Look into Panavise InDash mounts. While the CDM may be a little heavy for that solution they work wonders for housing remote head applications.
The RF deck itself will very likely be under one of the seats, to hopefully keep the space behind the seats free for putting my bags & such when I head out to the park. I've thought of, based on some other topics, mounting the CDM1550 remote head up above my rear view mirror, between the 2 visors, and somehow utilizing the existing visor brackets, but then also thought of how visible that'd make it to the public.
Also, someone on here has a link to an equipment mount that simply bolts on via the third brake light assembly. If your afraid of drilling holes in your pickup (I didn't have that issue with my Sierra) that will be the next best option performance-wise. Also has enough room for another antenna or a go-light or other roof mounted object.
I know what mounts you're referring to. I came across them a while ago, while researching a completely different topic regarding the F150
The CDM radio will fit in the hole under the center of the dash. You can make a hole in the back of it for routing cables.
I'm trying to keep that hole open, as I place my wallet there while driving, along with my iPhone. I plug in my iPhone via the Sync USB port, to keep it charged up & to play my music through the Sync system.
Preferably do not mount the antennas on the tool box. They'll hit when you open it, and they will be effectively blocked by the cab.
Good point. I thought of them hitting the rack already when opening it. Likely won't be going there.
What is your reason for not wanting to do a proper NMO mount on the roof? It really does perform better.
Personally, other then not wanting a hole in the roof (even though this F150 will probably soon be the primary vehicle the rest of my life, and not get sold or traded), I've contemplated the NMO hole mount, and majority of the time it comes down to (like a few other members in topics I've read here) I'm mainly fine with the hole, but I'm not fine with
me drilling the hole, & pulling the headliner down inside to route the coax, but I'd still prefer to steer away from a hole, unless I have no other options. (Might start inquiring with some close communications dealers about what they charge).
Here's a photo of the CDM-1550 head mounted in my own F-150. This is a remote head radio, so the RF deck is mounted behind the rear seats. It'll give you an idea of what it would look like. If you don't use the remote head option, the radio should fit in the cubby under the dash just fine.
Looks good! That'd be what I'd prefer mine to look like as well. But, the cubby your CDM1550 remote head is mounted to/ in, I have been keeping unobstructed per my reply to the first part of your post, about keeping that area under the SYNC Ports open.
I did think about the remote head being mounted below that cubby, to that plastic panel directly below, with the remote head bracket. I know it'd be low, but when I'm at the RV Park, the speed limit is 10 km/h so, it isn't a big deal to stop, and change channels if I have to. Majority of the time we stay on the same channel.
On a non mounting related note, how's the sound on the CDM1550? Are you using an external speaker at all?
Here's the bracket W5PKY is referring to:
Acari Products
Might be an option. Trouble is they still don't provide a good ground plane under the antenna. You really need 1/4 wave in all directions under the antenna for it to work well.
You could try a 1/2 wave antenna, they don't require a ground plane to work, however they do work better with one.
Really the ideal location is center of the truck roof, permanent mount. It'll outperform everything else.
When everything comes together, I'm hoping to put the scanner antenna either on the passenger side of the hood, with an L Bracket mount since it'll only be receiving, or on the headache rack with an L Bracket mount & keeping the HAM radio antenna as high as possible. Right now I park the F150 in a shed with a fairly high roof, but I do plan to garage it when the opportunity presents itself, or when the shed doors get re-done to sliding ones. Still will have to consider parking garages when I do park in one, and the HAM Antenna.
Fender brackets are a popular option with the hobby/amateur crowd, but they have the same issue with the offset ground plane. Poor performance and a compromise situation at best. It'd work, but really not ideal.
The only fender bracket(s) I plan on using is for the CDM1550, as it'll mainly be used when I'm at the RV Park, and maybe if me & a few friends are "touring" around town & need a way to communicate. I'll be trying to keep the HAM Radio antenna as high as possible.
Was looking at
this antenna or
this antenna for the CDM1550 on a hood mount from The Antenna Farm.
Thanks to everyone who has replied so far!! I'll try take a picture soon of the storage area under the middle seat, which may be a good place for installing something.
Cheers,
KN1IGHT