One portable mobile radio set up, multiple vehicles?

[wrum285]

Perhaps an unusual question, but would there be any issues using a portable mobile setup between multiple vehicles?

My idea is to use a setup like Midland has with the MXT500 and ammo can. It'd use a battery and charger that could be plugged in to a power source in the vehicle which would charge the battery while using, or use only on battery. The antenna would be permanently installed in each vehicle using an NMO style mount.

Obviously the best way would be to install a dedicated radio in each vehicle, but I am the only one using the radios and the vehicles....

Would there be any grounding issues with the antenna installation or power to the battery charger?

 

[ka3aaa]

no problems at all.

 

[prcguy]

Check post #103 here, it shows a mobile radio attached to a "grab and go" board making it easy to move between vehicles or a base. You could even mount a small power supply to the board. XG-100M and features

 

[mmckenna]

Would there be any grounding issues with the antenna installation or power to the battery charger?

If the NMO mount is permanently installed, you should be good. Cigarette lighter plugs are not always a reliable connection, but if you are just using that to charge the battery, you might be OK. I'd might expect to get some noise if you are using any sort of low end charge controller, or if the power source for the ciggy lighter plug is noisy.

There was a company that was selling setups like this a few years ago. They were overpriced, but I can't recall the brand name.

 

[wrum285]

Check post #103 here, it shows a mobile radio attached to a "grab and go" board making it easy to move between vehicles or a base. You could even mount a small power supply to the board. XG-100M and features

That's almost exactly like what I'm trying to do. Thanks for the lead on the post! Great ideas!

If the NMO mount is permanently installed, you should be good. Cigarette lighter plugs are not always a reliable connection, but if you are just using that to charge the battery, you might be OK. I'd might expect to get some noise if you are using any sort of low end charge controller, or if the power source for the ciggy lighter plug is noisy.

There was a company that was selling setups like this a few years ago. They were overpriced, but I can't recall the brand name.

I may have to experiment a bit to see if there is any noise. I was hoping the charger would act like a filter, or like a UPS, but I'll have to wait and see. Thanks for the technical info mmckenna!

 

[MUTNAV]

That's almost exactly like what I'm trying to do. Thanks for the lead on the post! Great ideas!



I may have to experiment a bit to see if there is any noise. I was hoping the charger would act like a filter, or like a UPS, but I'll have to wait and see. Thanks for the technical info mmckenna!

Something like this https://www.bobscb.com/PDGImages/V043/ARA-CB536.png a few years ago they were popular with CBs to remove it quickly from a vehicle, to prevent theft. I don't know about this one, but everything was a slip fitting (it would even connect the antenna without any issue).

Thanks
Joel

 

[wrum285]

Something like this https://www.bobscb.com/PDGImages/V043/ARA-CB536.png a few years ago they were popular with CBs to remove it quickly from a vehicle, to prevent theft. I don't know about this one, but everything was a slip fitting (it would even connect the antenna without any issue).

Thanks
Joel

Thanks for the link!

 

[prcguy]

Something like this https://www.bobscb.com/PDGImages/V043/ARA-CB536.png a few years ago they were popular with CBs to remove it quickly from a vehicle, to prevent theft. I don't know about this one, but everything was a slip fitting (it would even connect the antenna without any issue).

Thanks
Joel

I probably installed a few hundred of those in the 1970s but cars had huge steel dashes back then to mount them under. I would not trust the sliding power connections for anything more than about 10A and the sliding antenna connection would not be good at VHF or above.

 

[mmckenna]

There was a company that was selling setups like this a few years ago. They were overpriced, but I can't recall the brand name.

Found them, it was actually Midland selling them, but I think there are others making similar packages.
And, still, W-A-Y overpriced for what it is, especially considering they do NOT include the radio:

MXPW500 - Ammo Can Base Station for MXT500

Enjoy advanced technology with the Midland MXPW500 Ammo Can Base Station for the MXT500. This base station is waterproof and nearly crushproof.

midlandusa.com

MXPW115 - Ammo Can Base Station for MXT115

This MXT115 Portable Base Station comes packed with a powerful 4Ah LifePo4 built into a genuine surpluss 7.62 ammo can. The ammo can is waterproof and nearly crushproof, giving you the ability to take your MicroMobile on the go. Up to 20 to 25 hours of listening, 4 to 12 hours general use...

midlandusa.com

 

[mmckenna]

...but I think there are others making similar packages.

Hardened Power Systems, USA – Helping you get more out of the gear you already have.

Our Mission ...is to help you get more out of the gear you already have. About Us Our Products

portableuniversalpower.com

 

[MUTNAV]

I probably installed a few hundred of those in the 1970s but cars had huge steel dashes back then to mount them under. I would not trust the sliding power connections for anything more than about 10A and the sliding antenna connection would not be good at VHF or above.

I agree with the frequency issues... a BNC connector with the lugs filed off might work.

I think MFJ or Maha made a "docking booster" for walkie talkies that did something similer.

In the Air Force, with Motorola sabers, being able to slide a radio into whatever truck you were in, flip a connector switch, and get a mic, speaker, and power was a real convienience.

Thanks
Joel