2004 Toyota Hilux Install from Australia

[W4BOZ]

Another thumbs up for the MD player... even though we should be paying attention to the radios!

What's the deal with the SGC tuner and what looks like a 108" whip? Are you using that all over HF and if so, how does it perform?

 

[VK5ZEA]

Hands-down, this is the best install I've seen come out of Australia. Your power wiring and distribution is exemplary; I literally could not do any better myself. You must not live in a heavily urbanized area, though, or that IC-2800 would be next to useless from intermod and overload. I also approve of the MD player. I use almost the same exact one in my vehicle.

I'm curious about your NMEA distribution block.. is that a commercial item or homebrew?

Thanks for the comment. It's been a continual work in progress. When I install radios in clients vehicles I can never spend as much time as I would like to get it "just right". On my own truck, I can take as much time as I like.

The NMEA distribution box is from New Zealand. It's originally designed for use on fishing boats to allow one GPS receiver to send data to up to eight devices. I was going to build one myself, but this was a very elegant way to get it done.

DD20 - Data Distributor

I've modified mine slightly... it's powered through Pin 9 of the GPS socket and also in turn distributes that 12V to Pin 9 of the data output sockets. This can then power other devices as well as sending them NMEA data... eg. the HamHud II, TinyTrak3 on the HF, a NMEA datalogger.

 

[VK5ZEA]

What's the deal with the SGC tuner and what looks like a 108" whip? Are you using that all over HF and if so, how does it perform?

I used to have an Icom AH-4 coupler and found it didn't really like working on the lower bands 30m-80m with a short(er) whip antenna. The SGC237 works a whole lot better, I've bought a small interface box from Ham Hits that interfaces between the SGC and the Icom radio.
Welcome to Intelligent Software Solutions

The antenna in the photos is around 10' tall. It's from a company called Moonraker here in Australia. It's a segmented "man pack" antenna that has an internal shock cord. It folds up to around 13" in length. I don't use it while mobile.

 

[nzoliver]

I can say a lotta work went into that install.Thats the first time I ever saw a mini disc Sony in all my years of installing though,thanks for sharing and have a good holiday.Enjoy,73s-

Hi,

I still use MD!! It is such a car friendly system. WAY better than CD.

Well done.

Oliver. NZ

 

[gewecke]

Awsome outback!
One of the nicer 4x4 yotas I've seen.

73,
n9zas

 

[nzoliver]

Nice truck and install. I wish I could get a 4WD Hilux in the US.

Hi,

You can't? I'm sure Toyota sold 4x4 pickups. In fact I've seen heaps there on my various trips to the US. There are PLENTY in HI.

Oliver

 

[SmitHans]

Hi,

You can't? I'm sure Toyota sold 4x4 pickups. In fact I've seen heaps there on my various trips to the US. There are PLENTY in HI.

Oliver

It's called a Tacoma here in the US. I think the Hilux shares mechanicals with our Tacoma, just has a different body.

 

[K4APR]

Michael,

Way to go! Glad to see you still have the HamHUD II in service, along with the breakout board!

 

[traildraft]

I am impressed. Great idea for the interior lighting. I too, wish we get get a Hilux here in the US.

 

[greedo23]

Holy freaking awesomeness! I am totally jealous. I want a truck that looks as cool as that!!

 

[WX4EMT]

Very professional installation! You should take great pride in showing that system it's absolutely OUTSTANDING!