HAM radio install pics?
- Thread starter ebg18t
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stevec5000
New member
The Ham Nation show on Twit.tv has done several segments on antenna installations in different vehicles. None of them were 4Runners but the procedure should be about the same. The last one was so neat that it left no visible wires or equipment anywhere and you can't even tell by looking that anything was installed!
Johnny4runner
New member
ebg18t, what type of radio are you thinking about mounting? I would like to see a few examples of radios mounted with separation kits--separate head units and control boxes.
I just bought a Yaesu 7900 and was thinking about mounting the control box in one of the storage compartments in the back and mounting the head unit up in the front (obviously). I have seen some examples of putting the control box under one of the front seats, but I kind of like the idea of putting the control box in back.
I haven't decided on how to mount the head unit, but a mirror mount might be good (and put the wires through the headliner). (this is a Ram Mirror Mount)
I will be mounting a ICom 208H. It has a really small head which is nice. But I am also installing a Uniden speaker since the base unit will be under the seat. Due to the amount of amps the radio uses under transmit i want to have the base as close to the battery as possible as i don't want to run long wires or have to upgrade the wiring. Still trying to work everything out right now. Right now I just have a couple boxes of stuff. I should have pics within 2 weeks.
How's your install going?
How's your install going?
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Johnny4runner
New member
I haven't had much time to finalize the logistics of the install. After taking a closer look, I think mounting the control box under one of the seats is the way to go. What type of hardware are you planning to use to mount the box and head unit?
I was thinking about using the supplied bracket and screws and just drilling thou the floor. But I need to pull the seat and explore this a tad more.
I ran the antena wiring from the rear htch to under the passenger seat, I also ran the wiring fir the seperate speaker to under the seat. Just haven't finalized how I want to mount the head.
I have a Yaesu 8800. I bought the remote head unit kit. After contemplating for a long time I just gave up and installed the unit down and to the right of the steer column.
This is not a good mounting place, I cant see what channel I'm on without ducking my head down to see around the steering wheel.
I think I'm going to replace the 8800 with FTM-350AR. I want APRS, so when I do replace it I'd like to have a mount that is easier to see.
This is not a good mounting place, I cant see what channel I'm on without ducking my head down to see around the steering wheel.
I think I'm going to replace the 8800 with FTM-350AR. I want APRS, so when I do replace it I'd like to have a mount that is easier to see.
Dawg4Runner
New member
I posted these pics in another thread a while back.
My current setup is a Yaesu FTM-350AR. The head unit is mounted in the cup holder slot. It can be removed in less then 10 seconds if I'm parked in a location where I'm concerned about theft.
The mic is wired under the console up to where the ashtray used to be.
The speaker is a Yaesu MLS-200 dual speaker, mounted under the headrest.
The radio chassis is mounted in the rear storage compartment next to the aux battery power buss.
The antenna mount is a Diamond K400CNMO hatchback mount.
I use a 16" Comet SBB1NMO "rubber duckie" for everyday use. Makes it easier to get in and out of the garage.
When I hit the trails I use a Comet SBB5NMO antenna.
My current setup is a Yaesu FTM-350AR. The head unit is mounted in the cup holder slot. It can be removed in less then 10 seconds if I'm parked in a location where I'm concerned about theft.
The mic is wired under the console up to where the ashtray used to be.
The speaker is a Yaesu MLS-200 dual speaker, mounted under the headrest.
The radio chassis is mounted in the rear storage compartment next to the aux battery power buss.
The antenna mount is a Diamond K400CNMO hatchback mount.
I use a 16" Comet SBB1NMO "rubber duckie" for everyday use. Makes it easier to get in and out of the garage.
When I hit the trails I use a Comet SBB5NMO antenna.
Very nice install...
I considered that as a mounting location but regularly use my Cup holder.
Speaker looks great, did it come with that mounting bracket? Also are you running the speaker wire INSIDE the seat?
Regarding the antenna how long does it take you to swap out and what SWRs are you getting with each?
