Clean VHF/CB radio installs

Thanks. Any more on feedline loss. Is the difference dramatic between, say, 9 ft and 18 ft lengths? Or can the diff between 17 ft and 18 ft be just as critical.

I don't have access to calibrated equipment right now.

 

If it’s an NMO mount, it’s
More than likely RG-58

Plenty of charts out there that have feedline loss characteristics to see what your losses will be.

Either way, depending on how deep you want to go down the rabbit hole, you might find some good information on the web explaining it all as its way too much to type out here.

If you are already a licensed ham, this would be a good time to refresh those chapters in the technician study guide.

 

I am licensed but it's been a while and that study for the tech is a fading memory. In any case, you got me pointed in the right direction. You feedback is much appreciated.

 

So yes, but actually no - which means sorta.

Not the SWR - Coax length doesn't impact that but it does impact your radiated power. Coax is "lossy" which means you lose power down the cable and the longer it is, the more you lose.

https://www.qsl.net/co8tw/Coax_Calculator.htm

Assume it's RG-8 unless it's thicker or thinner than a pencil. Link above should show you what your losses are but at the 15ish feet that you are running in a vehicle, losses are minimal. Like if you transmit at 50w, it's 48w at the end of the antenna. Then stick a 3dbi antenna on it and your 48w looks like 96 watts.

I'm running 13' of RG316, which is tiny like 2mm thick and my 50watts comes out as 46 watts at the end. You are fine. Trust me, I used to think all VHF / UHF needed LMR 500. But in a vehicle, it doesn't matter. Unless that vehicle is a 200 foot long school bus and the antenna is on the rear bumper.

Just remember - all of radio is based around a purely resonant antenna that exists in free space - everything else is a compromise. I'd give up 2 watts for an easy cable to fish through a truck 8 days a week.

 

Or, install the transceiver right next to the antenna (or as close as practicable) and then talk to it digitally from a head unit mounted somewhere accessible.

 

Looking for a better mounting option that doesn't involve the mic swinging (using a tether) or putting it on a seat/in the cup holder (see pic for mic style).

 

double sided sticky tape and 2 'u' brackets on either side of the cord?

 

Thanks! Might work... I wonder if the cord will provide enough weight to keep it in place while kicking up a little dust.

Anyone else have something you're using?

 

Use VHB tape. Won't go nowhere.

 

Attached to? (velcro? Mic does need to be removable to speak into)

Has anyone had success with velcro as a long term solution in the summer months when cabin temps get hot?

 

the U brackets. Pick up mic to talk into, set back into brackets to hold. Heck, if you want some retention, tie some bungee to the brackets.

If you want more retention, use longer Us. I mean that won't help if the truck flips over, buuuut gravity should be enough in most cases.

 

@HisDad Could you please post up a side pic showing how much of the scanner sticks out beyond the button panel above it, like this? I’m trying to see how much room I can gain by pulling off something akin to your installation.

 

I can, but it might be a day or two. I ended up taking the little cubby out entirely to get enough set back. The radio doesn't stick out as much as you show there.

 

Much appreciated! I may end up going that "bare cubby" route, as well. I'd love to retain use of the cup holders, so the further back I can get the scanner, the better. Merry Christmas!

 

I can, if I need to, use the front cup holder, but generally use the one further back.

Merry Christmas to you as well.

 

New radio installed AT6666pro, took down the whip and went with a firestik, less chance of hitting an overpass.

 

Can anyone tell me for sure where there is a grommet through the floor, preferably on the passenger side, near the rear seat in a double cab 3rd Gen?
All the info in this thread seems to be people saying well "on my 2nd Gen...."

I have a TS-480SAT mounted behind the rear passenger side seat, and need to get a coax line and a screwdriver antenna control cable into the bed of the truck. I know there's one under the drivers side, I'd just prefer to not have to zig zag cables all over.

 

I only know of the ones in the front of the floor board but you can take a peak under the truck and spot the black rubber grommet easily

 

So after studying YouTube videos where people have the carpeting out I found there is a grommet directly in the center of the truck right in front of the rear cubbies under the carpet-which easily pulls out- revealing the grommet. I popped it out and can see under the truck.

I'll have to get my ramps out and put the back tires up on it and get the creeper out and see if it's a viable option from under. Last thing I need is wires getting entangled in the driveshaft.

I also have to figure out if I want to drill a hole through the bed to pass the wires through or just loop them up and over the front of the bed. I have the antenna mounted on an aluminum mount I made that bolts into the t-slot rail. Also have to run a ground cable to the frame.

 

My antenna is on the rear quarter panel above the Drivers Tail Light. Wire runs up under the plastic bed rail trim and then over the bed wall between the bed and cab.