Clean VHF/CB radio installs

Its a diamond motorized mount K9000TM with a Diamond NR770HA 2m/70cm Don't qoute me on the diamond ant model number I'm just trying to remember.
The motor mount can be removed by simply opening the tonneau cover removing the 2 wing nuts securing the covers cleat. Did that to keep things safe like when parking long term airport and other events.

 

You got a good ground plane there?

 

What model APX do you have? I possibly have a 4500 700/800mhz to install in my truck(I'm a chief officer of a fire dept). I have an 02 green head, I wish it was black so it would look much better. I'd have to get the remote mount kit as well- they currently have the head installed on the radio brick. No clue how much they cost.

 

This type of antenna employs a radialless structure. They refer to these Diamond and Coment antennas as Radialless design, does not require ground plane.

commonly used on Marine craft.

https://www.diamondantenna.net/Product_Catalog/mobile.html

 

I have a Comet SBB5 which I think might be similar …. But it’s ok

 

Yes, probably the same design.
I live about 35 miles from Dallas, Arlington, Waco. I can hit repeaters, in Dallas very good, Arlington 50/50
Waco on a hill.
These style antennas are great for Mobil use.

The Yaesu C4FM technology is pretty slick. I'm very new to it but from what I've experienced it's very nice.
Especially the APRS feature on the FTM-500DR

Hopefully, you setup and checked SWR for your SBB5. They can usually be tuned for optimal SWR and performance.

 

I need to do that ….

 

OK, I got a bit ahead of myself and installed a 2 Meter FireStick antenna for my anticipated future 2 Meter mobile radio. Only problem is I upgraded my thinking to a 2M/70CM radio. The FireStick mount is a 3/8" by 24 threads mount. All the duel band antennas I have found are UHF connector or NMO Mount. Is there an adapter to change from the 3/8" thread to something else? Since this is an off road truck a spring will be used as well.

 

I dont know how to link but try Amazon
3/8 threaded to so-239 adapter.

 

I ended up drilling out my mount to accommodate an NMO mount and then purchased an NMO to 3/8-24 adapter from Amazon if I want to run a Firestik.

If you're just concentrating on the CB band, you could always purchase an NMO-27 coil and appropriate whip to fit the NMO mount.

 

No CB here, if it was I'd just stay with the 3/8" mount.

Amazing what the proper "search words" can bring back. My searches didn't return much of anything, but still not what I will be needing, or so I believe.
The ground stops at the Firestik mount. I believe the UHF239 & the MNO both have the ground or shield at the base. See picture of my installation. I would prefer to use the MNO as I believe it is a stronger mount.

 

Can you give details on the black base/mount that your antenna is attached to? (Also, what did you use for your ‘drip edge’ above your doors?)

Thanks

 

CATALOG Main Page (Frame Setup) (firestik.com) Mount Model M-2 in case this link does not work. Can not link directly: go to "Mounts and Accessories" at the top then from the left side bar select "Side Mnt Molded". There is a drawing in the description as well.

I was afraid that picture would invite unrelated questions. Not saying this is the identical, but I picked the drip rail up at a Trailer Supply store:
RV Gutters, Drip Rails for Cars and Trucks | Trim-Lok (trimlok.com)
I've used it on two vehicles so far and am happy with it - does create some wind noise. It can keep the snow on the roof as well, so it does not come in to the vehicle as much.
OR

Essential Products BL01002 Black 10' EZE RV Gutter

Amazon.com: Essential Products BL01002 Black 10' EZE RV Gutter : Automotive

 

Ha - and I just noticed the custom side mirror.

Thanks for the Firestik link. I found the side mount.

 

I have a yeasu ft-8900 that I am going to put into my rig. the ft-8900 has the mh-48a6ja mic that has the 6-pin modular, RJ11 jack. has anyone found a dash mounted pass trough ?

 

Sorry if this has already been addressed in this thread.
What would be a better application for general off-roading, and what would be the most commonly found the in the truck community a CB or HAM? Im fine getting a ham license if I need but honestly I don’t know anyone that has or uses either a HAM or CB. So I don’t want to get/install something that’s going to take up space and never get used.

 

GMRS! You pay $35 for 10 years and there’s no test for the license. It works with the cheap walkie talkies or expensive radios. You can program HAM radios to talk to GMRS but not legal. In an emergency situation I’d be willing to do it. I have a midland radio mounted in my truck 4 hand helds that I loan out while on trips. You can program repeaters and talk even further. There’s one by my house that’s about 90 miles. Fairly affordable options out there too.

https://midlandusa.com/collections/portable-base-stations/products/mxt115-micromobile-2-way-radio

 

Thank you the info and product suggestion. I’ll have to do some research on gmrs as I’m not familiar with it all.

 

+1 to GMRS

I have CB and GMRS setup on my truck, but seems most people have gone to GMRS.

D

 

So I did my research last night and I actually paid the $35 bucks for gmrs licensing. Probably going to buy a handheld radio to play with before I commit to a Mobil 50watt radio for the truck. So any recommendations for a handheld gmrs radio?