Clean VHF/CB radio installs

That would be cool if I was parked working HF, but I just want to scan local repeaters and simplex while I drive. And I'm not willing to not listen to music just to do that.

 

My work setup in my Tundra.
Cb- Midland 75-822. Hardwired one OE plug for it to have full time power, used a thru panel coupler for the antenna cable mounted above the brake controller.
Handheld (s)- Midland GTX1000G
VHF- Motorola GM300 mounted under the glove box with mic mounted to the side of the cup holder.

Only thing I don't like is when all 4 are going at the same time. Easiest setup for the CB I've ever dealt with. If not wiring for full time power, only thing you have to add is the antenna cable and a way to attach it.

 

The airbags in my 2019 SR5 deploy from the seat back cushion. I checked that very carefully before making the decision. It's a bit confusing because the on line diagrams indicate that the 2019 has headliner mounted airbags, but mine doesn't.

I'm always are of airbag deployment zones when I add anything to my vehicles.

 

interesting. my '18 sport definitely has the airbags in the headliner. it's very odd there's airbag variations for the different trim levels. i don't think i've ever heard of that before in any make/model.

 

No pictures unfortunately, but that is exactly what I mean.

 

My ‘13 SR5 Dbl cab has both air bags in the seat and the headliner. I saw them when I dropped the headliner to run the antenna wire.

 

OK, good to know there is room. Thanks!

 

Is there any good ham NMO radio mount that you can also install a ditch light to? That acts like a dual purpose mount.

Also, would there be any issues to install the ham antenna next to the radio antenna? The 2nd gen has a physical radio antenna on the passenger side. I rather keep all the antennas on that side for a cleaner look. Any issues doing that?

 

An antenna should be mounted at least 1/4 wavelength away from other antenna, for VHF that's about 1'10", for CB its 9'2". (These are rounded up to nearest inch.)

If you don't use your radio ditch the antenna or go to a hidden one of some type,.

 

Too close for both those antennas to work without interfering with each other. Also watch for cheap LED with noisy RF mounted on there.
I just added the NMO plate to my driver side ditch mount. Read up on RF dangers and understand the risk to having the antenna right beside you as well.

 

Dumb question for the experienced coms guys. I’m adding an NMO connector to some lmr240 I’m reusing, which is overkill but it’s what I had on hand. Instructions generally seem to be: solder exposed center conductor to the central NMO pin, and then crimp or solder the cable with exposed jacket (for ground) to the crimp piece. There anything else special to make this a solid connection?

Was going to try and get some heat shrink over it and wrap it up real nice and solid.

This:

 

There are ditch light brackets to which you could install NMO mounts, with massaging.
https://caliraisedoffroad.com/products/2019-toyota-rav4-low-profile-ditch-light-brackets

 

Honestly the experienced guys buy the ones that are waterproof and the cable is already attached... if you do it yourself silicon it as best you can as that mount is designed to be in the roof or trunk where the bottom stays dry.

https://www.valley-ent.com/store/br...-hole-mount-with-17-feet-rg-58-a-u-cable.html

 

I would buy a new cable but I ran my line already before I realized the options for rg8x or lmr240 mounts is terrible. I’m going to use a 90* adhesive heat shrink to seal it up and then seal over that. I’ve used liquid electric tape on an outdoor

$43 pl259 USA made PL-259 improved double shielded rg-58u for firestik antenna K-8A 18-foot single cb/ham coax cable

pl259 I had in the truck bed years ago and it appeared to be fine when I took it off after 2-3 years of exposure.

 

The ham antenna being on the other side from the am/fm would add some symmetry and avoid interference.

I can attest that Baja Designs S1s have not caused RFI issues with my dual band setup. Ultimately ended up moving the antenna up over the driver's head for better transmission success in hilly/rolling dunes areas.

 

Thanks, thinking of mounting my Comet shorty attenna to my roof rack now. Any RFI or SWR issues with ths?

 

No issues for me, even when the S8 light bar is on in close proximity. Dual band top dead center, and sidekick APRS running on the shorty.

 

Thanks! I think thats what I will do.

 

Zero issue with BD Squadrons either:

 

Does that still apply if the CB is powered off? Don't know where I want to put my GMRS antenna yet, but I have a 4' firestick for my CB on a ditch light bracket. Radios won't be used at the same time, and the CB will be powered off when not in use.