K7MFC mobile shack: 2013 F-150 Lariat 4x4
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One more recent addition to the mobile shack - a Lenovo S10e netbook PC:
I picked this up from eBay for $50, and while not the most powerful PC (Windows 7 x86, Intel Atom, 1 GB RAM) the small form factor (10") makes it perfect for a dedicated radio programming PC:
When not in use, it tucks neatly inside a desk drawer or at the back of the center console in my truck. This is now my dedicated radio programming computer for the mobile shack, desk radios, and handhelds. Easily portable to club meetings to assist other members with programming!
Radio programming software currently installed: KPG 49D, KPG-89D, MCP-1A, FreeSCAN, BC125AT SS, CHIRP.
I picked this up from eBay for $50, and while not the most powerful PC (Windows 7 x86, Intel Atom, 1 GB RAM) the small form factor (10") makes it perfect for a dedicated radio programming PC:
When not in use, it tucks neatly inside a desk drawer or at the back of the center console in my truck. This is now my dedicated radio programming computer for the mobile shack, desk radios, and handhelds. Easily portable to club meetings to assist other members with programming!
Radio programming software currently installed: KPG 49D, KPG-89D, MCP-1A, FreeSCAN, BC125AT SS, CHIRP.
I have an old netbook I might task for that same reason. I’m also looking at an old Panasonic toughpad tablet so I can throw it in a mount and use it on the go.
S
SunshineRadio
Guest
That first picture with the truck next to the tree is perfect!
The 2013 F-150 mobile shack has been retired. The temporary mobile setup in the new 2019 F-150 is a Kenwood TK-380 and a Uniden BCD325P2:
Here's the new truck, a 2019 F-150 XLT 4x4. Custom ordered from the factory, and delivered to the showroom floor yesterday:
Detailed install post to follow in the near future. ..
Here's the new truck, a 2019 F-150 XLT 4x4. Custom ordered from the factory, and delivered to the showroom floor yesterday:
Detailed install post to follow in the near future. ..
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Nice truck.
The interiors are very similar to the super duties.
There's a lot of space behind the radio head, at least on the non-navigation radios. I was able to install one of the large Motorola speakers behind mine. Probably could have fit two back there if I wanted.
The interiors are very similar to the super duties.
There's a lot of space behind the radio head, at least on the non-navigation radios. I was able to install one of the large Motorola speakers behind mine. Probably could have fit two back there if I wanted.
Shouldn't be necessary. Wasn't done on my truck (3 NMOs) and they perform flawlessly.
I have never had a grounding issue with NMO's properly installed. Over a dozen vehicles and several dozen installs and not one had a grounding issue.
I was able to verify how well the mounts work by looking at an install I did on the trunk lid of a sedan I did, after installing the mount I removed it and saw the paint scraped by the installation to bare metal, just as one would want.
I was able to verify how well the mounts work by looking at an install I did on the trunk lid of a sedan I did, after installing the mount I removed it and saw the paint scraped by the installation to bare metal, just as one would want.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
No, it isn't. Sounds like typical amateur radio operator over thinking something they do not understand.
The part of the NMO mount that goes under the sheet metal has teeth in it that will bit through into the metal.
In 30 years, I've never heard of anyone needing to "sand the underside". I've never done it and never had an issue. NMO mounts are designed for blind mounting, as in specifically to remove the need to access the inside of the roof.
Firekite
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I remember back in my 4x4 CB days the prevailing wisdom was that you need to establish an RF ground, so if you used a taillight mount on a Jeep for a CB antenna, you should sand the paint/powdercoat off the Jeep body and the back of the mount at least the size of a quarter and aligned so they make contact on a relatively large surface area. Or else your antenna won’t work so well. For those of us with little understanding of the principles at work it’s all voodoo and so we’ll do whatever we’re told.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Yep, ground is important for most antenna mounts.
The NMO mounts will ground properly when installed -correctly-.
Jeep installs are usually a challenge, especially with the longer wavelength of CB frequencies, sometimes bonding panels, doors and tailgates is required.
Most of the cheep knock-off NMO mounts have very poor 'teeth' and are prone to bad ground connection.
.
Hence why one should buy quality products...
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Another reason to avoid all Tram/Browning/Hammy/Hobby grade crap.
As far as external speakers, I see you have left and right RCA audio inputs along with your video RCA input. You could run an adapter cable from 2 of your radios to each of the audio inputs. One radio will sound out of your right speakers and the other out of left speakers. I do this regular in my vehicle. Nice setup you have.
K4NNW
Member
Well done. The centre console was the reason I ordered my '13 F150 with the split bench like your new one has. I was able to put in a Havis track-mount base and a proper console after removing the centre seat section (four bolts, and maybe one connector, methinks).
Keep us posted on the new install.
Keep us posted on the new install.
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