Anyone with a Hyundai Tucson install?

dmg1969 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-02-2013, 7:37 AM

I have an 09 Hyundai Tucson and would be interested in seeing pics (preferable) or hearing how/where you installed your scanner in your Tucson. I am getting back into mobile scanning and getting ready to purchase (more than likely) a Uniden BC355N. In the past, I have used a simple center-of-the-dashboard install, but I would rather avoid that this time.

I have to be cognizant of where I install it because my wife is a frequent passenger. If it wasn't for the parking brake between the seats, I would have preferred that location. Also considered is the passenger side of the shifter console, but that might be in her way. The same location on my side would probably be in my way for driving, so that is out of the question. Regardless of where I install it, I will do it the same way I did before...with the super-strength "velco-type" fastener. I used that in the past on my dashboard install and never had an issue. I do realize that it could be dangerous in the event of an accident, so it would be my last resort.

dmg1969 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-02-2013, 7:38 AM

Here are two stock photos of the interior.

wcr20 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-02-2013, 10:19 AM

i had a similar issue with not having a surface to mount a radio to

so, i mounted my scanner atop one of those old gooseneck mounts that used to be used for the 90's vintage car phone handsets and it now sits above the console in front of the ashtray of my explorer

the spot in the console where the holes are drilled for the mount is beside the seat and will never be visible

HT-220 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-02-2013, 10:53 AM

Here's mine '12 Tucson no hole install:
2012 Tucson No Hole Install

dmg1969 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-02-2013, 12:36 PM

Thanks! I actually thought about doing something like that. I think that the external speaker would be easier to mount somewhere out of the way than the radio. That's probably the best of my possibilities.

Another thought I had was in the "pocket" in the driver's side door. I could attach the mount to the door and have the radio angled up toward me. But, I don't like the idea of taking my eyes off the road that long if I want to change channels, which is why I had previous scanners dash mounted. Still may consider doing that.

Thanks for the pics. Great job!

HT-220 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-02-2013, 2:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmg1969

Thanks! I actually thought about doing something like that. I think that the external speaker would be easier to mount somewhere out of the way than the radio. That's probably the best of my possibilities.

Another thought I had was in the "pocket" in the driver's side door. I could attach the mount to the door and have the radio angled up toward me. But, I don't like the idea of taking my eyes off the road that long if I want to change channels, which is why I had previous scanners dash mounted. Still may consider doing that.

Thanks for the pics. Great job!

thanks, this works great for me as i never need to touch the scanner's controls or look at the display.
I've since relocated the speaker to behind the drivers seat and now it's not visible either.

dmg1969 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-02-2013, 6:38 PM

Unfortunately, after considering the idea of an in-console-mount, I decided against it. The way my seat is positioned is a little forward (I'm only 5'8") of an angle where I can look down at it if need be. I would have to look down and back which I would be uncomfortable doing. So, I will probably opt for either the dash mount or side of the shifter console on the wife's side. Unless I can brainstorm some way to work a mount between the front seats near the cup holders. Will have to think about it and do some test fitting when I get it.

russellmaher · #8 (**permalink**) 01-03-2013, 5:12 PM

These may be the best locations for mounting the scanner. You'll have to hold the scanner in place and look at how visible the screen will be while operating the vehicle.

I have a scanner mounted on the side of the console in my Sonata and it doesn't interfere with my leg operating the gas and brake.

See what you think of this... Good Luck.

Russell

dmg1969 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-04-2013, 7:19 AM

Russell, those are the two positions I am considering along with between the seats with the front facing me. I took a photo of the area in question from the driver's side perspective. I would mount the bracket in the flat area between the parking brake and cup holders. The scanner would be mounted with the front facing the driver's seat and angled up for better viewing. I made a template of the footprint of the scanner (5 3/16" x 5 3/4") and it will easily fit with enough room for the power, antenna and possible external speaker wires. The ONLY problem may be if the height of the mounting bracket is not enough to raise the front of the scanner above the parking brake. If not, I may have to somehow lengthen them. Maybe buy another mounting bracket, cut the uprights off the second mounting bracket and attach them to the bracket that is attached to the vehicle? I won't know for sure until I get the scanner.

pjtnascar · #10 (**permalink**) 01-04-2013, 8:24 AM

If you buy a scanner with the dimensions of the BC355N, you may have enough room for the parking brake to clear it if you mount it on the front of the shifter console, slightly to the right. Or, you could buy a handheld scanner and get a gooseneck mount that fits into the cup holder.

dmg1969 · #11 (**permalink**) 01-04-2013, 9:14 AM

Yeah, PJ...I don't want a portable though. I would love to be able to mount it right between the shifter console and the center console (right in front of that black change holder), but I am 99% sure there is not enough room. As soon as I get it, I am going to put the mounting bracket on and just move it around the vehicle to see where it will fit best.

