2006 Ford F-150

[tglendye]

My installation is of a PRO-197 and a PSR-410 scanner. My first decision was deciding on what to install. I had wanted a two-way and a scanner, but my two-way is a Motorola Max-trac and not narrowband capable. I could not see placing a mount in the vehicle and "only" installing one scanner, so I bought the 410 and installed both.

The mount is a Gamber-Johnson that I found on Ebay, but had a friend who has a radio shop order it for me. It has "L" brackets that can accommodate different sized radios... which was not necessary for this install since the radios were identical in size.

I used a BNC "T" connector for the antenna installation. I was not sure how this would work, but it was cheap and I figured it was worth a shot. So far it is o.k. There is some signal loss, but that seems mainly on UHF... which is the opposite of what I would have guessed. Not much monitoring on 800 since this install, so I am not sure. I have listened to one digital system on 800, and it sounded good. But, I guess typically digital is either very good or very bad.

I am using a Larsen VHF 1/4 wave that is mounted with a bracket designed for the F150's. I initially wanted 2 NMO's on the roof, but decided against this and wanted to limit it to one antenna on the body. This was partially due to the ridges in the center of the roof, not wanting to drop the interior ceiling and the overhead rail in the truck.

The speakers are simply velcroed (for now) to the floor. Not sure if I like this or will change it in the future. I do not really like the wires coming under the dash to the scanners, but liked it better than putting more holes in the carpet.

Overall, I like it. I might experiment with the "L" brackets and see if I can rotate the radios up a little for easier to read display on the bottom radio.

 

[mmckenna]

That looks really nice. I appreciate the more simple and straightforward approaches to radio installation. Nice clean job and it looks like it does the trick. Good looking truck, too.

 

[mmckenna]

There should be holes in the carpet under the seat. If you ran your wiring through there, over to the door sill and then up to the dash, you can hide most of it.

As for the center ribs in the roof, you can install with those, at least I did on my 2011 crew cab F-150. See my post over on BatLabs on how I did that: Batboard • View topic - 2011 Ford F150 Crew Cab antenna install

While the 1/4 wave VHF will work, you would likely get better results from a purpose built scanner antenna. I've never used this one, but I've heard good reports about the Larsen VHF/UHF/800 tri band scanner antenna. NMO mount, so you are all set with what you have.

 

[izzyj4]

You need to get away from the t-splitter for the single antenna and dual scanners when you can. Most of the signal loss is cause by the scanner electronics interfering with each other through the coax cable. I can't remember what causes it but some one else here can get into more detail than I can.

There are splitters that you can buy that help prevent the signal loss / interference between scanner problem. Some are lower cost, others are more expensive. Its best when you can save up for one to purchase one if your going to use only one antenna. Its worth the investment.

For the time being your set up does work by what you say and it won;t "hurt" the scanners at all.

 

[Rt169Radio]

Looks good,nice and clean.

 

[ridgescan]

Neat install, stellar cleanliness of vehicle. Well done sir!

 

[tglendye]

Thanks for all of the suggestions, comments and compliments. I am really enjoying the radios inside the vehicle.

mmckenna- thanks for your link and suggestions. Your ideas were great and I believe I had already seen the pic's when I was looking around at other installs.

izzyj4- I was considering a multi-couplier, but wanted to take a shot at trying this first since the cost was so cheap. I still might do the multi-coupler... we will see. I have an Austin Spectra antenna that I used on another vehicle for a couple of years, but the thing is so ugly I did not want to place it on my truck The antenna worked like a champ, however.

 

[russellmaher]

Say what?

I have an Austin Spectra antenna that I used on another vehicle for a couple of years, but the thing is so ugly I did not want to place it on my truck The antenna worked like a champ, however.

Damn right it worked like a champ! The Spectra is a real performer - I love mine - but I guess that in this case...beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.

Seriously, your install is a classic! It's neat, clean and effective...well done, sir!

Thanks for showing us.


Russell :wink:

 

[tglendye]

Thanks, Russell. And I may put the Spectra on, one day. But, it's certainly visible. I even have taken it off my other vehicle that I drive to and from work. And my wife's vehicle... forget about it. But I did sneak a glass mounted scanner antenna on it

And thanks guys, for not razzing me about the bird crap on my mirror. I cleaned it the day before the pic's. I can't believe I did not wipe it off before I shot the pictures.

 

[russellmaher]

I'm so sorry......

And thanks guys, for not razzing me about the bird crap on my mirror. I cleaned it the day before the pic's. I can't believe I did not wipe it off before I shot the pictures.

...Todd, but I'll have to assess demerits for the bird poop. You know, if you didn't mention it, it would have gone unoticed.

Russell:lol:

 

[ScanWI]

I like it, very nice simple and clean

 

[Dann]

Looks Great.

 

[Gezelle007]

Sweet looking. And by the way, your profile pic is awesome.

 

[gunmasternd]

Thanks for all of the suggestions, comments and compliments. I am really enjoying the radios inside the vehicle.

mmckenna- thanks for your link and suggestions. Your ideas were great and I believe I had already seen the pic's when I was looking around at other installs.

izzyj4- I was considering a multi-couplier, but wanted to take a shot at trying this first since the cost was so cheap. I still might do the multi-coupler... we will see. I have an Austin Spectra antenna that I used on another vehicle for a couple of years, but the thing is so ugly I did not want to place it on my truck The antenna worked like a champ, however.

maybe install the spectra behind the cab? that to me would be a better option. so you dont have to stare at its ungliest?

 

[russellmaher]

Put it behind you....

maybe install the spectra behind the cab? that to me would be a better option. so you dont have to stare at its ungliest?

...then you won't have to look at it. Mine is mounted on the trunk and I don't even notice that it's back there. See what I mean?

Russell:lol:

 

[RohnsRadio]

i have an 2006 f-150 extended cab. your pics look like mine ......... only cleaner, lol.
that model the carpet and seat covers will stain very easy.

 

[hippieman556]

nice setup

 

[Tracker]

"I am using a Larsen VHF 1/4 wave that is mounted with a bracket designed for the F150's."

...........a bracket designed for the F150's?

 

[ridgescan]

"I am using a Larsen VHF 1/4 wave that is mounted with a bracket designed for the F150's."

...........a bracket designed for the F150's?

if not fab one

 

[Tracker]

if not fab one

Naaa, I was just wondering what an F-150 bracket was, as it looked like a regular inner fender lip mount!?