2011 Tahoe PPV Install - Page 12

K9WSS · #**221** (**permalink**) 01-16-2012, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawkspringsfire

You should submit those pictures and plan to Jotto Desk. Who knows they might change the way the mounting system is currently for the Tahoes.

I know that if I saw that modified mount on the Jotto Desk site, I would have mounted my laptop in my CVPI POV at the time of initial installation!

bikinjohn · #**222** (**permalink**) 01-25-2012, 02:27 AM

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 2.3.3; en-us; DROIDX Build/4.5.1_57_DX5-35) AppleWebKit/533.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile Safari/533.1)

Now that hotspot setup is cool! Have you thought about an external wifi antenna? They even have lo-pro hockey pucks but at least you'd get some range, maybe even throw in a wifi amp so everyone in your caravan can have signal. Then they can mount a wifi repeater in their ride to expand the signal further! Too much?

WX4EMT · #**223** (**permalink**) 01-25-2012, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikinjohn

Now that hotspot setup is cool! Have you thought about an external wifi antenna? They even have lo-pro hockey pucks but at least you'd get some range, maybe even throw in a wifi amp so everyone in your caravan can have signal. Then they can mount a wifi repeater in their ride to expand the signal further! Too much?

I only have 5 gig a month on the AirCard so I may be a little hesitant to share, besides I'm a lone wolf so there really isn't a possee to follow me. But the external antenna idea has some merit. I have to go back in the headliner to install the external Cell/PDS antenna anyway...... I'll think about it....

WX4EMT · #**224** (**permalink**) 01-25-2012, 11:02 AM

There has been some progress on the Tahoe in recent weeks but I have faild to get pics and post it. I am waiting on a double female FME connector for the mobile internet panel. I chose the adapter over the enclosed double FME coaxial jumper foremost because it will give a less cluttered installation but considerstion was also given to signal loss. All the way around it is a better decision, but it represents yet another delay.

Progress on the COMM / COMP rack for the rear of the vehicle is progressing. The RF decks for the Kenwood TK-790/890 have been mounted on the 19" rack shelf.

A Lund Industries power control panel also mounts to a 19" rack shelf along with the Southern Vehicle Products (now Carson) SA-430 siren amp.

When the system is installed the Kenwood TM-D710 HAM / APRS radio will mount to this tray as well.

This is how the stack is progressing:

WQOC472 · #**225** (**permalink**) 01-26-2012, 02:39 PM

How do plan to mount the rack in the back of the Tahoe? I have an expedition that i would like to be able to mount a rack in the back of, for my Video recorder and other equipment when i do live shots.

FFPM571 · #**226** (**permalink**) 01-26-2012, 04:10 PM

Wow a CT 60 I havent seen one of those used in years!

WX4EMT · #**227** (**permalink**) 01-26-2012, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WQOC472

How do plan to mount the rack in the back of the Tahoe? I have an expedition that i would like to be able to mount a rack in the back of, for my Video recorder and other equipment when i do live shots.

I have a little more than 36 inches of clearance floor to roof in the back so I chose a 20U 2 post aluminum rack with a wide footprint.

QTII

The base is bolted to the floor pan with all stainless hardware including large fender washers. The top is stabilized with "U" channel aluminum rails bolted to the upper roof re-enforcement just aft of the side curtain airbag canister. I cut the plastic trim moulding to accomidate the rack supports. Once I have a little more wiring done I will fashion side panels with plywood and cover with black speaker box carpet. I'll get some shots of the rack design once the weather improves. Note: The rack runs paralell to the long axis of the vehicle NOT at a right angle. In other words when you open the back hatch you are looking at the side of the rack not the face. I felt that this would be more efficient use of space.

One of the neatest gizmos I have found is a 2U rack writer, essentially a 3.5" dry erase board that bolts right to the rack. It is GREAT for notes concerning components and/or operation. I highly reccomend it. I am also installing a 2U drawer for parts & tools.

Here is a shot of the components so far:

@ FFPM571 Yes indeed the CT 60 is a throwback but I felt it suited the project perfectly and it was laying around collecting dust.

Another

FFPM571 · #**228** (**permalink**) 01-26-2012, 07:06 PM

We still carry those in our catalog but the last time they were ordered we had to build them for the order. There isnt much call for them anymore.

WX4EMT · #**229** (**permalink**) 01-26-2012, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FFPM571

We still carry those in our catalog but the last time they were ordered we had to build them for the order. There isnt much call for them anymore.

They are incredible little power control units, you have every right to be proud of them! The 60 amp CB, will be used for the inverter & the fuses for the Kenwood 790/890s. Everything else falls right in line: computer, TM-D710, siren, etc.

Where can I get a barrier strip for the hot side of the breakers in this little gem? The strips I have are too narrowly spaced.

I planned to try the boating store this weekend.

The quest continues!

KD0LDK · #**230** (**permalink**) 01-29-2012, 09:40 PM

VERY impressive Keith!!

FFPM571 · #**231** (**permalink**) 01-29-2012, 11:02 PM

Id have to look to see if we have any. Those are made on the other side of the shop. Im on the Install side. I know I havent installed one of those CT-60's since 1999

WX4EMT · #**232** (**permalink**) 01-30-2012, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KD0LDK

VERY impressive Keith!!

