Long ago, I posted my first real install involving a 125AT and a Mercury Milan.
http://forums.radioreference.com/pi...-setup/267070-2007-milan-scanner-install.html
I've long since retired the 125AT to Air Band only scanning (and back to handheld status) replaced it with a 396XT and most recently (January 2016) a 436HP. Didn't document those installs since it was only involved swapping out one scanner for the other.. Now, the Milan has been traded in on a Mazda CX-5 and required an all new set up.
The most concerning for me was the antenna install. Drilling through the trunk lid on the Milan was easy. Not so on an SUV, at least relatively speaking. Eventually, I plan on having a professional drill the roof but that will have to come later.
Pictured is the Comet RS-720NMO mount on the rear hatch. Coax routes easily into the passenger compartment from here:
I use multiple antennas depending on my location. In the ABQ metro area, I use the one pictured, a Laird TRAB7603, since most of the traffic I listen to is on the joint ABQ/BernCo TRS. It's also car wash friendly. I've noticed that in this configuration, reception is a bit better than it was when trunk lid mounted on the Mercury.
Elsewhere in the state, I'll use either a Laird QWFTB120 or some unknown model from Antenna Specialists. Performance out of both antennas is comparable to their previous location on the Mercury. I also have the Larson antenna seen in my previous install, but I haven't tested it yet. None of the longer antennas make contact with the body of the vehicle when the rear hatch opens.
Now for the scanner:
The metal bracket came in one of those Wal-Mart special cell phone holder and is the same I used in the Milan, though with screws this time. The 3M adhesive that came with that holder is worthless. I also attached the same type of 3M Dual Lock fasteners.
Antenna Coax and USB power cord were easily tucked in underneath the console molding. Power for the scanner and the speaker (BC23A) is provided by the 12V outlet (not pictured) in the center console.
Speaking of the speaker....
It's under the driver's seat and secured to the floor with simple Velcro. The speaker was also in the Mercury and mounted to the back side of the center console/armrest. Under the seat in the Mazda, I've found that I didn't need to adjust the volume on the scanner from the setting I used in the Mercury.
Overall, I'm happy with this install. The only negatives, for me, are the antenna placement (need to get a hold of a pro shop at some point) and the mounting of the 436. In it's present spot, its kinda hard to access the buttons on the side (MENU, FUNC) but since I don't access them frequently, it's something I can live with. That is until I find a better place to mount the scanner, but there aren't a lot of options in this vehicle.
http://forums.radioreference.com/pi...-setup/267070-2007-milan-scanner-install.html
I've long since retired the 125AT to Air Band only scanning (and back to handheld status) replaced it with a 396XT and most recently (January 2016) a 436HP. Didn't document those installs since it was only involved swapping out one scanner for the other.. Now, the Milan has been traded in on a Mazda CX-5 and required an all new set up.
The most concerning for me was the antenna install. Drilling through the trunk lid on the Milan was easy. Not so on an SUV, at least relatively speaking. Eventually, I plan on having a professional drill the roof but that will have to come later.
Pictured is the Comet RS-720NMO mount on the rear hatch. Coax routes easily into the passenger compartment from here:
I use multiple antennas depending on my location. In the ABQ metro area, I use the one pictured, a Laird TRAB7603, since most of the traffic I listen to is on the joint ABQ/BernCo TRS. It's also car wash friendly. I've noticed that in this configuration, reception is a bit better than it was when trunk lid mounted on the Mercury.
Elsewhere in the state, I'll use either a Laird QWFTB120 or some unknown model from Antenna Specialists. Performance out of both antennas is comparable to their previous location on the Mercury. I also have the Larson antenna seen in my previous install, but I haven't tested it yet. None of the longer antennas make contact with the body of the vehicle when the rear hatch opens.
Now for the scanner:
The metal bracket came in one of those Wal-Mart special cell phone holder and is the same I used in the Milan, though with screws this time. The 3M adhesive that came with that holder is worthless. I also attached the same type of 3M Dual Lock fasteners.
Antenna Coax and USB power cord were easily tucked in underneath the console molding. Power for the scanner and the speaker (BC23A) is provided by the 12V outlet (not pictured) in the center console.
Speaking of the speaker....
It's under the driver's seat and secured to the floor with simple Velcro. The speaker was also in the Mercury and mounted to the back side of the center console/armrest. Under the seat in the Mazda, I've found that I didn't need to adjust the volume on the scanner from the setting I used in the Mercury.
Overall, I'm happy with this install. The only negatives, for me, are the antenna placement (need to get a hold of a pro shop at some point) and the mounting of the 436. In it's present spot, its kinda hard to access the buttons on the side (MENU, FUNC) but since I don't access them frequently, it's something I can live with. That is until I find a better place to mount the scanner, but there aren't a lot of options in this vehicle.
