Clean VHF/CB radio installs

The fire ring connectors (these are the only ones that work when mounting in this location) only come in 9’ or 18’

 

I finally got around to installing my FTM-400 in the Tacoma. I pulled it from the crosstrek on the day I traded it in, and it's either been too cold, or I've been too busy to get it installed. I ended up using a Cali Raised tailgate mount, and I re-used the nmo mount and coax that I had in the crosstrek. I re-used the same Comet SBB-5 antenna as well. It's a 2M/70CM, 38" ground independent antenna that worked well mounted on the hatchback of the crosstrek, so I figured I'd give it a run on the Tacoma.

I ran 12 gauge wire from the battery through the firewall on the pass side, and brought the coax up under the front pass seat. The radio body is under the seat, and the head is on a Ram flex adhesive mount down just to the right of the power outlet. I also tried it up higher on the Taco Garage multi mount, but I think I prefer it down lower. And, that leaves an open spot for either a DMR or other HT to get clipped to the Taco Garage clip mount.

This may, or may not end up as a permanent install...I have a deposit on the new Yaesu FTM-500, if it ever gets released! The front facing speaker on the head of that one could be pretty cool. I'm pretty happy with the 400 though, and it sounds better under the Tacoma seat than it did in the Crosstrek...that car was really noisy. I do have an extension speaker for it, if needed.

 

Just wondering if you had any more pictures of routing coax both in and out of truck bed, and then getting it underneath driver side seat. Thank you!

I have a Diamond antenna that I have never used, it is a NR72BNMO. Any thoughts if it would work if mounted similar with tailgate mount like yours? Still hesitant to drill hole in cab roof. I think I would have about 1" of clearance from top of antenna to bottom of door when raised. I need to park truck under the garage door and simulate antenna attached to roof.

 

I don't have any more pics of the coax routing...but, I tucked it up in the side rail of the tonneau cover. I used a NMO mount that had RG316 coax already soldered to the mount base. I tried one with RG58 but it rubbed on the tailgate lip a bit, so I opted for the smaller diameter RG316 cable. I then snuck it out at the corner of the tonneau cover rail up by the cab. I then ran it down between the cab and bed, and poked it up through a slit I cut in one of the factory rubber plugs in the bottom of the cab, under the front passenger seat. It's raining here, or I'd try and grab a few pics.

I looked up that Diamond antenna, and it's only 13.8" tall, and requires a ground. I'm not sure how much of a ground you'll get with a tailgate mount? I never checked as I'm running a ground independent antenna. If you go with a tailgate mount, you may want to consider a taller antenna.

 

I posted this in the What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today but wanted tonpost it here as well.
Installed a mic extension for my Icom ham radio. Bough a 10’ (could have gone with the 6’) Cat 6 RJ25 Ethernet cable from Amazon(search the following ASIN: B07VJX17ZJ) . The female end had to be filed just a little bit for it to fit in the USB port on my Expedition Essentials accessory mount. Used a file and after like 15 secs of filing, tested for fit and once it fit nice and snug, done. And since I never used the USB plugs in there, I figured this was more useful. Ran the male end behind the radio and under the center console and under the driver’s mat. From there I ran it under the seat where the main unit is. Mounted the Icom mic holder onto the accessory mount and done. Still not a fan of the Icom mics and their mic holder but oh well.

 

How sturdy does that mount seem?

I’d like something placing the antenna there until I get a high clearance rear bumper. I was looking to mount a 4’ firestik but I heard they flex and scratch the paint.

 

i have a similar one. its sturdy enough for my 3-4' fire stick + spring

 

I got that same fire ring but the 18’ solder-on for a 4’ firestik.
Do you have to take the paint off the mount to ground it?
For now I’m looking to mount onto the bed rails that are just screwed to the bed. First time using this kind of mount.

 

It's pretty sturdy, but my antenna is pretty light weight compared to a firestick. I think a spring would be helpful ...like auskip07 mentioned.

 

Yeah the ham and grms seem a lot lighter weight than CB’s, I just recall hearing that’d cause it to hit the paint.

Mine has a spring but I might just try the bed rail until I get a bumper.

 

I hit mine on the garage door every day or 2 times for 3+ years and it still transmits fine

 

I can see that happening....there really isn't much clearance between the bracket and the tailgate.

 

clean

 

Sti-co

https://sti-co.com/flexi-whip-nmo-mount-field-tunable-antenna-136-mhz-1000-ghz/

 

?

 

Amazingly clean and professional 5 minute install of a midland GMRS today. Complete with mag mount through the door jam antenna, power port plug in and binder clip transceiver mount on cup holder. Some of my best work.


If you want want to see some actual good work check out the electronics section in my build thread. Need this tomorrow for parade marshal duty.

 

Titanium binder clip no doubt.

 

This is probably the cleanest one I’ve seen so far

 

Anyone install a Wouxon KG1000?