Thanks Kyle, comming from a professional in the field that's a compliment indeed.

>>>FFPM, There has to be at least a gazillion different variances on terminal boards: space between terminals, width of terminal etc. The search for pieces of the puzzle is half of the fun in a custom design / install. Don't put yourself out looking for something that's over a decade old. Besides, I love carrying some wild looking piece of equipment into a hardware or electrical supply store looking for a doo-hickey. The looks you get are treasures to remember.<<<

WX4EMT · #**233** (**permalink**) 02-12-2012, 07:03 PM

Time to post a little more on progress:

The grille and front fascia where removed to install wiring & connectors for the lights & siren speakers. The Whelen format wiring system is a primary circuit, secondary circuit and a sync circuit. This way I can have emergency colors (red) in areas where I have authorization and clear for areas where I do not. Everything was wired to a waterproof trailer light connector so I can easily remove the push bumper for maintenance. A seperate circuit for driving / fog lights was also installed.

The grille and fascia where also coated with Armorthane (similar to Rhino Coat).

WX4EMT · #**234** (**permalink**) 02-12-2012, 07:50 PM

The heart of the system is the on-board computer. I am departing from convention by building a dedicated on-board computer to run everything. This will remove the large and (relatively) heavy laptop from the airbag path of deployment. A 15" ELO touchscreen will be mounted to the computer stand and a wirelss keyboard will be stowed away in the console until needed.

The old Dell tower is serving as donor and was harvested.

The new computer is a 2U 19" rackmount format, nothing fancy but easy to remove and work on. The DVD burner will come in handy to burn video on the fly.

The power supply is the neat thing, 250 Watt 12 VDC with lots of neat features like ignition control and soft start for amplifiers.

bezking · #**235** (**permalink**) 02-12-2012, 07:54 PM

KG4LEO,

Awesome setup pics! FYI, this thread has the highest number of replies of any thread ever posted in the Shack/Mobile Pictures forum - nice job!

WX4EMT · #**236** (**permalink**) 02-12-2012, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bezking

KG4LEO,

Awesome setup pics! FYI, this thread has the highest number of replies of any thread ever posted in the Shack/Mobile Pictures forum - nice job!

Thanks BEZ, that's quite an honor, very humbling.

Keith

RadioDitch · #**237** (**permalink**) 02-12-2012, 09:17 PM

There's doing it right, and then there's doing it Keith. lol. This is awesome. Me thinks I might have to move my annual Memphis voyage up a month or so. :-)

PJH · #**238** (**permalink**) 02-12-2012, 09:34 PM

Not for nothing, but you might have saved some aggravation with all the electronics buy aquring a true mobile computer..which will stand up to all the vibration, dust and transiant voltages without needed all the extra equipment, wiring etc. Via bluetooth or other solutions you can share your internet connection and whatnot.

This is starting to remind me of the Bluefeather? Techmobile. Lots of cool stuff, but the "stuff" startes to fail or look tacky when it could have been combined into one box, or commerically available computers.

Look at the Motorola MW800/810 (prices have dropped significally), Feniex, Panasonic PDRC with appropriate optioned Toughbook, Motorola ML900/910 with vehicle dock and MODS connector, Data911 etc. All can be had these days at little expense.

I have been running Motorola MW series computers for quite some time now. With my MW810, I have WWAN, WIFI, Bluetooth, GPS, Video, touchscreen and everything else under the sun in one small box under the seat and out of the airbag zone for the display. If I want to share the internet connection - Windows XP at the min allows it via ICS BT/WLAN. Prior to going ASTRO25, I used the touchscreen interface for the radios. Too bad vRCH won't work for the new stuff

On top of all that... the computer, four remote mount radios, siren amp, power switch and small inverter all fits under the back seat without anything exposed to feet, kicks and not being a missle should you become involved in an accident (most people forget this fact).

Would suck to be saved by the airbag but be impaled in the back of the head by a metal power supply.

PJH · #**239** (**permalink**) 02-13-2012, 08:21 PM

Crappy pic attached:

WX4EMT · #**240** (**permalink**) 02-13-2012, 08:24 PM

@PJH,

I seriously considered just exactly what you said and was even looking at the Motorola MW and the mini-box. I was swayed away from the Motorola by a tech that didn't have many nice things to say about it. Mayhaps it bears another look. As for the system I am currently building, I have less than $300 in it including touch screen with only the wireless keyboard to go. I believe it was a picture of your setup that solidified my quest for a touchscreen and get away from the laptop.

Next winter will be a great time to evaluate the system and consider replacement but with just a few weeks to go before start of storm season it is unwise to change course now. I am equally certain that this system is not going to withstand the rigors of the road.

Funny you mention the "missiles" thing, I just came from a lengthy discussion with my friend Tim (KF4DNA) about this very same thing. I agree 100%, seen too many "simple" MVC's turn ugly because of secondary impacts. I don't want to end up that way.

As always thank each and every one of you for your inputs, suggestions and criticisims this is going to continue for a LONG time to come, I'm sure.