Topic: Need assistance installing UHF/VHF transceiver

[GUANO]

Hey guys, I'm finally going to have some cash to purchase a UHF/VHF transceiver for the X; the problem is I haven't installed one before.

I plan on picking up either the FT-7900R or the FTM-350R (the 350 preferred of course).  I found the FTM-350 on the internet for only $480...

I can buy all the accessories and parts needed but I really don't want to be the one drilling holes in my baby and would be willing to pay any of you professionals to help me out...  Would anyone do it for $100?  I'm in the LA area (Culver City)

I'm thinking I should have everything needed by Nov 27-28... I'll have my operators license before then.

[SteeevO]

Where are you located?
I can give you a hand.

[GUANO]

Where are you located?
I can give you a hand.

Culver City.

[GUANO]

I plan on getting the following:

 -  FTM-350R
 -  Remote-Head cable (20 ft)
 -  Internal GPS add-on

What Antennae and mount should I get?  I'd like to mount the ant. on/near the roof rack at the rear of the truck....  I'd like a fairly long antennae that can take a beating as well as fold down when I park in a carport...

Where should I mount the unit itself?  I want it completely out of the way and unseen...

What misc cabling equipment will I need?

[Paul]

I'm waiting for the 350AR to make channels. The '350 can be flashed updated with the newer features that the 'AR has installed.

I recommend a hatch mount antenna vice the roof rack. The trouble with the roof rack is a good RF ground. I ran four heavy mesh jumpers from the roof rack down to the roof and it barely helped. The hatch mount isn't a bad location at all. I have several (OK about four) antenna of various sizes. I keep the little 18" antenna under the back seat and the biggest one velcro'ed to my roof rack. On the trail I normally run a mid-size one. The hatch mounting makes it easy to take off or tip-over.

Need assistance installing UHF/VHF transceiver

I mounted the brains of the radio under the passenger's seat neat to the Rockford-Fosgate amplifier.

Need assistance installing UHF/VHF transceiver

[Paul]

On the trail with all my radios and GPS units the dash is a bit busy.

Need assistance installing UHF/VHF transceiver

[boomer818]

Almost as bad as my home entertainment system...

[GUANO]

On the trail with all my radios and GPS units the dash is a bit busy.

Need assistance installing UHF/VHF transceiver

LMAO!  Nice pic!

I saw the features of the "AR" model on universal-radio.com which is where I'm most likely going to end up purchasing...  The problem is I don't really want to spend more than $800 total on the project and I imagine the AR will cost about that much when it comes out.

I figure I can buy everything I need for $700 and give someone $100 to help me install it.  Could I mount the brain on the rear ceiling?  Would that work without drilling holes?  I would love to mount it under the seat but I'd be a little worried about water damage if I ended up going through something deep...  The hatch mount looks fine to me...

Paul, are you in the LA area? 

[GUANO]

I see you on the map Paul....  Party at Paul's house! 

[Paul]

The price of the 350AR ought to be dang close to the 350 - the only differences are very minor - mostly software and a mounting modification for the suction cup mount for the faceplate - which really doesn't work in our trucks. I've been in plenty deep water but nothing to the point where the water poured in through the windows (we roll them up) or came in through the door seals. The Afton Canyon crossing is a good ~3 feet +/-6" deep and I've crossed it likely 10 times without springing a leak. I haven't checked under the seat to see if any of my holes are leaking though. I just drilled the holes big enough to hold the bolt. But I was more concerned about theft than sinking and you have to take the passenger's seat out to get to the radio.

Mounted to the ceiling? I don't think the headliner will hold that weight for very long. Are you planning on taking the headliner down (count me WAY out on that nightmare) or drilling holes in the roof (ditto). If you figure out how to do that add a remote speaker to your shopping list. I have one on mine. You can hear the radio from under the seat but it's way better with a tiny 2" speaker mounted on the console. Mine's mounted next to my right knee.

Universal-Radio are good people, I've bought many of my radios from them.

I live east of Riverside for now.

 

[SuperSlideStyle]

If you guys don't mind, I'd like to help you guys with this project 'cause I'd like to do it myself down the road.  I can bring electrical connectors, crimpers, black tape, nuts, bolts, zip ties, etc.

[Blackx]

My setup is very similar to Pauls'  Radio is under the seat and the antenna is mounted to the rear hatch.  SteeevO helped me with the install.

[GUANO]

I've seen videos of some X's getting flooded from the door seals and that's why I was worried.  C'mon Paul!  You can't honestly think I want to mount it to the headliner!  LOL.  But hey, under the seat is sounding better and better every second!

The specs for the 350 mention that it has 2 speakers on the rear of the faceplate, are those just way too quiet?  I have no prob picking up an external speaker...

Since the suction cups aren't recommended on our vehicles do I need to pick up a special bracket or something?  How do you recommend mounting it?  I do have an empty spot below my stereo, It has a blank plastic 'cubby' there for 'CD's but I'm not sure how the face would look unless it was pointed slightly upwards so I could clearly see it...

... So hey, under the seat?  I can drive to Riverside  

[GUANO]

Cool!  I'm down for help from anyone.  SteveO was the first to offer so that'll work for me!  Anyone else who wants to help is more than welcome....

[Blackx]

I do need to turn the volume up quite a ways but it's not really an issue.  Some guys run a a cheap external speaker to the dash.