CB or ham radio installation - SAR use

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bscruz

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I just got my Trail Premium on Friday, one of my first tasks is to install a 2way radio. I am a mountain SAR team member so I need access to the radio and hand mic to/from and during missions.

Question is where should I mount it? Anybody do this yet?

Is there a good way to rout the cable to the back of the vehicle and keep it concealed?

How can I route the power cable from the cab to the battery?

I want to make this a clean and neat install but also want itnsorta concealed so I don't give an opportunistic thief a reason to break in.
 
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Mine is under the passenger side seat with the face plate on a windshield Ram mount. Ran the power through the center console to driver's side and through the firewall there along with the antenna wire since mine is mounted on the front bumper.
 
Ham is mounted up under the steering column tucked up underneath with the faceplate and mic mounted in the little cubby hole under the USB/12v plug. Comet antenna out back. Works great and the sound amplifies behind the steering column.
 
Intruder said:
Mine is under the passenger side seat with the face plate on a windshield Ram mount. Ran the power through the center console to driver's side and through the firewall there along with the antenna wire since mine is mounted on the front bumper.
Click to expand...

I had my installers do a very similar install. It's a great setup, and if your radio happens to get hot, you can always just blast the AC on floor mode for a few minutes to help cool it off. I'll admit though, things can be a bit dicey if you happen to take on water on the passenger side like I did not long ago. Yikes!

Along with that, I had a few other things done(check build thread in Sig below):
1. Custom mic plug installed in one of the spare switch blank locations on the console, so the cord would always be out of the way, and I could always remove the mic and keep it out of the way when not in use.
2. Since the radio is under the passengers seat, I also had them install an external mic behind the dash, just under the steering wheel. Works very well.
3. Ran the remote line up through the hole where the light sensor is supposed to go(dead center, right where the dash meets the windshield), and bought a RAM X-mount to hold the head unit. This way, things are nice and clean and I can remove the face plate when not in use. I just like to keep everything out of view so as to not encourage theft.
 
Newbie question - I don't even have my tech license yet.
Is there a way to run this through the stereo? Maybe using BT? With a PTT button? Do any of the ham radios let you run a GUI on your phone for control?
 
Here's how/where I installed my 2meter. Speaker on top and heatsink exposed.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/165542-warthog-build-adventure-thread-5.html#post1748121

I haven't gotten my CB mounted yet but will either be in the slot behind the nexus 7 there or in the console/armrest storage.

In both cases though, running the antenna wire under the seat to the tracks along the front and back doors and up the wheel well inside the car to the back.

From there... well I've not gotten anything permanent yet. I run magnetic mounts on the rear roof with the cables going out the lift gate seal or back window when I need to use them :/

For permanently mounted you would have to drill a hole in the floor pan back there somewhere if mounted low or run it up to the ceiling and out with the other wires for the lift gate.

Power cable from the battery enters the cab easily through a double grommet in the firewall. I have one on the right and left side of the engine bay. The right side one has a nice expansion hole you can poke out and use, the driver side you need to run an awl or something through then feed the wires through.
 
Swarty said:
Newbie question - I don't even have my tech license yet.
Is there a way to run this through the stereo? Maybe using BT? With a PTT button? Do any of the ham radios let you run a GUI on your phone for control?
Click to expand...

I am sure there probably is some super techie way, but I have never heard of using BT. Hardwire for the speaker, yes, BT I don't know. You may have to go onto the hard core Ham radio forums and ask. Usually hams are really nice and helpful, but sometimes decoding their answers can be a challenge...
 
Good timing for this thread. I'm installing my cb now and vhf/uhf next month. I'm running my cb coax into the center console. I have a Midland 75-822 so i can just plug it in when I need to and run the cord out, Toyota was kind enough to imprint an indentation in the center console for cords while keeping the console lid closed flush.

For the ham, I had planned on mounting the body underneath the drivers seat (already have something mounted under the passenger seat) with a remote faceplate on some sort of dash mount. I had thought about the radio's exposure to water, but I highly doubt I'll ever see water that deep in the 4Runner.. it messes with so many components I try to avoid it at all costs. Once I get closer to install I plan on going to my local ham shop and see what they have to say regarding install.

This mount looks nice but I'm unconvinced it will hold the faceplate steady when off road.. I'll have to check them out in person. Steelie Car Mount Kit.

Not sure exactly where on the dash yet, I figured once I have the radio it'll be easier. It'd be great if someone could figure out how to repurpose the lower portion of the dash, below the climate control knobs. Theres a big empty pocket there waiting for some kind of rocker switch panel or radio panel mod.
 
Remote Speaker

I use the AUX out from my CB and plug the cable into the AUX jack by the USB jack in the center console. I set the radio in the 4Runner for AUX in and use the built in speakers. When not in use, I drop the cable between the seat and center console. No need for a separate speaker and trying to mount it somehwere.
 
Got my brain mounted on the tool box behind the second row. Face plate is on a flex mount connected to the passenger seat. Aux speaker bolted to center consul. I have a mic hanger connected to the plastic where the map lights are. Works very well and everything is out of the way of the passengers legs.

Check my build for photos.
 
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