Yaesu FT-8800R install

[All The Way]

Yaesu FT-8800R ham radio install (Updated)

The install went pretty smooth. I still have to buy, mount, and run the antenna. I will add that part to the thread later.

I also got the separation kit for the radio which made installation a lot easier.



I ran power directly from the battery. I found a small rubber plug on the passenger side of the firewall that was perfect.



I cut the center out for the wires.



Tucked the wires behind the trim





The main part of the radio I put under the passenger seat. I'll have to block off the floor vent for the winter.



For the front panel I wanted to mount it up as high as I could so I see it with a quick glance. Problem is I didn't want to drill any holes in the dash and I wanted it to look clean. I had some aluminum brackets from work laying around and found it fit perfect for what I had in mind. I only had to drill one small hole in the center speaker tray.




With it mounted and powered.

 

[matt33]

That looks great. I'm strongly considering getting my tech license and mounting a mobile in my Raptor like you.

Where do you keep your mic? Also, please post the antenna portion of the write-up when you can, I'd love to see what you come up with.

 

[All The Way]

Right now the mic is in the cup holder. I was looking at pro clips site but didn't see anything I liked.

 

[All The Way]

Well got all the goodies I needed for the antenna. I went with a Comet Dual Band antenna and the heavy duty lip mount. I also bought RT Systems radio programming software.

Antenna
R&L Electronics
Mount
R&L Electronics



This mount has a lot of adjustment. You could put it anywhere there is a lip and have access to the 4 set screws. I mounted it on the bed rail next to the tool box. I tucked the coax up under the lip and behind the bed liner to keep it out of harms way. The picture of the mount on the truck I didn't have it tucked in yet.






Antenna on the mount



The next part was not fun. The next step was to run the coax into the cab through the rear vent behind the seat. Sounds simple..... if the damn seat release tabs were easy to find. Took me around a hour to get it released. Snaked the coax in through the vent, a couple zip ties and that was done. Under the seat then under the rear floor mat to the radio.






If you have any questions ask away.

 

[All The Way]

Well after hunting on the web I couldn't find a mic mount that would require no holes. Sooooo after looking at the interior trim for a bit I saw a spot that might be perfect. Off with the center console to investigate.

There is a gap between the black plastic and the orange top piece. Looks like its enough for the bracket that came with the radio.



Time to pull the two pieces apart. You can see in the picture there are four tabs you have to pinch together to release.




I don't have a picture of this next step, sorry. Once the two parts are separated I put the mic clip between the two parts and put it back together. It's wedged in so it can't come out.

Here is one similar to what I have. Amazon.com: Microphone Clip for Amateur & CB radios - Screw-in: Electronics

Here it is together.



In the truck



Another thing I did while I was at it was run the aux speaker wire from the radio to just below the sync port. This way if I have to hear everything I can plug it in to the truck.




Now I need to study my ass off. I take the tech test on the 5th.

 

[KaiserM715]

Cool find on the mic mount. I always like seeing a way that doesn't require drilling holes.

 

[All The Way]

I'll find out in two weeks how every thing holds up to off road racing.

 

[MrGreen33]

Thank you for this great post!!!!

 

[All The Way]

Well time for the follow up. The mic stayed in the holder but the mount for the head unit bounced a bit but didn't bend. I'll make a new mount with stainless.

This is KD2CDV on 445.450 or 147.540 In the Western NY area.

 

[KaiserM715]

All of your pics disappeared!!