2003 Tahoe Install V2.1

[parkerbs]

Well I am finally back in the Tahoe, seen here http://forums.radioreference.com/pictures-your-shack-mobile-setup/263912-2003-tahoe-install.html , which means I gotta move back in. So far I have my main line radio used for my Career Fd and Volly Fd and DMR ham radio, the trusty XPR4550 Uhf. Unsure on the brack being that it came with the radio used out of an EMS supervisor truck.

It is currently paired to an Antennex Phantom UHF,
I installed 2 switches in the roof console for my front and side/rear warning. I am happy with the placement being tucked up and out of the way.

For those who are wondering what happened to the old console, it got sold. The next question do I plan on another, ABSOLUTELY! The plan is to build one to house x2 XPR4550 (1 Uhf and 1 Vhf), 2 110w. Motorola MCS2000s (1U & 1V) 1 CDM1550 Lowband/6 meters, 1 Astro spectra 800. Plus it has to have x2 cupholders and will also house my siren and other emergency equipment. Before anyone asks I already own the radios thats why I am using them, but I am looking at getting a Kenwood x90 single head dualband setup in place of the MCS2Ks. To cut down on size. Yes I do need all of these radios and No a scanner will not work for my needs. I need to be able to talk on all of the radios due to their different specialties (High power analogue vs. Digital ect.)

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[WatnNY]

It's going to be sweeeet to watch you build it again!

Mike

 

[parkerbs]

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[LowbandGuy]

Well I am finally back in the Tahoe, seen here http://forums.radioreference.com/pictures-your-shack-mobile-setup/263912-2003-tahoe-install.html , which means I gotta move back in. So far I have my main line radio used for my Career Fd and Volly Fd and DMR ham radio, the trusty XPR4550 Uhf. Unsure on the brack being that it came with the radio used out of an EMS supervisor truck.

It is currently paired to an Antennex Phantom UHF,
I installed 2 switches in the roof console for my front and side/rear warning. I am happy with the placement being tucked up and out of the way.

For those who are wondering what happened to the old console, it got sold. The next question do I plan on another, ABSOLUTELY! The plan is to build one to house x2 XPR4550 (1 Uhf and 1 Vhf), 2 110w. Motorola MCS2000s (1U & 1V) 1 CDM1550 Lowband/6 meters, 1 Astro spectra 800. Plus it has to have x2 cupholders and will also house my siren and other emergency equipment. Before anyone asks I already own the radios thats why I am using them, but I am looking at getting a Kenwood x90 single head dualband setup in place of the MCS2Ks. To cut down on size. Yes I do need all of these radios and No a scanner will not work for my needs. I need to be able to talk on all of the radios due to their different specialties (High power analogue vs. Digital ect.)

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Lots of great radios. Any pictures of your antennas? Can you share how to program a CDM for 6 meters?

 

[parkerbs]

You have to hex edit the Cps to open the frequency range. There is a how to somewhere on line I did it years ago. Ill get some pictures up soon


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[parkerbs]

Lowband antenna isnt installed yet, it will be in the Driverside fender. Right now the setup (from front to back) is uhf , vhf, 800. The uhf and vhf are most likely going to swap. I have a phantom antenna for the 800 just havent swapped them, and eventually I might get a Phantom for the Vhf.

Rear profile

Side profile

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[madrabbitt]

phantoms and other transit style antennas really really suck for VHF.

I have literally NEVER seen an install where they worked.

 

[mmckenna]

...eventually I might get a Phantom for the Vhf.

I agree, don't.
Unless you only cover about 1MHz of spectrum, want really lousy coverage, and want to waste money, then it's a good choice.
Seriously, though, everyone I know that's tried the VHF Phantoms has regretted it. They only present acceptable SWR over about 1MHz, so they are useless unless for anything requiring mutual aid or VTAC channels. They handle about 50 watts, much more and they turn into a melted mess. Coverage is horrible because, honestly, you can't hide 18 inches of antenna in a 3 inch high container.

Your VHF quarter wave whip is a pretty good set up. It's low profile as is, and it'll work a heck of a lot better than one of those phantom antennas.

 

[parkerbs]

Ive had good luck with the uhf and 800 phantoms that I figured finish it up with a Vhf phantom. Glad I didnt pull the trigger on the one I was looking at. I just want low profile antenna that isnt gonna bend. Im constantly having to straighten the vhf.

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[madrabbitt]

1/4 wave with a spring, like the laird one. I beat the crap out of it and its fine.

 

[parkerbs]

1/4 wave with a spring, like the laird one. I beat the crap out of it and its fine.

That is an option, Id prefer to keep it low key sum what... The places I go always seems to have that one low hanging branch. Thats why the lowband antenna got moved to the fender.

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[madrabbitt]

Not the best picture, but these work pretty well, and get hit by branches all the time.
Black antennas, low profile.

 

[parkerbs]

Not the best picture, but these work pretty well, and get hit by branches all the time.
Black antennas, low profile.

What brand and model is the vhf? That looks like a stout little antenna.

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[madrabbitt]

the one labeled VHF is a Laird AB150S. The one in the rear is a Laird ABSCANCS (vhf, uhf, 800)

They pretty much get the crap beaten out them on a regular basis. Both are probably 4-5 years old, and this is the second vehicle they've been on.

(The VHF one, and the multi-band phantom are the only transmit antennas up there. VHF is a 5 watt XTVA, phantom is a 1 watt wilson booster. The one labeled CELL is actually a VHF, and running to a VHF mobile that scans work frequencies, but doesnt have a mic plugged in)