My mounting locations in order of preference are:

White - between the shifter console and the center console
Yellow - between the seats
Red - passenger side of shifter console
Light Blue - driver side of shifter console

vascanner · #12 (**permalink**) 01-04-2013, 9:17 AM

Could you use a remote head and mount it in place of the coin holder or below the gear shifter

dmg1969 · #13 (**permalink**) 01-04-2013, 12:07 PM

I get the general concept of what a Remote Head is, but never really considered it. I don't think it would even work with the scanner I am planning on purchasing...the BC355N. I think I can make it work in either my first or second choice of mounting locations.

russellmaher · #14 (**permalink**) 01-04-2013, 2:43 PM

Hi dmg1969: I think the best location(s) for the scanner would be your red or light blue on your picture. As you said in post #7, your seat is positioned forward because of your height, and if you mount in between the seats, you'll have to look down and back at the screen. That's not a very comfortable way to go, and it's not very safe either.

The best thing to do is wait until you've got the scanner in hand with mounting bracket attached and hand place it in the various locations to see how it fits and how visible the screen will be to you. Just remember, in a moving vehicle, you don't have the luxury of staring at the unit for a long period of time.

Russell

mass-man · #15 (**permalink**) 01-04-2013, 3:28 PM

Corrrect sir, there is no remote head for the 355N! Would be a sweet thang, but not possible. Early on you talked about serious, double strength velcro on the dash! I know there are purists out there that will cringe, even fire off a nasty note or two, but right smack in the middle in that little inset in the dash should work nicely. Now not so much if you live in a high crime area or say in PHX where it gets so hot the 355N could fry, but if that is not the case, you can always start there. I say that because after much frustration, finally mounted a small ham transciever in the same spot, albeit, not in the same vehicle and have been very happy. I often throw an old baseball cap on it when I park it for long and have dressed the cables nicely. Buddy of mine has one radio mounted with a bracket and two others attached to it with quality velcro...never a lick of probem.

Otherwise I second the white box area in your vehicle...

cleve

reconrider8 · #16 (**permalink**) 01-04-2013, 5:48 PM

yellow would be a no go and really not comfortable with white to close to the E brake. even though most people dont think to use it its still something you dont wanna have to fight to get it if you need it

mass-man · #17 (**permalink**) 01-04-2013, 8:04 PM

Hmmm...if you have not purchsed the 355N yet, you might go look at the install pictures in this thread...
2013 Toyota Corolla LE Install

I know he uses handheld scanners, but with the little room and limited options for spots to install, the size might just be the thing for you. Right angle adapter on the antenna, power cord and a cable to a powerered speaker in the WHITE area in your idea picture and you would have conquered the space, visibility, mounting probems.

dmg1969 · #18 (**permalink**) 01-05-2013, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by russellmaher

Hi dmg1969: I think the best location(s) for the scanner would be your red or light blue on your picture. As you said in post #7, your seat is positioned forward because of your height, and if you mount in between the seats, you'll have to look down and back at the screen. That's not a very comfortable way to go, and it's not very safe either.

The best thing to do is wait until you've got the scanner in hand with mounting bracket attached and hand place it in the various locations to see how it fits and how visible the screen will be to you. Just remember, in a moving vehicle, you don't have the luxury of staring at the unit for a long period of time.

Russell

If I went with the yellow choice location, I could look down without having to also look backwards. Only mounting in the console compartment like HT-220 did woud tat be the case. Near the parking brake would allow a simple sideways and down glance. The more I think about it, the red location will probably be where it ends up. I think it will give the best view other than the top of the dash as mass-man mentioned.

Dave

dmg1969 · #19 (**permalink**) 01-05-2013, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mass-man

Hmmm...if you have not purchsed the 355N yet, you might go look at the install pictures in this thread...
2013 Toyota Corolla LE Install

I know he uses handheld scanners, but with the little room and limited options for spots to install, the size might just be the thing for you. Right angle adapter on the antenna, power cord and a cable to a powerered speaker in the WHITE area in your idea picture and you would have conquered the space, visibility, mounting probems.

Yeah, he has a nice setup with the portables. I kind of have my mind set on the BC355N because of the features for the price. I appreciate it though.

Dave