VHF radio install pic's

[drsevrin]

Yaesu FT-7900 Install Pics

I completed my Yaesu FT-7900 instal today, with some inspiration from iSurvive. Thanks to you and other posters for help and ideas.

Starting with the antenna, I used a Diamond dual-band, radial-less model - the NRB-770HB, which also has a fold-down feature. The mount is also a diamond - the K550, which I mounted to one of the Thule crossbars on my shell.

I used one of the the thinner coax cables with a bnc fitting on the radio side, so I could route it easier through the grommet hold in the rear passenger door sill wiring channel. The bnc connector is also nice for connecting to a handheld if needed. The cable routes between bed and cab, then into loom until it passes up through the grommet.

The coax then goes behind the rear seat, under the floor mat and up into the center console through the keyhole shaped hole under the console lid hinge. Power wires go out this hole, follow the flow-through ducts under the center console and up under the dash to the ever-popular grommet hole in the firewall just behind the glove box. Then, through some loom to the battery.

The radio body is mounted to the rear wall of the console. Audio is sent to the truck's speaker system via the A/V RCA plugs in the console, using a 3.5 mm minijack to RCA cable. The face extension cable just goes out through the wire cutout in the conosole lip. The face unit is attached to a Mount Guys cup holder mount. I have not yet mounted the mic, but it will go on the passenger side dash most likely.

I have a few more photos of the wire routing, but I think others have covered that better than I did. Thanks to everyone for the ideas.

 

[iSurvive]

Thanks for all the replies. For now I'm using a cup holder mount for the face unit (Mount Guys) which attaches to the FT-7900's separation kit bracket. I'll tackle the rest of the install this weekend and post some pics eventually if it turns out ok. iSurvive, thanks for the description of what you did - that's exactly what I was thinking of doing. Where did you drill your hole in the console floor?

Sorry for the late response, as I see you already completed your install. I drilled the hole in the center of the console left to right, and about 3/4's back from the front of the console. Then after installing the wires, I laid the carpet back down over the hole.

You did a great job on your install. I really like the folding antenna!

 

[drsevrin]

No worries, and thank you. I appreciate your responses. Seeing your install solidified my plan to use the center console.

Sorry for the late response, as I see you already completed your install. I drilled the hole in the center of the console left to right, and about 3/4's back from the front of the console. Then after installing the wires, I laid the carpet back down over the hole.

You did a great job on your install. I really like the folding antenna!

 

[OrangeAddict]

Nice install. I hope to finish my install of Allinco DR-635T today.

 

[NickPic83]

great thread wilson!

TTT

 

[justcozz]

I have a couple quick questions for the guys mounting radios in this location. Are you just using the self tapping screws here or are you building a doubler behind the panel and attaching to that with small screws and nuts?

What about the power wires? I'm guessing that everyone is using standard ring connectors crimped and soldered then attached to the battery terminals? Anything special power wise that is going on besides that?

It seems that the roof just above the 3rd brake light is a popular mounting location. What kind of performance are you guys getting there? I would think the optimum position for the antenna would be more centered front to back to achieve a consistent ground plane. Is there a reason everyone is pushing the antenna aft or is it just install convenience?

Thanks!

 

[MajorAR]

I didn't use a doubler. Self tapping screws through the plastic are working great thus far ... And over 4 desert runs. No issues. Power wires are standard connectors, nothing special. I have the magnetic antenna mount running out the back slider when I go on runs. No issues with it falling off or any nonsense like that.


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[justcozz]

Thanks!

 

[Yukon Joe]

I have a couple quick questions for the guys mounting radios in this location. Are you just using the self tapping screws here or are you building a doubler behind the panel and attaching to that with small screws and nuts?

What about the power wires? I'm guessing that everyone is using standard ring connectors crimped and soldered then attached to the battery terminals? Anything special power wise that is going on besides that?

It seems that the roof just above the 3rd brake light is a popular mounting location. What kind of performance are you guys getting there? I would think the optimum position for the antenna would be more centered front to back to achieve a consistent ground plane. Is there a reason everyone is pushing the antenna aft or is it just install convenience?

Thanks!

Mine is mounted the same except on the driver side. I used small bolt and nuts to mount the bracket. I didn't want it to come loose. Also, the radio rests vertically on the trim piece to take some of the load.

Yes, power and ground to the battery. With fuse of course.

I believe the antenna are more aft for ease of installation. Most people with this type off setup get really good range.

Yukon Joe
www.RUNRAPTORRUN.com

 

[rocknink]

Got mine done today. Jason @glre hooked me up with all the fancy stuff I needed. Looks pretty good I think.

I credit a lot of this to @cbfreshness and @orangeaddict for locations as well as this thread and the good folks at snoball that let me "shop" in their trucks.


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