Yaesu FT-8800R Install - 2003 Tacoma DoubleCab

[mountainpete]

Hi all,

I did this install months ago, but never took pics of it. I know, I know... It's about time :costumed-smiley-007

When selecting my first Amateur Radio, I went through the same challenge as most of us. What radio do I buy? What features do I need? What will I actually use? There were a few must haves for me:


Remote Mounting. This was one of the most critical pieces to me. I like clean installs and do not like to crowd the area around the front seats. The radio I chose must have the ability to cleanly seperate the headunit from the transceiver body.
Dual Band (2M & 70cm). Although I wasn't sure if I would even use 70cm at first, I wanted the capability. Not only for options, but for the ability to monitor GMRS and FRS frequencies.
High output. Min 50 watts on VHF and 35 on UHF.
Good scanning features. Ability to scan through frequencies in the memory, as well as through the entire band.


After reviewing a number of options and how easy local servicing is (with surprising importance here in Canada), I chose the Yaesu FT-8800R. Not only did it hit all of my critical points, it also had one very important feature - dual band / dual receive. What a great feature this turned out to be. I can monitor two frequencies at the same with ease. Perfect for monitoring a local repeater and a commercial forestry frequency at the same time.

On to the install, which I did twice. The first time I did the install I connected the radio directly to the battery. But it didn't fit into my long-term plan so I will focus on the final version.

For power, I ran two 8 gauge Monster Cable power wires directly from the battery, along the frame rails and up through a floor drain plug under the rear seat floor. The wires are covered in a loom and where it is brought through the floor and is sealed with a generous amount of silicone. The wires then work their way under the rear seat to a Blue Sea fuse block. The block is so simply attached - I have some industrial velcro and it sticks to the carpet perfectly. Just as solid as if I screwed it on.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10011/IMG_1407.JPG

To mount the transceiver, I first started under the drivers seat. Well since up here in Canada the heater gets a lot of use, I found that it doesn't work well in a Tacoma. The heater vents hot air right on the unit - not good. So I went with a better location behind the rear seat.

The backside of the rear seats are covered with a plastic panel, so I drilled two holes to mount the transceiver bracket. Along with two screws, I also used two sided tape to lock it in place. The mount is really solid. Air circulation is excellent. With the transceiver in the mount, it looks like this:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10011/IMG_1408.JPG

http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10011/IMG_1406.JPG

The headunit connects to the transceiver using a LAN style cable. I ended up purchasing the remote mount kit which included all the wiring (cable, ext speaker extension, etc) but you can easily make your own cable if you have some cable and the right crimper. The cables are run under the carpet and brought up under the drivers seat and to the centre console. I added an external speaker on the drivers side firewall with two side tape - a must with this install, otherwise I couldn't hear the audio.

For the headunit, I went back and forth on a bunch of different versions. I ended up making my own mount - now don't laugh here... You know those flat pieces of steel you can buy at home depot that you use two connect joists? Well I found some small pieces, bent it to the right angle, filed down the corners and painted it black. Then I secured it with two-sided tape. The result was this:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10011/IMG_1403.JPG

It's totally solid and easy to get to and if I sell the truck I can remove it with no perminant marks. Now for the mic... Again, I hate to drill holes when I don't have to and I will do a lot of different things to avoid it. So I used that industrial velcro again. A soft loop side went on the back of the mic and the hook side went on the blank spot where the passenger airbag cutoff would be on non-doublecab versions. I expect to have to replace the velcro about ever 6 months. The result is this:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10011/IMG_1401.JPG

For the antenna, I ran the cable out through a different floor drain hole under the drivers seat and to a fender mount. The antenna I am using right now is a simple VHF steel whip. That thing is tough and it sounds great. It's smacked against it's share of trees with no serious damage.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10011/IMG_1410.JPG

After a few months of use, I have to say that I am happy with the decision. The radio was a good selection and will give me lots of flexability for the future. I do have a small ignition or alternator noise that I am still tracking down though. It's a receive only static that only occurs when the engine is on and gets worse with higher RPMs - and the further I am from the repeater, the worse it is.

Any questions or comments? Let me know :smiley_drive:

Pete

[flyingwil]

Looks good as allways Pete!

I have my eye on that same radio!

[Grim Reaper]

Your RF noise is likely coming in on the Antenna cable. When you lift the hood I suspect something like the igniter, Cruise control module, Injector resistor pack will be somewhere close to the cable. Might even be a module for something under the seat near where the cable comes back up.

You might be able to stick it the cable through the inner fender and run it up under the plastic splash sheild you can see in the fender well. The steel of the innerfender will offer a RF sheild.

You might also try seperating the Power cables from the antenna. When laying side by side RF noise can be generated on the power cable and transmitted to the Coax.

