KD4KNR mobile

[KD4KNR]

Here are photos of my 2003 Dodge Dakota extended cab Pickup with radios... I have a Midland LMR 70-13378 as my fire dept radio and Yaesu Ft-8800 as my ham radio. The first problem was power, my dodge only has one 12V plug wired hot to the ignition.. for my Midland, I solved this problem by "tapping" on the fused side of always hot automobile fuse.. The Yaesu is powered by anderson powerpoles directly from the battery. I added a "Y powerpole connector" so I could have a always hot cig plug, The 8800 head is remote mounted to the console and the main unit is under the driver seat, secured with cable ties....two radios connected to one antenna.... I usually monitor fire freqs on the right VFO and ham freqs on the left... I use an Daiwa CS-201 antenna switch when I need to use the fire radio to transmit; The short diamond dual band (NMO mount) SWR is acceptable...

The 8800 is excellent radio for my needs, dual VFOs, dual band and cross band repeat.. This radio always me to monitor my fire dept freqs and still enjoy ham radio!!! I'm a big supporter of drilling instead of glass or magnet mounts.. I've tryed all three and have no problems since having my buddy drill the hole!! I'm also a big supporter of the powerpole connector, all my radios have this connector now, it makes things alot easier...I haven't had a failed connector since using the "real" crimp tool... I secure my mobile powerpole connectors together with cable ties....

That is my little mobile setup,

Steve KD4KNR

 

[RESCUE4NFD]

Mobile Setup

Looks real nice.....

 

[n8emr]

Sounds dangerous to me. Keying either radio is likely to kill the finals. Mics dont appear to be attached to anything further increasing the likelihood of key up. The switch box doesn't look like its attached to anything. Why run power for one radio to the battery and not the other? If you need it to follow the ignition then put in a relay.

Do it right, Add a second antenna.

 

[KD4KNR]

the fuse power connection was done years ago when I first installed a radio...When the second radio was installed, I just left the orginial power for the Midland... The power for the 8800 is run through the firewall directly to the battery fused on both sides...Never had a problem keying the wrong radio.... The antenna switch is under the center armrest and is labeled well.....Rarely, do I even turn the Midland on anymore... Of course only one radio on a time....Mics are connected to each radio... When the truck goes for service, both mics are pulled from the vehicle....The truck looks better with only one antenna....

 

[AC7NT]

There are automatic switches that do not require you to manually switch from radio to radio.

SHAKESPEARE AS2 AUTOMATIC SWITCH - 2 RADIOS TO 1 ANTENNA

This is just one example that I know about. There are also some really good power distribution blocks that are on the market now thanks to the explosion of high power amplifiers in the car stereo world. Look at some that work for them and you can safely replace your fuse box splice with a larger more heavy duty application that can feed both radios cleanly.

Later.

AC7NT

 

[lesh12]

Looks great!!

 

[ve3fnd]

Sweeet!!!!

 

[wogggieee]

I have that antenna and that radio (8800). Both of which i like alot. Though the antenna is my secondary I use when i have clearance issues like in some parking garages.