HAM Mobile: Rig Radios, vehicle mounting set ups, and relevant equipment

[Texan1983]

looking at these ant. mounts i was wondering it there any sort of ground plane needed like on CBs? could i mount to a cargo rack on a fiberglass topper?

 

[1911]

looking at these ant. mounts i was wondering it there any sort of ground plane needed like on CBs? could i mount to a cargo rack on a fiberglass topper?

Yes; the principles are the same. A 1/2-wave antenna (in either cb or ham) does not require a ground plane like a 5/8 or 1/4-wave does.

 

[wheelerdh]

You're welcome. Enjoy the hobby!

This is my current mobile setup. I modified a Panavise pedestal mount, so I could reuse the supplied mounting hardware for my Yaesu 350R display control head. The actual radio is securely mounted under the glove compartment. For an antenna and mount, I'm using a Diamond K400 hatch mount with a Comet CA-2x4SRB-NMO antenna.

I have a similar setup

The Nuvi is connected to the 350R via Argent Data cable. One speaker for the 350R the other for the Cobra 75.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Mind showing the back side of your mount? I'm at the 'scratching my head' point and would be interested in seeing what you did before I commit to hacking up my Garmin, Yaesu or Panavise parts. I'm pretty green with GPS devices and only have a windshield deal for my Nuvi, so wondering if there are other options. I have a Panavise adapter for my dash that goes to an AMPS-type mount so I'm hoping there's part with a ball that can let a Nuvi cradle socket snap on.

I have a similar setup

The Nuvi is connected to the 350R via Argent Data cable. One speaker for the 350R the other for the Cobra 75.

 

[wheelerdh]

No drilling or hacking for the radio mount. The Panavise is mounted with 3M tape, and I fabbed a piece of sheet metal that 3M tapes the head and the Nuvi to sheet metal and then to the pedestal. Never had a problem with it falling off, just clean the surfaces well before install. Works well as I've moved the whole setup from its original location. I justified cutting and hacking on the dash pocket cause it's easy to replace if I ever needed to. Even the mic clips are 3M taped to the dash.

Original location:

Current location:

 

[August]

Icom IC-2720 head unit mounted above rearview mirror (ScanGaugeII mounted below)


Icom IC-2720 mounted in passenger-side rear cargo pocket


Larsen NMO2/70 antenna mounted on driverside fender


Globalstar GSP1600/GCK1410 Satellite Phone (antenna on roof)


Future plans...

-install left and right external speakers for Icom IC-2720
-install remote serial jack for Globalstar data modem
-install Wilson dual-band mobile wireless booster

 

[brussum]

To each his own, but personally I'm hesitant to mount radio gear or anything else around the windshield or on the dash. There's a good chance those items will become projectiles in an accident and they're right at face level for the front (and often rear) passengers. I think it's best to mount those items lower, preferably below the airbags. Just one person's opinion...

 

[Borrego60]

This is what I have.

 

[MCL_68]

No drilling or hacking for the radio mount. The Panavise is mounted with 3M tape, and I fabbed a piece of sheet metal that 3M tapes the head and the Nuvi to sheet metal and then to the pedestal. Never had a problem with it falling off, just clean the surfaces well before install. Works well as I've moved the whole setup from its original location. I justified cutting and hacking on the dash pocket cause it's easy to replace if I ever needed to. Even the mic clips are 3M taped to the dash.

Original location:

Current location:

I just revamped my setup also, I used the Panavise 75137-303 bracket made specifically for the 2003-2009 4Runner. The bracket just bolts up to 2 bolts in the glove compartment.

 

[rabbiporkchop]

Here is my meager offering: Magnum S-9 (fine tuned- not a splatterbox) Electro-Voice 602t aircraft microphone custom built by me. And a Wilson 5000 through the roof.

Here is a picture of my Electro-Voice mic after I got done soldering everything together.

 

[wheelerdh]

Side shots

Added HF rig, FT-857

 

[Elwyn]

How much of a ground plane does the ATAS120 need for mobile use?

 

[Corey]

Not sure, but it works great on my ARB bumper up front on my FJ Cruiser.

 

[uli2000]

thanks. I sold that truck last year (for a new Corvette). I'm currently looking for my next truck. In the meantime I've got a killer idea using a Yaesu FT-350 mounted in my Corvette. I'm not back stateside for a few months but I'll be sure to post up my install when I get back.

-Ryan

Barry Goldwater had a Swan HF radio & antenna installed in his '63 Vette. Im sure you can find a way to put a modern solid state FM xceiver in there.

 

[Dmski]

Wow some really cool setups here! I've just gotten some ideas from you guys. Keep them going!