Where is the excess cable? You don't want to make a coil. A coil makes and inductive loop. You want to make open loops with the excess coax in a "Z" pattern.

I installed Cell phones for about 15 years. Hearing about how you mounted the remote speaker up near the peddles with tape just makes me cringe. Please mount that with screws or zip ties.

You don't know how many horror stories I have hear over the years of remote speakers and other modules falling out from under the dash and getting under brake peddles. Thats on a street only vehicle not something getting bounced around off road.

[HenryJ]

For the extension cable you can use 6 conductor phone cable. Attach it to the small included cable with a coupler. The small cable acts as the crossover.

I too had a little whine in mine. I tried all the arrangements I could and it was still there. I added a heavy duty filter to the power and it did help.
It was purchased from my local Radioshack.

[mountainpete]

Your RF noise is likely coming in on the Antenna cable. When you lift the hood I suspect something like the igniter, Cruise control module, Injector resistor pack will be somewhere close to the cable. Might even be a module for something under the seat near where the cable comes back up.

You might be able to stick it the cable through the inner fender and run it up under the plastic splash sheild you can see in the fender well. The steel of the innerfender will offer a RF sheild.

You might also try seperating the Power cables from the antenna. When laying side by side RF noise can be generated on the power cable and transmitted to the Coax.

Where is the excess cable? You don't want to make a coil. A coil makes and inductive loop. You want to make open loops with the excess coax in a "Z" pattern.

I installed Cell phones for about 15 years. Hearing about how you mounted the remote speaker up near the peddles with tape just makes me cringe. Please mount that with screws or zip ties.

You don't know how many horror stories I have hear over the years of remote speakers and other modules falling out from under the dash and getting under brake peddles. Thats on a street only vehicle not something getting bounced around off road.

Hi Grim,

I agree with the antenna cable being the source of the noise. Everything I have tested points to it. I am pretty sure that the noise is related to a module under the drivers seat. I tried seperating power from the antenna already but it didn't help. There is very little excess cable and what is there is in a Z pattern - no coils. My plan is to test the system with a mag mount antenna to ensure that is the case before I move the cables. I just haven't had time yet and still need to pickup a mag 2M antenna...

As for the external speaker on by two sided tape, I am very comfortable with the install. The tape I used on the speaker is an industrial type that does not come off. I actually tried to take the speaker out once and couldn't - the speaker would have cracked first. It's all about the quality of the tape. It has also been up there for a few months already with no concerns. But I will keep my eye on it.

Thanks!

Pete

[DaveInDenver]

I installed Cell phones for about 15 years. Hearing about how you mounted the remote speaker up near the peddles with tape just makes me cringe. Please mount that with screws or zip ties.

You don't know how many horror stories I have hear over the years of remote speakers and other modules falling out from under the dash and getting under brake peddles. Thats on a street only vehicle not something getting bounced around off road.
The Reaper makes a good point.

I used 3M 4085 to install my CB radio to the dash. It seemed really strong, but eventually my CB fell off the dash. I got this stuff from a place I was working and they used it to mount components and cable track in panels. So I figured if it was good enough to hold relays in place, good enough for a radio! Took about 3 months of summer temps until one trip it fell on the floor. Turns out I learned a couple of things. First, make sure the tape you use has a high temperature resistance and high adhesion to low energy plastics. The 4085 has about 40 lbs per square inch tension strength, so a strip 5"x1" long should have held up 200 pounds. More than enough for a 5 lbs radio. Short term temp resistance was 200F, but long term termperature resistance is only guaranteed up to 125F. The inside of our panels rarely got above about 70F with occasional periods of about 150F during a washdown (this was beverage packaging equipment). The inside of the truck routinely saw temps above 125F when parked in the sun during the summer. Second, 4085 uses 3M's 740 adhesive, which is pressure sensitive. The irregular surface of the dash maybe kept the tape from getting uniform adhesion.

I might consider something like 3M 9245. This stuff is insanely strong, it's basically a peelable epoxy. But besides being sort of expensive, you will NEVER remove the bracket. At least with a screw or bolt you can back it out and clean the holes. The 9244/5/6 is the tape they sometimes use to mount structural glass panels.

[Grim Reaper]

Hi Grim,



As for the external speaker on by two sided tape, I am very comfortable with the install. The tape I used on the speaker is an industrial type that does not come off. I actually tried to take the speaker out once and couldn't - the speaker would have cracked first. It's all about the quality of the tape. It has also been up there for a few months already with no concerns. But I will keep my eye on it.

Thanks!

Pete

I have as yet to see a tape that given enough heat and time in a car it will eventually fail. Believe me I have tried them ALL. Especially the foam stuff...the sticky stuff doesn't fail...the foam does.

