1st Gen Ham Radio Stuffs

Ima poor highschool kid so still workin on it.

Also still open up for ideas

 

Added to the list to research... Thanks.

 

I recently bought an NMO antenna mount, which I haven't installed yet. It was like $12.

I have some Beofengs, but also a Yaesu HT as well, quad band. I am planning to run the cable to the dash under the stereo, and panel mount a BNC connector, so I can connect my HTs to the antenna with a short patch cable.

I am planning on buying one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Yaesu-Ft-890...8&qid=1488863932&sr=8-2&keywords=yaesu+mobile

It does cross band repeat, so I can use it as a repeater when camping, etc.

 

Here's how I did mine

Kenwood V-71A 2 meter/70 CM radio. I detached the head and mounted it on the map light housing using the supplied bracket.

Then the main body was mounted under the driver's seat. The relocation kit allows you to do this.

Then for the mic I went to a computer store and bought a double female cat 5 connector and cut a hole in the dash and installed it.

Finally because the speaker is now under the seat, I purchased a Vertex MLS-100, removed the ash tray and installed it there.

Don't forget you need a good antenna too. I like the Comet CA-2X4SR. That's what I run on the truck. It's dead centered in the middle on top of the truck for even performance.

Any other radio questions you have please ask away. General class amateur licensed operator here.

 

Do you have any problems with yours there?

I don't know how it works but would it pick up static or something from the normal radio?

If I ever decide to break down and buy one I'd like to put it here.

 

No problems at all. There's no interference from the stereo if that's what you're asking.

Interestingly, that bottom radio in your pic is an Icom V-8000. I purchased one of those 2 weeks ago and it hadn't even crossed my mind (yet) if it would fit under the stereo. Of course you can see in my pics I have my Anytone Smart CB mounted under the stereo in that useless pocket that Scoshe provides with the aftermarket kit. Useless because in my case, as soon as I accelerate, the contents of the pocket come flying out. Toyota torque! So I made mine useful and mounted the world's tiniest CB inside.

I did see a pic of where someone mounted a Kenwood TM-281A under the stereo, and it fit like a glove, with no gaps and no filler panels needed.

 

It fits pretty good, I'd have to figure out a way to mount it so it didn't more, and I would need some sort of filler panels if I wanted it to look decent.

 

Yeah that's what I was going to say. There appears to be gaps between the outside edges of the Icom and the inside edges of the radio opening. The Kenwood I mentioned I believe is wide enough to fill those gaps. Though a better alternative I think, would be to go with the V71A like I have, and remote mount the head over the area under the stereo, and either make a simple block off panel or use the equipped pocket and fasten the head to that.

 

Yaesu FT-2900R

 

I crafted a two brackets from flat stock to hold my radio upright over the rear cupholder. Had to remove the seats to get them screwed into the sides of the tunnel.

 

Nice radio

 

Wait...you gotta have a permit/license to use a cb radio, or ham radio?

 

You need a ham radio license to transmit, but not needed to listen, or to operate a cb radio.

 

^x2

You can listen to any frequency, including fire, ambulance, forestry, highways, and private commercial companies.

Transmitting on HAM bands (no matter the frequency) requires a license/callsign. This license is usually pretty easy to obtain if you have a basic knowledge of the electrical field (no pun intended).

 

Yep, that's where I put mine.

 

Cool, good to know.

 

I am not a ham, but I have had a Realistic Pro2006 scanner installed in my Tacoma under the steering wheel column since 2008. Anyone who knows this rig knows it's not small. This mount point has suited me well all these years and me being 6'1", there's no leg issues with it as there's quite enough room there.

 

Do you have any more photos of the mount attached to the map light piece?? Just picked up a ft8900 and really like the idea of it mounted up there. Still trying to figure out how I wanna do it. Thanks.

 

My current setup.

 

That's Awesome! I'm actually taking the test next week.!

Yaesu makes some really nice radio's.That's the model I've eyeballing for a mobile unit.
I have this hand held at the moment
.