Ham & off road

[CWO4CNO]

I'm in process ordering new equipment to install into my Sr5 and plan on installing an Icom dual band radio with the faceplate mounted in the 2x6 opening on the lower console. For APRS, I'm planning on using a Yaesu VX8 hidden inside the center storage compartment.
Why I'm writing is that I'm interested in how everyone approached antenna installations. My thought is to mount them on the upper side of the rear hatch then for the coaxes in through the electrical conduits and under the liner's.
Any thoughts I should consider??
Thanks

 

[MeefZah]

I'm in process ordering new equipment to install into my Sr5 and plan on installing an Icom dual band radio with the faceplate mounted in the 2x6 opening on the lower console. For APRS, I'm planning on using a Yaesu VX8 hidden inside the center storage compartment.
Why I'm writing is that I'm interested in how everyone approached antenna installations. My thought is to mount them on the upper side of the rear hatch then for the coaxes in through the electrical conduits and under the liner's.
Any thoughts I should consider??
Thanks

I don't know how APRS antenna needs differ from normal 2 way radio needs (?) so this may not be applicable, but I use NMO trunk lip mounts over the hood. Easy to route the coax, and simple to install. Not expensive either (Tram ones are like $19 with coax and PL259).

 

[CWO4CNO]

I don't know how APRS antenna needs differ from normal 2 way radio needs (?) so this may not be applicable, but I use NMO trunk lip mounts over the hood. Easy to route the coax, and simple to install. Not expensive either (Tram ones are like $19 with coax and PL259).

Thank you. That is an option for mounting. The APRS antenna will be a triband version to cover 2/1.25/70cm. My thought is to run the VX8 and have an antenna that can allow usage of all the band's. I have a new SBB-5 coming today for the dual band Icom mobile.
I started reviewing the forum and some YouTube videos to see how the interior can be disassembled for installing the coaxes.
I'm leaning toward installing the main radio body inside the center console storage area as it is ~ 6"x6"x2" in size. I found that the bottom liner can be removed and be used as a template to fabricate a false bottom to hide any modifications.
I might need to photo document as I step through this.:becky:

 

[DannyLlama]

If anyone is interested in the CBI ditch brackets, they have a coupon on the set. I'm not sure if they want this to be public information so please call them first.

5th gen Ditch Light Brackets + FREE SHIPPING | CBI Offroad Fab

12 bucks off!

 

[e60ral]

I'm in process ordering new equipment to install into my Sr5 and plan on installing an Icom dual band radio with the faceplate mounted in the 2x6 opening on the lower console. For APRS, I'm planning on using a Yaesu VX8 hidden inside the center storage compartment.
Why I'm writing is that I'm interested in how everyone approached antenna installations. My thought is to mount them on the upper side of the rear hatch then for the coaxes in through the electrical conduits and under the liner's.
Any thoughts I should consider??
Thanks

the GPS antenna on the unit needs a good view of the sky, so either mount the HT where it has a view through the windshield or get an external GPS antenna (you'll need to check what they have available that works with that radio, i'm not familiar with it). Also, wherever you hide your HT, make sure that it has some airflow so its not getting too hot.

do you already have the VX-8? If it were me, for the cost of a VX-8 i'd rather get an inreach and use that

 

[CWO4CNO]

the GPS antenna on the unit needs a good view of the sky, so either mount the HT where it has a view through the windshield or get an external GPS antenna (you'll need to check what they have available that works with that radio, i'm not familiar with it). Also, wherever you hide your HT, make sure that it has some airflow so its not getting too hot.

do you already have the VX-8? If it were me, for the cost of a VX-8 i'd rather get an inreach and use that

Hello,
I have had my VX8 for several years now and never had an issue running it as a mobile APRS system inside the vehicle. And since my 4runner has the moon roof option I think I won't have any concerns here either. The new class and mount the I installed for the VX-8 is bad. I need to take aTDR to it to see where the problem is.
I did manage to install my new Icom dual bander and it really looks nice so I'm half way completed on my radio installations.

 

[DannyLlama]

the GPS antenna on the unit needs a good view of the sky, so either mount the HT where it has a view through the windshield or get an external GPS antenna (you'll need to check what they have available that works with that radio, i'm not familiar with it). Also, wherever you hide your HT, make sure that it has some airflow so its not getting too hot.

do you already have the VX-8? If it were me, for the cost of a VX-8 i'd rather get an inreach and use that

I'm confused. Isn't the antenna usually mounted on the outside of the vehicle, whether it's voice or GPS/APRS ??