I'm the guy that was the "Specialist" that took care of the problems, High end cars and fixed bad installs for BellSouth Mobility (Cingular now)

[mountainpete]

I have as yet to see a tape that given enough heat and time in a car it will eventually fail. Believe me I have tried them ALL. Especially the foam stuff...the sticky stuff doesn't fail...the foam does.

I'm the guy that was the "Specialist" that took care of the problems, High end cars and fixed bad installs for BellSouth Mobility (Cingular now)

Totally respect your opinion and experience Grim... Two-sided tape is a "sticky" subject (pardon the pun) and I really didn't want this thread to focus on it.

The tape I used has no foam, the entire piece is like a sticky epoxy and is more like glue then anything else. Although it does come off, it isn't easy by any means.

Pete

[grouch]

Pete,

Just a quick question about the readability of the radio face at that location. Does the sunlight make it hard to read or are you good? I am considering gettting the 7800 and mounting the face where you did or mount it where my goofy colapsable cup holder is at the rear of the shifter between the seats. Do you forsee any problems with this?

[pskhaat]

For the extension cable you can use 6 conductor phone cable.
I believe you have to however re-crimp one end with a reverse wiring?

[HenryJ]

I believe you have to however re-crimp one end with a reverse wiring?
Nope. Just use the small crossover cable that is supplied and a female to female connector-

http://www.fmtc.com/~brule/ham/radio.jpg

Under $6 at wally world for everything needed :wings:

My install (http://www.fmtc.com/~brule/ham/ham.html)

[mountainpete]

Pete,

Just a quick question about the readability of the radio face at that location. Does the sunlight make it hard to read or are you good? I am considering gettting the 7800 and mounting the face where you did or mount it where my goofy colapsable cup holder is at the rear of the shifter between the seats. Do you forsee any problems with this?

Hi 7wt,

Sorry - been traveling for a while...

I have had no issues with glare or sunlight at that location. I also wear polarized sunglasses all the time (any respectable flyfisher does right? ;) ) and have no issues with the LCD blacking out either. Overall, I have been very happy with the location.

Wherever you end up mounting it, make sure you consider how easy it is to get to the volume controls. If it's secure and you have easy access to the knobs, I think you will be happy.

Pete

[gary in ohio]

The lack of good bonding to ground is most likley the problem. Your attaching everything to plastic. Run bounding wires from each attachment point to a chassie ground. DONT rely on the antenna or battery return for ground.

[Willman]

Hey Pete...

Hows the radio???....I too am studying to take the test and after my last trip with pskhaat in CO.....It would have been nice so Scott could tell us how late he was going to be:hehe:

I love your install......Were you able to find the source of the noise???

In your opinion....do you still think this is a good radio for starting out??

Still waiting to see a thread of your rig!!!!

:jumping:

[mountainpete]

Hi Nic - I have to do a last minute business trip to Toronto. I have to pack and fly off in a few hours. :(

I'll try and reply from the Hotel room tonight or tomorrow ;)

Pete

[Willman]

Hi Nic - I have to do a last minute business trip to Toronto. I have to pack and fly off in a few hours. :(

I'll try and reply from the Hotel room tonight or tomorrow ;)

Pete

Bump for Pete!!!!!

:chowtime:

[gary in ohio]

the only time the stickiness of the tape is important is when your vehicle goes from 85mph to 0mph in 10 seconds. Then how useful is the tape i keeping flying objects from flying?

[mountainpete]

I hoping this will not get into a sticky tape debate again. I really don't want to go down that road...

So far the installation of the head unit and transceiver have been great. The head unit position has turned out to be ideal and is solid as a rock. I ended up moving the external speaker lower - in the area just behind the drivers kick panel. It sounds better coming from there.

Noise is still a problem in my truck. I added a load of ferrite core and a Kenwood noise eliminator which dropped the noise by at least 50%, but it's still there. I took the truck to a commerical radio shop and they checked over my install and said it was fine and grounding was better then their regular installs (it was an experienced shop and experienced tech - I happened to catch them on a very slow day so I got their full attention for almost 2 hours). Their recommendation was to change the alternator. Since that's out of the question right now, I am just going to live with it. I'm still going to work on it to try and tweak it, but it hasn't been my top priority.

The radio itself is very good. I'm still quite happy with it. The menu system isn't the easiest to use, but once it's setup its simple. If I were to do it again though, I would probably buy one of the new Kenwoods because I like fancy new toys and connecting to the GPS would be nice. For the price and functionality though, the Yaesu is great.

Pete

[Ursidae69]

Pete, are you happy with the sound quality of the external speaker? I think you mentioned that it was mounted on the firewall, so is it muffled sounding?

