Clean VHF/CB radio installs

Finally got this set up. Running the

$165 midland mxt275 micromobile® GMRS radio – 15 watts two-way radio with integrated control microphone – overland caravanning tractors – detachable external magnetic mount antenna - 8 repeater channels

midland mxt275. Easy install made it so it’s completely stashed away.

 

Thats where I put my uniden. Its a perfect spot for the compact radios to fit, easy to get to, connections are right there, no wires to run very far.

 

While stuck at home I figured I'd study for my Technical exam and things went from there... I just finished my Ham install. Went with a Midland DBR2500 to go along with my

$165 MXT275 MicroMobile® GMRS Radio – 15 watts Two-Way Radio with Integrated Control Microphone – Overland Caravanning Tractors – Detachable External Magnetic Mount Antenna - 8 Repeater Channels

MXT275.

I tend not to like anything showing. I already had the MXT hidden under the dash on the driver side with an RJ45 blank in the center console. For the Ham addition, I went with some AirOnBoard plugs under the center console and mounted the unit in the glovebox. My hands are raw from having most of the center dash apart but it was all worth it!

Tall antenna is Ham and the other is GMRS. Now to take that test... I'm done studying.

 

Those dash mounted RJ45 plugs are really nice. Might have to add those to my list.

 

I tired searching this thread tonight without an luck. Anyone mount their Kenwood control heads with the RAM mount? Just received a TM-D710GA and want to mount the head on my DMM with a simple ball mount. The hole pattern on my spare RAM diamond plate ball did not line up with the control head screw holes. There are a few custom mount options on thingiverse, but looking for a more off the shelf option. Thanks!

 

My v71a mount worked fine with a 1/4-20 bolt, I know that doesn't help you but I'm surprised that kenwood wouldn't keep consistency across model lines.

 

I modified the supplied bracket to attach it to this RAM mount: https://www.rammount.com/part/RAP-B-200-1-293U . I cut the arms with the bolt holes off the back of the Kenwood bracket, cut down the RAM base to just the octagonal nub, and then epoxied the nub to the back of the kenwood mount.

If I were going to do it again I would buy this piece: https://www.rammount.com/part/RAP-277U-NP and the socket arm: https://www.rammount.com/part/RAP-B-200-1U instead and skip the dremel mods.

 

Stock mount and RAM-B-238U on bottom.

 

Did you grind down the powder coating the mount for your fire ring grounding?

 

Anyone know where I can find a ~6 foot RG-316 SMA Female to SMA male cable? I can't find anything on the internet. This is the closest I've found. One end is SMA male which I can get an adapter for, but I'm unclear what the other end is.... Plus $30 seems expensive as hell for an extension. Is that normal?

I'm running my antenna from my tailgate all the way through the engine compartment and into the cab to the radio itself. The 13.5 feet from the mount doesn't quite reach. Using a modified Diamond K400SNMO to mount to a tailgate mount. Tired of having the antenna on the hood.

Thanks ahead of time!

 

I started studying for my tech license as well. I like that radio set up you have. I been looking for a mobile unit and really like the looks of that midland.

How well is that DBR2500 receiving?

 

Seems to me like an oddly specific adapter, which would drive up the cost (if exactly what you are looking for actually exisits). I would do it right and get a fresh 18-25 ft of coax and run the line again.

 

If you're not too short on the cable length you could also look into going through one of the plugs on the bottom of the cab instead of going into the engine compartment and through the firewall.

 

Couldn't tell you... I need to be able to take/pass the test first!

 

I finally got my ft-8800r moved over to the 3rd gen.






ETA: added external speaker picture

 

This is a damn fine idea. Can't believe I didn't consider this. I did a half assed search for plugs on the bottom of the cab, but came up empty. Needed to whole ass that one since there are some great options down there.

 

You dont listen to it? lol. You dont need a license to listen.

 

Nice clean install..

 

Thanks. It was a major pita getting the dash apart to get the lower switch panel out but so I am happy with the end product. I didn't get any pictures of the external speaker mounted in the passenger footwell. I will grab some shortly.

 

I mounted mine inside the center console. There's a hollow area inside that's no longer dead space.



I just used a cat5 to extend the plug for the mic.



Used a flush plug


And done