The actual unit itself can be mounted anywhere. what am I missing

Hello,
I have had my VX8 for several years now and never had an issue running it as a mobile APRS system inside the vehicle. And since my 4runner has the moon roof option I think I won't have any concerns here either. The new class and mount the I installed for the VX-8 is bad. I need to take aTDR to it to see where the problem is.
I did manage to install my new Icom dual bander and it really looks nice so I'm half way completed on my radio installations.

 

[cartrouble]

I'm confused. Isn't the antenna usually mounted on the outside of the vehicle, whether it's voice or GPS/APRS ??

The actual unit itself can be mounted anywhere. what am I missing

APRS signals come and go using your 2m antenna. GPS signals come and go from a GPS antenna. On the VX8DR that's either directly attached to the unit or attached to the speaker mic. Either way it is an additional accessory.

 

[CWO4CNO]

APRS signals come and go using your 2m antenna. GPS signals come and go from a GPS antenna. On the VX8DR that's either directly attached to the unit or attached to the speaker mic. Either way it is an additional accessory.

Another item to expand on its that the optional GPS antenna/unit is that it is way more sensitive than earlier versions of GPS's.
I did miss type on my earlier message in that I have a bad coax cable to trouble shoot. Once I identify the problem and whether I have to R&R it, I will take some photos for others to reference.

 

[TRD_53204]

Do a search for Yaesu CT-133 ... I use one for my FTM-350AR.

 

[zefram47]

DannyLlama, I also use the APRS to keep the spouse happy. Just make sure she understands that a stale position does not mean trouble. If you look at aprs.fi, you should be able to see where the aprs digipeaters (look for the green six pointed stars) are located in your area. Although you can get into a lot of dead spots,I've been pleasantly surprised at the coverage, a lot of them are placed on the fringes of the parks.

Since I had a hard time finding examples of installs in 5th gens, I will put some nice pics here. I've got the D710A faceplate mounted on the upper dash - personal preference- and the V71A faceplate mounted down low in the center cubby. For the D710A, the main body is under the driver's seat, with the faceplate cord tucked into the door jamb and run across the dash. V71A main body is under the passenger front seat with the cord run up through the center console. For both radios, I ran the antenna cable under the trim to the rear, up the pillar and out through the tailgate grommets to lip mounts on the left and right hand sides of the tailgate.

I just bought a 2016 TEP a few weeks ago and finally bought some antenna mounts for the truck. Got two Comet HD5-type mounts, one with a UHF mount for ham and the other with the 3/8-24 for CB. Trying to get ideas on wire routing and would love more detailed pics of routing along the tailgate.

I also have a Kenwood V71a and was eyeballing something like you did for the faceplate...how did you actually mount it in that cubbyhole that isn't useful for much else? Btw, I use one half of the V71a for APRS, as you can specify which side to use for data-only, unlike the Yaesu 8800. I use the OT2m TNC with a Garmin mapping gps and it works quite well...just need to get it installed in the truck.

 

[MeefZah]

Since I got rid of my '14 TE and got a '17 SR5, I've basically been re-doing all my former mods.

I installed the Icom 2730A with a RAM mount, Midland 21-406 speaker sandwiched on the rear passenger floor liner (shown in pic below with an electrical box cover placed on the bottom / carpet side of the rubber liner for stability), and Tram NMO antenna base w/ Avionics 5/8 wave VHF antenna on the hood. The Icom mic has a normal style mic hang up button with Motorola clip instead of the proprietary Icom clip.

 

[chillfancy]

A couple points after reading this...

1: As far as CB goes, the 11m band is really amazing during the day. Most of the time, you will be able to reach out 100+ miles. In some cases (skip conditions) you could see inter-continental propagation.

2: HF radios like the 857D are an unusual choice for local comms, since a dedicated dual receive unit like a TM-V71a is available for around $350 (paid $250 for mine.) The 857D has dual antenna outputs, so you could use a "40 antenna AND a dedicated HF antenna without buying a motorized tuning antenna for $$$-$$$$.

3: If you mount an antenna, drilling a hole in the roof and using a NMO is going to be your best bet for maximum efficiency.

4: You don't have to spend big money to get a HAM radio. Baofeng UV-5R are ~$25 and they work great for communicating with people near you. Used Radioshack HTX 100 10m transceivers can be had for <$100 if you're patient.

KN4AJU