HAM Radio Install/Antenna Mount!!

I got around to installing my Kenwood D710 in the 2017 Tacoma today. I have searched for weeks for what mount I could use to no avail. To my surprise, the bracket from my 2008 Tahoe was an EXACT MATCH!!! the offset even matched the Toyota hood as you can see in the pictures.

 

Do you remember where you got the bracket? What antenna is that?

 

The bracket was ordered from Comet and the antenna is a Larsen NMO 2/70B. 144/440 antenna.

 

Wow, great find OP! Welcome to TW.

 

Thanks, I'm still waiting on my truck but Ill eventually install a Yaesu 859D.

 

I also saw some using the GoPro mount but didn't want to disrupt the wife's view out the windshield. This also keeps it out of the direct sunlight.

 

Nice job! I was thinking of a similar antenna mount but it doesn't look like RG-58 coax will fit in the gap around the hood. Were you able to use RG-58 without pinching or did you use a smaller size coax?

 

That is rg58 and its loose. I can slide it with hood closed no problem. The fender bolt is a little flimsy but no fender flex and the antenna is light. Not sure I would put a heavy fiberglass antenna in this location as the fender bolt is somewhat wimpy.

 

Hope this contributes- just installed my dual band antenna using a lip mount from comet, mounted on the trailing edge of the access cab door. This mount comes with 18" of reduced size lead wire and 16' of standard '58

 

Interesting. Pics?

 

I like it.

Kj4aud

 

That's a nice set up, well done!

 

Well, I *was* going to put my brake controller in the cubby, but after seeing this.... sigh.

Awesome job BTW.

 

Thank you. Took me a whole weekend to do it right. Had to make my own bracket.

 

Great install. Very cleanly done.

 

Nice job, @ChrisK7UND!

Where'd you mount the transceiver body?

 

Yes where is the RF deck and does it have the gps module in it? Also the mic attaches to the RF deck so where were you able to mount it?

 

Thanks for the bracket info, just what I've been looking for. Been sitting on my FTM-400 for a while now unhappy with my antenna mount options, this looks perfect.

 

Looks good Chris, nice job.

I put the screwdriver on the new Taco several months ago but I still haven't put the 2m ant on yet, haven't decided where I wanna put it.

By the way here is the Amateur Rad thread
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/amateur-ham-radio-bs-and-callsign-thread.260643/

 

The RF deck is under the drivers seat. Mic is plugged directly into the RF deck. Routed all wires in factory wire chase under the door trim.