saint Well-Known Member

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    Does your folder screw down. I like that set up
     
  2. Mar 7, 2019 at 11:30 AM
    #1102
    PcBuilder14

    PcBuilder14 Well-Known Member

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  3. Mar 8, 2019 at 8:10 PM
    #1103
    '16goingon'17

    '16goingon'17 Well-Known Member

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    Trailslayer
    NoVA by way of NWA
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    JBA STD UCAs. 6112/5160 @6/5. Wheelers 1.5" 3AAL with Superbumps. BROG molle headrest covers. GMRS & Ham radios with roof-mounted NMO Laird Phantom antenna. Thinkware front/rear dashcams, FreshMexicanTaco's DMM, Meso's dome/map LEDs & Flipfob, Swingcase on driver side. Accumulator Delete Mod (ADM). Two-wheel drive Low Range Mod (2LM). Overland Tailor Tune (OTT) 7.0. Extra juicy oil spill on the bed mat.
    Tips I wish the real radio geeks would have told me when I first started:
    • Drill a hole through the dead center of the roof with this and run a real NMO mount from either Laird or Larsen to your unit (Edit 2019-12-3: I ran the Laird MB8B). Take the plunge. Commit!
    • The mount should be factory-connected via a flexible RG58A/U (A/U type simply means a 20 AWG stranded tinned copper center conductor wire).
    • Mag, hood bracket, and bed mounts are good for temporary-ish comms, but can't even come close to comparing to the range and clarity of a proper roof install.
    • Keep a plastic NMO rain cap handy for when you need to quickly remove the antenna.
    • Use the best possible metal-shielded RJ45 female/female connector you can find. Anything less is subject to plenty of interference, which is so annoying after you buy all and install the supplies and then realize it's crap like I did. :facepalm:
    • Mount the shielded RJ45 connector into the Toyota switch blank of your choice.
      • Caveat Emptor: the Australian company GearElectric makes one of these for Toyota and it has terrible craftsmanship with loose-fitting tolerances, poor 3D printing, and outrageously expensive.
    • Lastly, DPD Productions has the ugliest website and if I had time I'd offer to rebuild it, but they really know their stuff as well as the expected radioreference.com and Antenna Farm.
    • 2019-12-3: If you wreck your roof by using the wrong NMO mount, you can save your @$$ with this beefy mount.
    If anyone else has more tips, please add for the benefit of the Tacommunity...
     
    Last edited: Dec 3, 2019
  4. Mar 8, 2019 at 8:15 PM
    #1104
    BEAR_KNIFE_FIGHT

    BEAR_KNIFE_FIGHT bearly famous

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    Alex
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    Question for ya then: I have a prinsu rack with a solar panel/other shit bolted on to my roof. Do you think drilling a hole into my roof is still the best bet? I am not being difficult -- I figured the additional metal around the antenna would affect reception decently. Otherwise my plan was to mount my antenna to my roof rack.
     
  5. Mar 9, 2019 at 5:35 AM
    #1105
    The Saint

    The Saint Well-Known Member

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    I just installed my cobra 75 wx st but when I turned on the unit the lights came on but nothing showed in the display window. anybody have any idea how I screwed this up? Would the antenna ground cause this?
     
  6. Mar 9, 2019 at 5:38 AM
    #1106
    m603holden

    m603holden @Koditten Pirate Radio member #063

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    Marteeen
    New England
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    Lots of sail boat fuel
    I've hit 39 miles simplex at s7 off my prinsu rack. You've got options
     
  7. Mar 9, 2019 at 6:36 AM
    #1107
    JdevTac

    JdevTac Bawnjourno

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    Instead of those NMO hole saws use a 3/4 Greenlee “CHASSIS” punch. It makes an extremely clean hole like it was from factory.

    They are pricey brand new but can be found cheap on eBay.
     
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    '16goingon'17[QUOTED] and k8md like this.
  8. Mar 9, 2019 at 8:33 AM
    #1108
    PcBuilder14

    PcBuilder14 Well-Known Member

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    Brent
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    If nothing is showing up on the display it sounds like something is wrong with the radio itself. Even if you don’t have an antenna hooked up to it, it should still display channels and stuff.
     
    Bastek likes this.
  9. Mar 9, 2019 at 4:37 PM
    #1109
    The Saint

    The Saint Well-Known Member

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    Thanks that's what I was afraid of.
     
