2010 Honda CR-V Installation

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K9GTJ

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The first thing I did was mount the antenna so verify it would work and have low SWR and deal with any grounding issues. I used the Comet CP-5M which was a hatch mount and UHF/SO-239 mount with a PL-259 on the other end. It was very easy to install and adjust.

Overall most of my antennas did well and had low SWR including one PIA dedicated HF50CX 6 meter antenna from Diamond which demands a solid RF ground. The antenna I had hoped to use was the new triband SBB-15 from Comet but it had high SWR on all bands.

The old trusty Jetstream JTM3B was best with 1.2 or less SWR across the both 2 meters and 70 centimeters. I will likely use it as my general purpose everyday antenna. It was what I was using on the truck for the last couple of years.

I wanted to do the least amount of modifications to the CR-V as possible and couldn’t see any way to open up the hatch to route the coax. I am going to look for some better wire management clips but the 3M command will work for the moment. I did route the coax behind the side panels and my only hole was to run the coax through. I did cut off the end and solder on a new Teflon PL-239. Once I verified the SWR again; I was good to go on to the radio installation.
 

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K9GTJ

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Kokomo, IN
I cannot find the thread but props to someone a while back who used a set of bookends for a radio install. I looked at a lot of installs to plan mine but nothing seemed better than the bookend idea. The problem he mentioned was his bookends were cheap from Wal-Mart and had a slight bend. I decided to look for a better bookend with no bend. My first stop was staples and these looked perfect. They were about $10.

I am installing a Yaesu FT-8900 with a remote head. The radio was mounted to one bookend and I slipped the bookend under the spare tire shelf. There was a natural place for assembled unit to sit but I did add a 1” x 3” strip of Velcro for a bit of extra security.

I routed the wires in the spare tire area and took advantage of the remote power port. The power port has a 15 amp fuse and the FT-8900 transmitting full power is 8.5 amps. I have tried full power for over 2 minutes with no problem.

The only problem and is it minor is the removable shelf is made to sit on the floor. The radio does hinder that so I will need to make sure to remove it and leave it at home if I need more height.

I also did go to Radio Shack and pick up a 6’ extension for the speaker. The Yaesu separation kit included one 17’ but I only needed about 3’. Overall the installation looks pretty clean and other than the one hole for the coax, nothing else will leave damage.
 

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K9GTJ

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Kokomo, IN
The CR-V almost seemed to perfect for the radio. I routed the remote cable and speaker wire under the carpeted floor mats. The only exposure was from under the second row seats to the floor mat.

There is a flip down console shelf between the front seats with space between it and the dash area. I used the second bookend to under the carpeted floor mat to mount the speaker. These are Uniden speakers and they are rather heavy and it sits nice without any screws. I did use another strip of Velcro to keep it together however. When done, it looks great.

The remote head for the FT-8900 seemed made for the odd little cubby hole in the flip down console. I attached it with Velco. On the area by the gearshift, I used a Radio Shack mic clip and adhesive. That wraps up the installation. No holes anywhere in the front.

There is no scanner currently installed. I will use the Uniden BCD396T for now and can tap right into the auxiliary jack if I need more volume. I hope in July I can get a new Uniden BCD996XT for my birthday. :D
 

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K9GTJ

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The last photos...
 

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clanusb

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Northern CA
How does that Comet CP-5M work out for you? Im looking at the Comet CP-5nmo and a Comet SSB-5 for the FT-8800r in my mobile.
 
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