I've seen some photos of folks using the RAM finger mount with a base of sorts. Curious what everyone is using to mount their SDS100 in their vehicle.
SDS100/SDS200: SDS100 Car Installs
- Thread starter cpohlad
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laneends
Member
I have been using a cheap magnetic phone mount. It uses adhesive to mount to my dash, and has an adhesive metal plate I stuck to the back of the radio. Works pretty well for my needs, and I have yet to have the radio fall when hitting potholes.
Wherever you choose to mount it in you car, please remember to NOT place it anywhere a deployed airbag will turn it into a projectile causing you serious if not fatal harm.
I use the CD slot holder.
I have mounted my scanner using a lido floor mount like this one
It is out of the way and very stable
It is out of the way and very stable
I love that idea and bought one of those BUT, I have plastic shrouds over the nuts holding the seats down. The covers are large enough that I can't push the receiver slot under the nut to install the unit. I solved the problem by buying an SDS200.
Ditto
I have one of these in my truck and my suv: Arkon gooseneck mount
2018 RAV4 SDS100 Install
Below is my updated installation of my SDS100 in my 2018 RAV4 XLE Hybrid. I moved the radio to the driver side and added the RAM Finger-Grip Universal Phone and Radio Holder. I also added a mic holder to take up the tiny little space between the button and the plate. The radio feels very sturdy...
Your mount is what I am going to base mine on!2018 RAV4 SDS100 Install
Below is my updated installation of my SDS100 in my 2018 RAV4 XLE Hybrid. I moved the radio to the driver side and added the RAM Finger-Grip Universal Phone and Radio Holder. I also added a mic holder to take up the tiny little space between the button and the plate. The radio feels very sturdy...forums.radioreference.com
You're always going to get optimal reception with a vertical antenna. If you're mounting in a car, an externally mounted antenna will work best, and radio orientation will have no bearing on reception.
ok thanks for confirming. I will probably just get the Rem830 to start since it can be angled vertical despite radio which will lay close to flat on my center console maybe like 15deg tilt. I just made mistake of buying tiny car, and will be looking at larger soon so dont want to invest the time into ext antenna.
The shell of the car is going to prevent a lot of signals from coming into your radio, hence the external antenna. If mounting an eternal antenna is out of the question, you may want to try this, as a friend of mine had some success:
You can also try this:
Some folks have had success with this:
A very long time ago, I had some success with this:
www.americanradiosupply.com
The REM830 inside the car near the center console will not perform as you expect.
SpectrumForce Window-Mount Mini Mobile/Indoor Antenna for UHF/800 MHz with SMA
Tiny tuned powerhouse on the UHF 440-512 MHz and 700/800 MHz public safety scanner bands. It's very small, preferably mounted vertically, and can be placed inconspicuously in a front or back windshield of a car or any window of a home.
www.scannermaster.com
You can also try this:
In-Car Mobile Antenna with SMA | Scanner Master
In-Car Mobile Antenna with SMA
www.scannermaster.com
Some folks have had success with this:
Through-The-Glass Mobile Antenna with BNC | Scanner Master
Through-The-Glass Mobile Antenna with BNC
www.scannermaster.com
A very long time ago, I had some success with this:
AM-801 - Window Antenna Mount - BNC Connectors
AM-801 - Window Antenna Mount - BNC Connector
www.americanradiosupply.com
The REM830 inside the car near the center console will not perform as you expect.
Inside or out matters more (to me) outside of 700-800 MHz where I agree outside is better. That said 80% of the greater middle TN PS is trunked and the Remtronic antenna does fine with reception and makes it easier to take in and out of my Taco. Mounted using one of the goose-neck mounts secured via the front seat bolt. Use split tubing to keep wire in line.
I opted not to go with outside antenna as already have a ham antenna thru the roof mounted. Plus I take the 100 in and out with some regularity so one less "wire" to detach. I may look at one of the above options for road trips. I was wondering how well the windshield mounted one worked. Jon and others encourage using a heavy duty USB cable with 24 ga wiring. My 100 was having issues with sufficient power and switching to the higher gauge USB increased input voltage to the radio by 0.5 V which cured the issue.
I opted not to go with outside antenna as already have a ham antenna thru the roof mounted. Plus I take the 100 in and out with some regularity so one less "wire" to detach. I may look at one of the above options for road trips. I was wondering how well the windshield mounted one worked. Jon and others encourage using a heavy duty USB cable with 24 ga wiring. My 100 was having issues with sufficient power and switching to the higher gauge USB increased input voltage to the radio by 0.5 V which cured the issue.
TailGator911
Silent Key/KF4ANC
I use a cupholder cell phone mount that I purchased from Weather Tech and it is very sturdy and reliable. I have a few of their products including a desktop cell phone holder. Great quality, not cheaply made, and works well for me.
www.weathertech.com
Universal Cell Phone Car Holders - CupFone | WeatherTech
Allows for easy hands-free phone use and fits most mobile phone sizes. WeatherTech CupFone is designed to fit perfectly in any vehicle cupholder.
www.weathertech.com
highwayman1224
Member
I use that Spectrum Force antenna in my semi truck with fantastic results. I just sit it on the right side of my dashboard under the windshield. Regardless of what the "experts" on here said about it when I posted about it several months ago I'm the one who listens to the scanner every day on the road and know how well it works.The shell of the car is going to prevent a lot of signals from coming into your radio, hence the external antenna. If mounting an eternal antenna is out of the question, you may want to try this, as a friend of mine had some success:
SpectrumForce Window-Mount Mini Mobile/Indoor Antenna for UHF/800 MHz with SMA
Tiny tuned powerhouse on the UHF 440-512 MHz and 700/800 MHz public safety scanner bands. It's very small, preferably mounted vertically, and can be placed inconspicuously in a front or back windshield of a car or any window of a home.www.scannermaster.com
You can also try this:
In-Car Mobile Antenna with SMA | Scanner Master
In-Car Mobile Antenna with SMAwww.scannermaster.com
Some folks have had success with this:
Through-The-Glass Mobile Antenna with BNC | Scanner Master
Through-The-Glass Mobile Antenna with BNCwww.scannermaster.com
A very long time ago, I had some success with this:
AM-801 - Window Antenna Mount - BNC Connectors
AM-801 - Window Antenna Mount - BNC Connector
The REM830 inside the car near the center console will not perform as you expect.
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