'02 Explorer Sport Trac Install

b7spectra · #1 (**permalink**) 08-09-2009, 02:15 PM

Here is my set up. The Motorola A9 UHF I use for GMRS North Georgia GMRS thus the display Pine Log Mt (462.6250). I use my 996 mostly for the Cobb County DTRS.

1st picture is the install view from the driver's seat. Top to bottom is RoadMaster AM/FM/CD/DVD/SD/MMC/USB/GPS radio, A9 Spectra UHF, RH996, Remote is for the RoadMaster, and my Saber III UHF. Not very clear is the power inverter just to the right.

This picture shows the home-brewed mount. I took a bracket I had and mounted it to the back of the console. Since the console has a slight curve to it, a piece of thick double sided tape stops the vibration. The other end of the bracket I mounted the microphone to it. I was thinking about a RAM Mount to do this with, but the old bracket I had works just as good!

And for all the antenna fans, I use the Antennex Phantom antennas - L to R UHF, VHF & 800 Mhz.

When I clean up behind the back seat, I'll post some pictures of the 996 & Spectra boxes.

Metrofire31 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-09-2009, 03:54 PM

Very nice job, b7spectra! The new A9 is an excellent addition to your mobile shack. Having seen this shack personally, I can attest to the fact that it is a very stealth looking operation from the exterior, seeing this black Sport Trac with the three Phantoms on the roof. The one thing I've never asked you about is how you combine those three antennas - multicoupler?

Very nice job, Michael!

ScanManQSL · #3 (**permalink**) 08-09-2009, 05:42 PM

Nice Install!

jks19714 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-09-2009, 05:52 PM

Nice, clean looking job. Have you looked at the SWR curves on those antennas? I'm kind of curious about their broadbanded-ness (if that's a word). I've used the 800 Mhz model and it seems to work pretty well.

73s,
john

b7spectra · #5 (**permalink**) 08-09-2009, 07:37 PM

The VHF is set at 155 MHz. UHF is 450-480 MHz and I would guess the 800 is 820-870 MHz. Even though the 996 is connected to the 800, I still pick up UHF very well and VHF good. All 3 antennas are direct feeds to the radio's, the VHF is just sitting free until I get another radio to hook it to!

tneff · #6 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009, 05:57 AM

Nice job

AndrewC75 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b7spectra

Cobb County DTRS.

Hrmm... Don't see that one in the database.

Sorry. Couldn't resist.

newsphotog · #8 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009, 12:54 AM

Looks good. I am a fan of the Phantom Elite series. I currently use the ETRAB8063 800 MHz fin-type antenna for scanning and I think it works relatively well as a wideband (though it does drop off dramatically below 450). How do the other Phantoms work on transmit for you?

coloradoxmfan · #9 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009, 04:45 PM

Super nice install! Thanks for sharing!

b7spectra · #10 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009, 05:59 PM

Only transmit on the UHF and my low end (tx) freq is 455 and upper end is 467 MHz.

wcu02mpa · #11 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009, 10:33 PM

Lose......the..................gator sticker........for the love of god man. You have absolutely put your vehicle into a trailer trash mode with that thing on.

Go NOLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

b7spectra · #12 (**permalink**) 08-12-2009, 09:19 PM

Chomp! Chomp! Chomp!

Hey, I'm a Gator deep in the heart of bulldog country!

But, I'll take a #1 ranking over a #19 ranking anyday!

wcu02mpa · #13 (**permalink**) 08-12-2009, 11:47 PM

I am just busting your balls........That install does look good. I am so afraid of drilling holes in my new blazer, but I like how you have that control head mounting plate. I have an A9 spectra that I am wanting to put in and how you have that actually gave me some new ideas.

Mike

b7spectra · #14 (**permalink**) 08-13-2009, 04:21 PM

If you want some other pictures of the install just drop me a line & I'll send you some!

WTRickman · #15 (**permalink**) 09-06-2009, 11:25 PM

I almost bought that exact VR3 radio for my Kia Sportage. I read some poor reviews and thought better of it. How's it working out for you?

b7spectra · #16 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009, 05:20 PM

It's working out great. Only problem I have is my SD card reader. I think it's the cheap SD card I'm using, as every so often it won't work. Besides that, the nav, CD/DVD, USB (I plug in my MP3 Player) all work great!