  10. Mar 9, 2019 at 4:43 PM
    #1110
    k8md

    k8md Well-Known Member

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    Be really careful using a punch. There is a punch out there labeled 3/4", but it's actually a bit larger then 3/4". It's designed for 3/4" conduit. So measure that punch before you make that hole!!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 9, 2021
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  11. Mar 9, 2019 at 4:50 PM
    #1111
    JdevTac

    JdevTac Bawnjourno

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    That’s why I capitalized “Chassis”. Conduit punches will put a larger hole than intended.
     
    rainsux and k8md[QUOTED] like this.
  12. Mar 11, 2019 at 9:13 PM
    #1112
    '16goingon'17

    '16goingon'17 Well-Known Member

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    Trailslayer
    NoVA by way of NWA
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    2017 TRDOR 4x4 DCSB MT
    JBA STD UCAs. 6112/5160 @6/5. Wheelers 1.5" 3AAL with Superbumps. BROG molle headrest covers. GMRS & Ham radios with roof-mounted NMO Laird Phantom antenna. Thinkware front/rear dashcams, FreshMexicanTaco's DMM, Meso's dome/map LEDs & Flipfob, Swingcase on driver side. Accumulator Delete Mod (ADM). Two-wheel drive Low Range Mod (2LM). Overland Tailor Tune (OTT) 7.0. Extra juicy oil spill on the bed mat.
    This one is over my head. I have no idea. I would ask smart HAM guys. There are so many ways to do things where it works well, but only one way it works best for each unique situation.
     
  13. Mar 12, 2019 at 1:47 AM
    #1113
    k8md

    k8md Well-Known Member

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    Probably not. Attach to the rack. Furnish a photo for us to be certain.
     
    BrotherBudro likes this.
  14. Mar 12, 2019 at 1:26 PM
    #1114
    BEAR_KNIFE_FIGHT

    BEAR_KNIFE_FIGHT bearly famous

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    Of the finished install? I can do that. Just ordering a new antenna and I'll be all set.
     
    k8md[QUOTED] likes this.
  15. Mar 15, 2019 at 5:03 PM
    #1115
    littlefish

    littlefish Buzz, your girlfriend...

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    The one who dies with the most stuff wins.
    Ok I could use some SWR help. Today I installed my Cobra C75WXST using this writeup as a guide. I've got a 4' Firestick mounted to a @RelentlessFabrication ditch light bracket. I spray painted it, and to ground it I used a 10 gauge wire and ran it to my negative terminal bus bar. I cannot shorten the adjustment enough and my SWR is always too high. On channel 1 its about 2.25 and on channel 40 its about 3.5. If I remove the spring and quick disconnect (making the whole antenna system shorter), the numbers do get slightly better but still aways above 3 on channel 40.

    Tonight I bought a ground strap that I will replace the wire with. Where exactly should it be sandwiched between the other components? Is there a better location to attach the other end to? I also realize now that I should have tested with the door closed. I did not. I will try that tomorrow. See my pictures for how I have it setup now.

    I was able to communicate clearly with someone about 15 miles away from atop a hill in my neighborhood that looks out for miles, which was a great confidence boost. But I know that I could damage components if I don't get my SWR in line.

    Would a 3' antenna work better since it is technically shorter?

     
    Bastek likes this.
  16. Mar 15, 2019 at 5:21 PM
    #1116
    ETsemaj

    ETsemaj @Koditten Pirate Radio member #001

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    James
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    speaker and tweater upgrade DMM phone mount and a large wishlist
    So, just installed my Kenwood D710G in the truck today. Ill post some pictures when my phone charges. I installed the brick under the driver seat, speaker is just forward on the side near the hand brake. Im waiting on a blank switch for the mic to install that so my mic will plug into the lower switch section when in use. I also am running a 1/4 wave NMO antenna with the victory 4x4 hood mount. Now looking into ways to mount the head unit onto my DMM. i think i may just use another ram mount and small phone holder. and then run the RJ45 cable behind the my stereo display then ill knotch out a section of the trim on top and run it next to the head unit so that its mostly hidden and if i dont have the head unit installed i can shove the wire back down so only the connector is seen. But i have to figure out why i am getting such high reflected power. Im getting 20w forward and 10w reflected. No bueno...
     
  17. Mar 15, 2019 at 7:00 PM
    #1117
    5nahalf

    5nahalf I build dumb things

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    I think your ground is wrong, should be on the bottom between the bottom nut and the mount
     
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  18. Mar 15, 2019 at 7:06 PM
    #1118
    littlefish

    littlefish Buzz, your girlfriend...

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    The one who dies with the most stuff wins.
    I think you’re right. Found this picture while researching online shows the same thing you said. Will try tomorrow morning.
     
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  19. Mar 15, 2019 at 7:31 PM
    #1119
    Bastek

    Bastek Average Member

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    Seb
    SI NY
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    KDMaxP10, plastidip
    I'm glad you found your issue:thumbsup:. Now the actual ground ground doesn't have to be connected right to the antenna. You could ground your bracket, and then just make sure there is proper contact bracket and the exterior part of the stud ("G" on that picture). If not, just make sure that ground ring doesn't touch the actual stud ("H"). Also, it would be better to keep your ground wire short, and ground it to the fender, instead of the battery.
     
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  20. Mar 15, 2019 at 7:46 PM
    #1120
    Bastek

    Bastek Average Member

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    20190315_224107.jpg
    I marked in red where you could attach that ground strap, just like mentioned before, make sure it doesn't touch the actual stud! And as mentioned above, shortter ground is better, find a spot on a fender.

    Also, I don't think there is a need for you to change the antenna.

    Good luck! And please report back after you correct it.
     
    TPickles and k8md like this.

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