D28MG1 convert

[praxidike]

Hello all! I've been searching high and low on how to convert a D28MG1 remote mount into a dash mount. I can't find too much information on the subject. I have a Scan control head. I've head I'll need a different kind of bracket? I don't know. Anyone that can help? Thanks!

[Radioman96p71]

Yes, you will need a new rear plate to replace the one with the DB-25 connectors on it. It would be easier to just find a head with the proper plate on it. Like:

GE Ericsson Orion 800MHz EDAC VHF UHF Radio Control Head Model 344A4581P1 F | eBay

[praxidike]

Cool. Thanks for your help. It looks like that one would work. Just doesn't look like it would mount up with the screw holes on the radio. It could just be that it's late and I'm tired. Any thoughts?

[Radioman96p71]

If you have an Orion radio, that head will fit it as a dash mount. Two screws on the bottom of the radio pop the front blank face off, then the control head snaps into its place. I don't see any reason why that wouldn't just snap right into place for you.

[Thunderknight]

I can't be 100% sure, but I thought you could take the remote head, remove the back plate (with the dual DB25s) and the then the front part of the head will go on the front of the chassis (after removing the blank end cap on the chassis).
AFAIK this does not work on a LB Orion since they did not come in front mount I don't think...but I seem to recall seeing it done on a HB. If it doesn't fit, it was 10 minutes wasted
You will need to make or buy a DB-37 option cable for speaker audio and any other accessories normally done off the back of the head. It's not hard to make one...look for the LBI with the pinouts online and then source a DB-37.

[Radioman96p71]

If you remove the plate on the back of the control head, there will be nothing to hold it together. The aluminum plate shown in the eBay listing is needed to keep the circuit boards in and give it a place to secure to the radio.

And you are correct, the VHF-Low radios are the only ones without a place to mount a head. GE also did not recommend mounting the high-power VHF or UHF decks with a front mount head but all the necessary parts were there to do it.

[praxidike]

Groovy. Thanks guys for the help and suggestions. I did remove the blank plate and there were two little black bracket type mounts. Do these need to come off for the new head to be installed? They look they'd be like for the blank plate and not workwith the new head. I'll look through the manual to see what option cable I need for the speaker. I'm relieved I won't have to run the big long control head cable. Phew!

[Radioman96p71]

No, those are needed to hook the new control head on. The head mounts exactly the same way that blank plate does.

[praxidike]

Okay cool. Thank you much. Should be a fun project to do.

[praxidike]

Oops. Just realized I said my unit was a remote mount when in fact it's a front mount ..well according to the Hall Electonics table This should still work out, correct?

[Radioman96p71]

Yes. I've found that the model numbers and the actual configuration rarely match. It seems agencies change the radios from front to remote mount and change internal options quite a bit. Either way nothing else is required to convert it, they work just the same.

[praxidike]

Alright great.. I can see why they would change it to a remote mount though. Space saving comes to mind. There isn't a lot of room with whatever else they may throw in there Thank you very very much for all your help thus far.

[praxidike]

Forgot to ask: is there a specific db37 option cable I need to get since I've converted to a dash Mount? Thank you

[Radioman96p71]

You need either part number 19B802554P1 for just a speaker hookup, or CA101288V2 for the extended options. Both can be found on eBay.

Like this:
GE ERICCSON Orion Mobile Radio Front Accessory Cable 802554P1 New D | eBay

[LMR_Dude]

If you want just the audio then pins 18&19 on the DB-37 are all you need, takes all of 10 minutes to build.

[praxidike]

Originally Posted by LMR_Dude

If you want just the audio then pins 18&19 on the DB-37 are all you need, takes all of 10 minutes to build.

Sounds easy. Do you have a schematic handy?

[Thunderknight]

I think there is dc on those terminals, so be careful not to short them.

[LMR_Dude]

I recall seeing a warning about shorting pins 18 & 19 causing damage to the audio amp, so trim your wires and dont solder with a torch. easily solved.

[LMR_Dude]

Originally Posted by praxidike

Sounds easy. Do you have a schematic handy?

Why a schematic? For two wires?

[praxidike]

Oh yeah, I read about those carrying DC when I was researching how to possibly set up a feed from one of these Orions.. Sounds risky ~_~