Clean VHF/CB radio installs

This is my set up. It’s a Mildland 275. I borrowed part of the idea from @ClassyTacos. The Cat6 cable it’s run to the 3TPAM like his. I did that for the SPOD too. The main unit is down in the drivers side footwell.

 

That looks amazing, great job.

 

Nicely done. Looks great. off topic question, how did you do the handlebar grip shifter?

 

Mount vertically against the center console by the front cupholder. Ran a Cobra 29 there forever. Alternately, it could attach to a dashtop multimount-type rail.

 

Took a day to get used to but I love it.

 

Here's a sword if you want one.

$18 SUJADE YAKEFLY Universal Katana Gear Shifter, Katana Shift Knob Samurai Sword Gear Lever with 4 Adapters (Black)

https://www.amazon.com/YAKEFLY-Univ...efix=tacoma+shifter+knob,aps,175&sr=8-30&th=1

There's a ton of options out there. Don't know the AT thread pattern off the top of my head but they just screw on and off. I actually might need to replace mine, my bed gets in the way of easy shifting with the wide knob. Thanks for reminding me of it

 

Check this place out.

https://www.gogettagrip.com/collections/toyota

 

has anyone installed the radio in an access cab with rear sear delate? I have a ham radio with a powerwerks device that I would like to install behind the cover against the back wall. any pictures out there? is there a way to figure out how to determine what size bolt size I would need to fit preexisting threated holes?

 

Made my first coded simplex and duplex repeater connections on this new rig today.

 

Yes please.

 

Great radio! Since it's full duplex, I use mine for working satellite and the ISS.

 

Nice radio. I like that the microphone can go in the head or the transceiver body.

 

I mounted my radio body and speaker on a piece of lexan and velcroed it under the seat. Keeps it out of sight and away from damage and also has more airflow.

 

This past July,my 30+ year old FT8500 finally gave up no more display. Felt unarmed having no radio. Of course Yaesu had just discontinued the FTM400 and that has pretty good performance record and the display is color and giant. The ham radio market is kinda slim, new operators are not as many I figure,like many industries the plandemic affected alot especially the electronics.

I grabbed this FTM500 the display size is kind of disappointing but,the resolution makes up for size.
The FT8500 was a similar radio with detachable head that I had pretty much in the same location. The FTM500 is pretty much overkill for my capability,but it is as much tech as you can get in this package being offered.

The radio is pretty nice lots of buttons, same with the mic. Just wish it had volume control, the old FT8500 did guess, Yaesu can't figure out how to do it in 2023.

 

Nice seeing all the great install options on Tacoma's. I recently installed a Yaesu in mine... Just realized I should of posted it in this tread.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/yaesu-ftm-300-radio-install.812526/

 

Yes, your install is excellent. I use to run my antenna in similar configuration to yours got tired of the tip constantly snagging the garage door structure so,years ago I installed the motorized mount, works great.

 

Thank you Texbaz. I like the motorized mount idea you have too as a good option for longer antennas. Nice radio purchase and install BTW.

 

Thanks, what I wanted was an install I could actually remove in a moments notice.

I have the radio head setup to come off with the flip of a lever(mini Oben tripod head, BA-108). Only one cable goes to it. Second. The antenna motor quickly unbolts from the tonneau cover (wing nuts under the cleat bolts) so it can be put under the cover and locked up. Those capabilities come in real handy if I find myself in a sketchy area.

 

I like that idea. I wonder how many ham radios are stolen and the market for them? Likely thugs wouldn't know how to connect to a repeater and make contact.

 

Installed a ICOM 2730a Ham Radio into my 2015 Tacoma.

The 2730a fits perfect in the sunglass holder. No cutting involved. Sunglass holder closes as well without modifications. I also installed a RJ45 connector in one of the empty slots for the microphone jack. The main control unit is under the passenger seat. I used heavy duty velcro as its sitting on the carpet just above the floor HVAC unit and I used a zip tie around the HVAC Vent and to help secure the unit.

All I need to do is find a location to hang the microphone.