EDIT and what kind of roof rack and rear bumper is that?
Dawg4Runner
New member
It takes only a few seconds to swap out the antennas. Just the time it takes to unscrew one and screw on the other one. The Comet SBB1NMO is 1.5 and the SBB5NMO is 1.2.
The roof rack is made by Perkins Performance http://www.toyota-4runner.org/1414783-post4.html and the rear bumper is made by CBI.
I made the mounting bracket for the speaker. It's the same material I made the mic mounting bracket with. 1" x 1/8" steel stock, spray painted with VHT Wrinkle Coat epoxy paint. Yes, the speaker wire runs under the seat cover.
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I just hooked it all up in arm rest box, and ran the antenna lines to the back. I can tune it quick and hear it on the road just fine.
I do think DawgRunner's set up is better if you have the $$$
Did you use duct tape to hold them together?
I am still trying to figure out my cords right now. It's a PIA.
Dawg4Runner
New member
Dave, thats cool if you like guys talking to the back of your neck
LMAO! You kill me! Getting your material from Unionjack I see.:rofl:
Duct tape is one of those indispensable items like bailing wire and a BFH. :thumb:
BTW Mike, your coin holder is out of dimes
Yaesu FTM-350AR install on 2004 4Runner:
Aux speaker for the radio is under passenger seat:
Power distribution is under driver's seat (West Mountain Radio's RIGrunner and ISOpwr is a nice combination, whether you have dual/aux battery or not...):
Radio itself is under passenger seat:
For antenna, I put NMO mount it the middle of the roof (to get good ground plane....
Aux speaker for the radio is under passenger seat:
Power distribution is under driver's seat (West Mountain Radio's RIGrunner and ISOpwr is a nice combination, whether you have dual/aux battery or not...):
Radio itself is under passenger seat:
For antenna, I put NMO mount it the middle of the roof (to get good ground plane....
I haven't decided on how to mount the head unit, but a mirror mount might be good (and put the wires through the headliner). (this is a Ram Mirror Mount)
Thanks for the info, I ended up ordering the mount today. I'm hoping it will hold my Samsung note. Width on the universal holder is stated at 3.25 max and phone is 3.27. I also ordered the universal camera screw for my go pro.
For those are you who are interested its a bit of a pain to find all of the part numbers you'll need so I thought I'd post up mine.
1 RAP-B-369AU RAM MIRROR BASE FORD TOYOTA $14.56
2 RAM-HOL-PD3U RAM UNIVERSAL PDA HOLDER $15.84 This part will vary by phone, I chose a universal
3 RAP-B-201U RAM DOUBLE SOCKET ARM FOR 1" BALL $10.20
4 RAM-B-238U RAM 2 7/16" X 1 5/16" BASE WITH BALL $7.25
5 RAP-B-366U RAM SMALL ROUND BASE 1/4"-20 THR $8.91 For GoPro or other stand camera mounts.
$67.98 shipped.
Imitation is the highest form of flattery right? Well I just ordered a exact copy of your antenna setup! :biggrin1:
Johnny4runner
New member
How did Ram mount work out for the ham display? I still need to find time to get my Yaesu installed. I think under the passenger seat is the way to go. Any advice on the hardware to mount the radio under the seat? If possible I would like to avoid drilling holes in the floor. Maybe I can mount the radio on the bottom of the seat instead of on the floor.
BTW I assume you are same DaGimp as the one over on Reno4x4? Go on any runs with Bitosin recently? I try to go out with them when I'm up in Truckee, but its been awhile. A good bunch of guys.
brocktice
New member
I posted these pics in another thread a while back.
My current setup is a Yaesu FTM-350AR. The head unit is mounted in the cup holder slot. It can be removed in less then 10 seconds if I'm parked in a location where I'm concerned about theft.
I was just looking for threads to help me plan my install in my 3rd gen, I know this is an old post but I just want to say this is a really gorgeous and functional install, nice setup!
