2010 Audi A6 Avant

Hello all: sharing pics of my install today. After evaluating several options, I went with a setup that's truly 'mobile' (in my opinion) - no major drilling/holes in the car. If the need arose, I could easily swap out the kit in minutes. I have the Yaesu FT-857D, with a Tram 1185 (2m / 70cm) antenna.






'Grab 'n Go' setup.


I have the YSK-857 Separation Kit, along with the MLS 100 external speaker (tucked under the driver's seat.


I am still thinking of a location for the front panel.



More pics later.

PS: I am planning to install the ATAS 120A system later; (I inadvertently ordered the wrong mounting kit, will get that sorted out this week). So far, I am impressed with the current antenna/setup - took it for a spin in the nabe and make a contact 30+ miles away.

Beautiful car and a very clean install, well done sir!

Absolutely love it!
Looks awesome in black.

I have a soft spot for wagons.
Shame they are becoming less popular due to the rise of the SUV.
Really want an Audi RS6!!

You have done a very nice job with your install.
Now you just need to get your mount sorted for the HF antenna to make full use of the 857D.

Regards, Commscanaus.

Thanks guys; yea, the Audi wagons are almost like unicorns these days.

Anyway, I should get the mount for the ATAS early next week and complete the install.

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It has been quite a busy weekend; I did a couple updates. First off, I added a Rigrunner 4005H to allow for easy power distribution. The box is hidden out of sight in a cubby just behind the rear seats and covered by the folding boards in the trunk that slide into place. (I'd have this wagon for 2+ years and discovered this storage bin only this weekend [facepalm].)



The rig is fed by powerpole-connector leads from the battery & grounded terminal.

.

I finally installed my Yaesu ATAS 120A antenna, hooking it up to a Diamond MX62M duplexer to feed both HF, VHF/UHF antenna connectors on the FT-857D.



Next up, I installed the FTM-400DR up front, running the power underneath the front passenger seat to the rear power distribution point. I love this radio; color LCD and all; plus the user interface/menu structure is easy to navigate. One major gripe I have is with the length of the cables ( microphone + control head cables).... too short!. I am trying to source the right microphone extension connector + cable ( I hear an RJ12 cable and connector would work; or RJ11?? - does any have experience with sourcing the right extension cable)?



I mounted the head unit on the dash using Scosche MagicMount system. I may decide to drill and use the mounting brace, but for now this works.



I really like this radio; still getting used to the APRS setup. The GPS is quite quick to lock, and updates are routine. I use my smartphone or tablet with the APRSDroid app to visually map objects, but I am also considering getting bluetooth add-on later on.

The 400-DR uses a Tram 1185 Amateur Dual-Band Magnet Antenna.



That's it for now. This is still a work-in-progress and I'll be tweaking the set up some more.

Dan

For the mic extension, this one from ShowMeCables works great:

High Speed Internet Modem Cable RJ11 to RJ11 - 3 FT | ShowMeCables.com

Obviously you probably need a longer length...

Here's 15 ft:
http://www.showmecables.com/product/High-Speed-Internet-Modem-Cable-RJ12-RJ12-15-FT.aspx

And here's 25 ft:
http://www.showmecables.com/product/High-Speed-Internet-Modem-Cable-RJ12-RJ12-25-FT.aspx

03msc said:

For the mic extension, this one from ShowMeCables works great:

High Speed Internet Modem Cable RJ11 to RJ11 - 3 FT | ShowMeCables.com

Obviously you probably need a longer length...

Here's 15 ft:
http://www.showmecables.com/product/High-Speed-Internet-Modem-Cable-RJ12-RJ12-15-FT.aspx

And here's 25 ft:
http://www.showmecables.com/product/High-Speed-Internet-Modem-Cable-RJ12-RJ12-25-FT.aspx

Click to expand...

Thanks.

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Dump the magnetic antenna mount on the roof. Do it right, and install an NMO-based antenna. You're going to do more paint damage with a mag mount, and I have NEVER had a resale deficit with permanent antenna mounts, with both purchased and leased vehicles. Never. You can leave the mount there, or put in a rubber hole plug when you dispose of the car. My present car has 11 NMO mounts. I have three people who want my car when I decide to get another vehicle to replace it.

Thanks; I am currently shopping for a good NMO antenna.

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NMO Antenna Mounts

I deal with Craig Ochs of Wiscom - He's a great guy to purchase communications products from, and very fast shipping.

Wiscomm – Communication Solutions |

Nice clean install.

You've got excellent taste!

I've got one as well and went with an XTL5000 in the trunk with the 03 HHCH mounted using a Panavise 75102-705.

The car is on air ride, so I've already got quite a bit of wiring in the trunk. Mine is used for RX only, so it's connected to a low-profile Phantom elite on the rear parcel shelf. I may explore tying into the existing GSM antenna on the roof.

https://panavise.com/pdf_indash/75102-705.pdf

^^^ Nice!! PS: I've seen some of your work on Audizine.com

Thanks for the Panavise tip - I've been looking for a good mount for my 7" TW700 tablet (for APRS), so will definitely order one.