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I'd like to mount my VHF mobile transceiver in the storage area on the top of the dashboard. Anyone know if it's safe to put a couple of screws in this area to hold the bracket down?
It'd really be nice if there was an easy way to expose the area under this spot (remove some of the bezel/pieces around the screen?) so I could see where it was safe to screw/drill, etc. I was thinking another hole or two to route the power & antenna cables through the dash would make for a super clean install.
I could just replace the rubber mat that sits in this spot when I decide to remove the radio & sell the truck and nobody would ever know a few small holes were underneath. Thanks for any info/tips from anyone that's done anything similar or done any exploratory work with dash/radio area on the trucks.
Take a look at this bracket and they have a video on the page as well that details the install and such. Hopefully this is what you are looking for here. ;-) BuiltRight Bracket
flumpydog, thanks! That bracket is perfect and I'll be ordering one.
Where will you be mounting your antenna? Please keep this thread updated. I'm not sure I will mount mine there, but it is a possibility when I get around to finally getting mine put in.
Where will you be mounting your antenna? Please keep this thread updated. I'm not sure I will mount mine there, but it is a possibility when I get around to finally getting mine put in.
I’ve been giving some thought to a mounting location. I’d like to mount it on the left side, across from the broadcast antenna. Does anyone know what’s involved with removing the black trim piece? It looks like the wipers may have to come off first...
I pulled down the overhead console w/ the upfitter switches this evening just to investigate what it'd give me access to above. Much to my delight, you have access to the bare aluminum roof just behind the cab clearance lights (or where they'd go if yours had them). It appears I should be able to drill a 3/4" hole for a roof top NMO mount 3-4 (maybe 5-6") behind my middle clearance light and use the access provided by the overhead compartment to get it all snugged up and route the cable across the headliner by the top of the windshield and down one of the A pillars fairly easily.
Only potential problem is even 3-4" behind the middle cab clearance light the roof it still a bit sloped towards the front of the truck, which means my VHF whip will be slightly tilted forwards. How goofy this will look/how much it will bug me on a truck of this size (mine's on a 3.5" level on 37s) I'm not sure of - I'll have someone hold the antenna in place for me so I can check it out from a distance tomorrow.
Will update the thread w/ my install as I get it done.
I’ve been giving some thought to a mounting location. I’d like to mount it on the left side, across from the broadcast antenna. Does anyone know what’s involved with removing the black trim piece? It looks like the wipers may have to come off first...
Most of the available fender mount brackets are meant for the driver's side - but 80 watts of VHF radiation when transmitting only ~2 ft. from my head while driving isn't appealing. At least with the antenna on the roof I'll have a thin barrier of aluminum between my noggin and my signal.
I'd like to mount my VHF mobile transceiver in the storage area on the top of the dashboard. Anyone know if it's safe to put a couple of screws in this area to hold the bracket down?
Im assuming from your "txs" forum name that you are in Texas. Mounting that radio there on the dash is gonna severely reduce its life, with that hella-hot Texas sun frying it all day long every day.
Originally Posted by TXSD6.2
Most of the available fender mount brackets are meant for the driver's side - but 80 watts of VHF radiation when transmitting only ~2 ft. from my head while driving isn't appealing. At least with the antenna on the roof I'll have a thin barrier of aluminum between my noggin and my signal.
So you use some heavy gauge Al foil twixt said noggin and your cellphone whenever making/taking a call, right?
Im assuming from your "txs" forum name that you are in Texas. Mounting that radio there on the dash is gonna severely reduce its life, with that hella-hot Texas sun frying it all day long every day.
So you use some heavy gauge Al foil twixt said noggin and your cellphone whenever making/taking a call, right?
Yes, located in Texas. I use a fold out sun shield when parked in the sun, and you can't do anything about the inside of the truck getting hot during the summer. This Yaesu 2980R was only $150 - so if I get a few years out of it, I'll be satisfied.
No aluminum foil on my cell phone, but I use hands free most of the time and keep calls short and reasonable when possible. If I can avoid extra radiation exposure, I will. We all bathe in a sea of RF (wifi, cell, bluetooth, etc.) all day long and it's not good for us (cell damage, compromised DNA integrity, etc.) I'm not OCD about it, but aware of it.
Either way, mounting my VHF antenna on roof of my truck is going to give the best performance for simplex, which is what I'll use the radio for mostly.
Either way, mounting my VHF antenna on roof of my truck is going to give the best performance for simplex, which is what I'll use the radio for mostly.
Correct....but be careful of any overhead tree limbs (perhaps in the deserts of Tx, its not a concern?) because a good whack on the antenna is going to result in a very expensive and difficult Al body repair problem. My understanding is that you almost cannot hammer out a dent in Al body, requires cutting it out, then TIGing in a patch. $$$
I installed my dualbander (remote style) behind the rear seat.
Nice radio and good location for convenience. However, I'm thinking you might have a couple issues with that location.
1. It's right there in plain sight for everyone to see, so some sticky fingers might try to walk off with it if you leave it unattended.
2. If you're in Texas, the sun will probably bake it into oblivion. Electronics don't like extreme temperatures.
Suggestions - Maybe you can put some kind of shroud over it to shade it from the sun and hide it from plain sight? Or possibly add some quick disconnects to take it down when not in use? If I were mounting a radio, I'd probably go under the dash, center console or up high where you keep up-fitter switches.
I've got my NMO mount thru the roof, but not on the center line. I'm occasionally on the east coast and discover that I must use a garage with limited clearance. My antenna is within arm's reach when I'm standing on the door sill.
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