ATT hams: radio mounting

[WadePatton]

Okay I'm about to go nuts without a 2m in the truck. I haven't taken the time to move my rigs because I want a neat install this time.



Anyhoo, here's the deal. I have 2 remotable rigs the 2/440 and the HF (FT-900) and one fixed rig (220) to mount.



I know how I want to mount the antennae, but hain't figured just how I'm going to clutter the cab up yet. It's a 6-sp so there'll be no hump mounting. I'm thinking on pulling the center seat section for the remoted radios-easy access to the 900's other controls. Guages are going on the A-pillar.



So I have 1 radio, 2 remote radio panels, a brake controller, and a Comp box to arrange in there somehow.



Anybody have photos of a really neat installation? Suggestions?

What about the overhead console thingy. I put one of those in the old truck, but its map lights were in the rear.



I may fab up a custom overhead... but that'll take forever



I'm going to put the 220 antenna up front and the dual-band and the HF on the rear corners.



Help

 

[Chris N5CWM]

I mounted my Kenwood TMD700 dual-bander (remote

mount) control head to my ashtray. Figured that

would be easier & cheaper to replace than part of

the dash. I also have an FT-900 but have it in

the shack. Might put it in the truck someday.

The main radio unit is under the drivers' seat.

 

[RonaldLarson]

Yup

Center seat frame works well. Get two heavy gauge Simpson 90 degree brackets from your local hardware and mount your radio mounting bracket to the Simpsons, then remove the seat and find the best spot close to you and bolt her up. I'm an automatic, so my two meter is mounted off the transfer case opening under the rubber boot. Are you going to use a mag mount or a permanent mount antenna? There are four pluggeed holes under the quad cab carpeting which work well for getting the coax out to the roof if you go mag mount.

73's

Ron

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Well - I realize it doesn't particularly help YOUR situation - but *I* use an IC-706-MKIIG - 160-440 all in one box except 220 - and I mount the detachable faceplate up to the right of the steering wheel and at the top edge of the dashboard. It's COMPLETELY outta the way of passengers, easy to see and operate without significantly taking my eyes off the road, the main box sits UNDER the center console, and my 600 watt solid-state amp will eventually sit under the driver's seat... A complete HF/VHF/UHF installation, with ONLY the small detachable faceplate visible - and THAT can be removed and concealed in SECONDS in high-risk situations...

 

[WadePatton]

I've been looking at the lower dash

It looks like I can remove the ashtray, lighter/12v outlet, and cubby hole thing for a good sized hole in the right spot. I'm going out there to monkey with it now.



On the 706: I hear ya Gary, but I likes my 900 a lot. Yeah, you're really bangin' it out on 160! Sorry you brought it up. Well I do have the biggest 160 coil around (6" diameter bugcatcher) but I'm saving that for special events.



I'm not going mag mount anymore. You should see the top of my old truck. I used the pre-existing holes on it for getting coax out, so I knew to look for them on a Doggie.



I'm going to put the 5/8 220 up front opposite the AM/FM antenna. I'll put the big dual-band in the right rear stake pocket and use hamsticks on the left rear stake pocket. Eventually I'll fab a mount for the BugCatcher, but it's such a monster I'm not going to run it all the time.



******************

an hour or so later...



I've got it!Oo.



I pulled the storage hole thingy-where you auto guys have the pull-down drink holder. Nice hole Looks like, with the proper home-spun bracket, I can mount the two VHF's intact and only remote the HF rig. Heck if it was a TS-50 or 706 I could mount the whole radio right there. And I'm going to put a speaker in that little cubby hole thing above it.



W1ADE will be ON THE AIR Cummins style.



Photos when I get done.