Clean VHF/CB radio installs

so the hole was made with a greenlee 3/4” chassis punch. They are kinda pricey, so I bought a used one on eBay for like $30. Which is still much more expensive than a simple hole saw, however it won’t possibly chip up your paint and makes a super crisp hole.

It MUST be a “chassis” punch as the 3/4 “conduit” punch makes a larger hole than 3/4”.

The rear antenna is maxrad GMRS band antenna on a Breedlove NMO antenna base.

The forward puck antenna is just a Galaxy sra50 Sirius XM antenna since I didn’t have an OEM antenna and the galaxy has fantastic reception/rarely ever drop out.

 

both lol

 

Very clean. Can you go in details on how you routed your cabling?

Thanks!

 

It bears repeating. If you're using a punch, measure it!! Do not use a 3/4 conduit punch. It will make a hole that's too large. Also look at the edge when you're done. Sometimes it can have a flange that needs to be filed.

A step drill will make a worse hole then a punch, but it will work. A conventional holesaw is one of the worst ways to make the hole. It sort of drills, but it tears the metal open.

The best solution is a hole saw designed for making an NMO hole. They're not cheap. The right way is hardly ever the cheapest way. I've done all of the above on my vehicles.

 

My radio is located under the driver's seat and routes up to the dash from the under that carpet at the trans hump. The mic jack is on the side of the trim above the hump and the faceplate cable comes out a small hole right where the faceplate is.

 

Thanks for the Tip! That was easier than I thought it would be

 

Newbie to the forum, any pictures / suggestions for mounting an ICOM 7000 in a 2017 double cab?

TIA

Andy

 

Welcome to TW!
Check out one option in my build thread. (Because I post a lot I’m not reposting my setup pics, but all in my build threads.)
From phone, turn sideways and tap my “index” or “electronics” links.

Design approach:

• I mounted the body in the compartment behind the operator side rear seat.
• I also have an isolated battery there for continuous operation.
• I mounted the detached head to the headliner (I think it’s really clean). I
• I routed the mic of the dash, but did have it through the console at on point, but use it a bit so brought it out in the open.
• I mounted my antenna on a power tilt so I can park in garages easily.

Link:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cudgels-build-thread.600420/#post-20174395

 

I mounted the faceplate of my Yaesu FTM-100DR on the GoPro mount on the windshield. The main body is under the passenger seat, with the mic mounted on the side of the center console on the drivers side, in easy reach. No visible wires anywhere, it’s worked perfect on many trips. The GPS antenna for APRS is in the faceplate, so it’s in a great position up on the windshield. I didn’t have any pics of it, so I just snapped one in the garage. I’ll get some better ones when it’s light outside so you can see it better...

 

Any pics from inside the console ? I like the cleanliness of that.

 

What did you use to mount the faceplate on the gopro mount?

 

I used a couple of pieces from the GoPro grab bag of mounts, and ran a small bolt through the mount into the back of the faceplate. Sorry for the bad pic, but you can get the idea:

 

Haven't read all 73 pages here. Moved from a 17 to 20 and see that I lost my AUX input port. This is where I input my scanner to the audio system. Is USB an option for this? What cable? I run a SDS200. Thanks

 

Looks like you can find plenty of options if you search for "aux to USB adapter". Or you could mount a dedicated speaker somewhere

 

Work in progress.

While I’m a ham and have public safety equipment, I both continue to enjoy and find enough common interest in having a CB in my rig. I recently removed my high end Beartracker 885 to make room for my Lamphus gear. But wanted more than (listening) on those frequencies.

Today I test fit my

$142 Uniden CMX760 Bearcat Off Road Series Compact Mobile CB Radio, 40-Channel Operation, Ultra-Compact for Easy Mounting, Large 7-Color Backlit LCD Display on Mic with Built-in Speaker Mic, Black

Uniden CMX760 OffRoad series compact CB. All controls are on the mic. Simple P2P box. Tiny. I will do a 3M Velcro mount once I snake the PL59. My plan is to run the coax to an external connector in my tool box, and deploy my magmount antenna only when I need. As a casual CBer, I’m ok with minimalist antennas, and I reserve my best ground plane spot for my ham anyway, so want to minimize coupling potential anyway from the ham side.

Test fit: Shown in my console behind my public safety controllers.



In 40 years, I have never had problems with Uniden CBs, so they are my go to brand of choice out of simplicity.

I’ll finish the write up in my build thread after my final install and field test.

 

I have the same CB, but I mounted mine below the hvac under the dash, then ran a rj45 connecting into the dash (factory switch location)

 

Nice idea. I may hijack. I’m actually looking for a dual RJ 45 large Toyota switch mount. Hard to find. At current, my magmount only reaches the console but I may correct that. How’s the ANL? Do you have an external speaker? I plan to.

 

Seems to work pretty well, on the highway I have to put the sq pretty high up or im getting trucks too far away to head clearly. I the ANL to keep the noise minimal.
Im not using a external speaker, but my handheld is mounted pretty close to me so I can head it when people get on there.

 

That, man, completely fucking rocks.