[gary in ohio]

When mounting the speaker done forget to look up. DO you have an overhead console. I find a good quality speaker above me pointing down at my ears and the carpert is much better than one pointing up and bouncing off everything.

[Willman]

I hoping this will not get into a sticky tape debate again. I really don't want to go down that road...

So far the installation of the head unit and transceiver have been great. The head unit position has turned out to be ideal and is solid as a rock. I ended up moving the external speaker lower - in the area just behind the drivers kick panel. It sounds better coming from there.

Noise is still a problem in my truck. I added a load of ferrite core and a Kenwood noise eliminator which dropped the noise by at least 50%, but it's still there. I took the truck to a commerical radio shop and they checked over my install and said it was fine and grounding was better then their regular installs (it was an experienced shop and experienced tech - I happened to catch them on a very slow day so I got their full attention for almost 2 hours). Their recommendation was to change the alternator. Since that's out of the question right now, I am just going to live with it. I'm still going to work on it to try and tweak it, but it hasn't been my top priority.

The radio itself is very good. I'm still quite happy with it. The menu system isn't the easiest to use, but once it's setup its simple. If I were to do it again though, I would probably buy one of the new Kenwoods because I like fancy new toys and connecting to the GPS would be nice. For the price and functionality though, the Yaesu is great.

Pete

Thanks Pete!!

Now time to wait for the money tree to grow back.....

:chowtime:

[mountainpete]

Pete, are you happy with the sound quality of the external speaker? I think you mentioned that it was mounted on the firewall, so is it muffled sounding?

The speaker itself is excellent - I believe it is a Cleartone brand. Very clear and good volume.

I found that with mounting it up higher under the dash it got a bit too drowned out by road noise - especially with Mud Terrains on a gravel road. So I dropped it down lower just behind the kick panel. Now I can hear it with less volume.

Gary makes a good point about looking up to do the speaker install. This would be ideal from a sound perspective, unforunately I simply don't want the look of a big speaker up high. I prefer to hide my accessories when I can to keep the interior less cluttered. The cockpit is already too cluttered in my opinion with the 2M, GPS and ScanGauge. One option I have seen used is incorporating the speaker into the headrest. It's a lot of work, but could be pretty cool.

Pete

[Blacknmuddy]

Nice install.I was just planning out my install on my 02 Tundra. I'm installing the 7800, but i noticed you installed a transciever too, Is a transciever required with the 7800 or mearly an option?

[gary in ohio]

Nice install.I was just planning out my install on my 02 Tundra. I'm installing the 7800, but i noticed you installed a transciever too, Is a transceiver required with the 7800 or mearly an option?

Transceiver means receiver and transmitter. Thats the radio. I think you ment the RF deck being separated from the control head. The control head and RF deck can either be together or separated by a cable, but they both must exist.
Like have an LCD panel but no computer.

[mountainpete]

Transceiver means receiver and transmitter. Thats the radio. I think you ment the RF deck being separated from the control head. The control head and RF deck can either be together or separated by a cable, but they both must exist.
Like have an LCD panel but no computer.

Well put Gary... you can't have one without the other. ;)

[Blacknmuddy]

Well put indeed. At first It looked like you had the whole unit mounted upfront, didint pay enough attention to notice it was just the LCD, so that other unit being installed in the rear confused the hell out of me. I didnt read carefully enough nor look at the picture more carefully. I now understand your madness. :sombrero:

[gary in ohio]

You will find most dual band radio will have remote head options. Single band radio will not. Most of the smaller HF/VHF/UHF radio will have remote head options.

[Willman]

For the headunit, I went back and forth on a bunch of different versions. I ended up making my own mount - now don't laugh here... You know those flat pieces of steel you can buy at home depot that you use two connect joists? Well I found some small pieces, bent it to the right angle, filed down the corners and painted it black. Then I secured it with two-sided tape. The result was this:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10011/IMG_1403.JPG

It's totally solid and easy to get to and if I sell the truck I can remove it with no perminant marks.

With the radio being in your truck for a while......Do you still like the mounting place for the head unit? Can you still excess the cigarette lighters with the mount there?

Also....what size amp fuse do you need to power the radio?......Planning in-cab power........



Thanks Pete!

:chowtime:

[texas taco]

Hey MountainPete did you ever figure out the noise problem? I have the same noise problem you did. Some one fairley experienced with hams said it is a sign of the alternator going out, but i just dont think that is my problem.
Have a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

[hikerpaul]

It looks like you planned to include links to photos, but If so I didn't see them, Do you have photos anywhere I could see.

[hikerpaul]

It looks like you left room to post links for photos. I'd love to see your photos of this install, so I could understand it better.